Festival companion · 21–22 March 2027

Holi

The festival of colours. Everything for one festival in one place: the story to tell, the puja, a recipe, a craft for children and a shopping list.

Tell the story

The Story of Holi

The demon king Hiranyakashipu hated Vishnu, but his young son Prahlada prayed to Vishnu every day. Angry, the king asked his sister Holika, who could not be burned, to sit in a fire holding the boy.

Prahlada kept chanting Vishnu's name. The fire burned Holika instead, and the child walked out unharmed. The bonfire on Holi eve remembers this victory of faith over pride.

The colours come from Krishna, who as a boy playfully coloured Radha's face, and from the joy of spring flowers.

How families celebrate

Holi welcomes spring. On the full-moon evening a bonfire is lit for Holika Dahan, remembering how the child Prahlada was protected by his faith. The next morning is pure play: dry colours, water and sweets with friends and neighbours.

Holika Dahan bonfire (21 Mar), natural colours from flowers and turmeric, gujiya and thandai, and visiting elders for blessings.

At home

The Puja

A simple home puja anyone can follow, plus the full vidhi with Sanskrit mantras.

A printable puja guide for this festival is on its way.

Cook together

Thandai

More recipes →
North India · Holi

Thandai

Spiced festive milk

  • 15 min + soaking
  • Serves 4
Ingredients and method

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp almonds
  • 1 tbsp each melon seeds, poppy seeds and fennel
  • 8 black peppercorns, 6 cardamoms
  • 1 litre cold milk
  • 4 tbsp sugar
  • A few saffron strands, rose petals

Method

  1. Soak the nuts, seeds and spices for 2 hours.
  2. Grind to a smooth paste with a little milk.
  3. Stir into cold milk with sugar and saffron, and strain.
  4. Chill and serve with rose petals.

A cooling drink for the first warm days of spring.

For children

Make natural colours

You need

  • Turmeric and gram flour (yellow)
  • Beetroot juice and corn flour (pink)
  • Dried spinach or henna powder (green)
  • A sieve and bowls

Steps

  1. Mix 1 part turmeric with 2 parts gram flour for yellow.
  2. Knead corn flour with beetroot juice, dry it in the sun and crumble for pink.
  3. Sieve each colour until fine.
  4. Play outdoors in old clothes, and keep colours away from eyes.

Get ready

Shopping List

Tick things off as you go, or print the list for the Indian store.

Shopping list

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