CELEBRATION CALENDAR · FESTIVALS

Holi (Rangwali Holi)

A spring festival celebrated in many Hindu communities, with traditions that can include Holika Dahan and a day of colour.

Holi is a festival associated with spring, colour, and traditions including Holika Dahan, the bonfire on the eve, followed by the main day of colour play. Indian tourism sources also describe stories linking Holi with Prahlada and with Radha and Krishna.

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WHY IT MATTERS

A reason to notice.

For many celebrants, Holi is a joyful occasion connected with renewal, community, love, and the triumph of good over evil. The meanings and ways of celebrating are not identical everywhere.

WHO CAN TAKE PART

Make it fit your people.

Hindu families and communities are among those who celebrate; customs vary, and some public celebrations invite visitors. Participation is optional, and local hosts’ guidance and consent should be respected.

SIX WAYS TO TAKE PART

Ideas for different kinds of groups.

Choose what fits your time, access needs, and community. These are suggestions—not requirements.

5 minutes

Pick one Holi greeting to learn, then send it with a short note wishing someone joy and renewal.

15 minutes

Ask a friend or colleague who celebrates Holi what the day means to them, and listen without assuming their traditions are universal.

30 minutes

Make a small paper rangoli or colour collage using materials already at home; invite others to add a shape or colour.

Community event

Host an opt-in neighbourhood gathering with music, snacks, and a short invitation for participants to share a Holi tradition; ask permission before taking photos.

Remote team event

Offer a voluntary video call where teammates share a greeting, song, or personal memory, with a no-camera/no-sharing option.

Family event

Create a family colour-and-kindness activity: choose washable craft colours, agree on boundaries first, then write one kind wish for each person.

RELATED CELEBRATION RESOURCES

Continue exploring.

In development

Festive Corners

The Holi Celebration Hub is currently planned; it is not a live activity or app.

See current and planned Festive Corners →

CHECK THE DETAILS

Sources & date notes.

Use these links to confirm the date and customs that apply to your location.

Holi is a movable festival whose date follows the Hindu lunar calendar, not a fixed Gregorian date. Indian government calendars list the main Holi date as 2026-03-04 and 2027-03-23. Holika Dahan is observed separately, commonly on the preceding evening; local timing, customs, or regional observances may vary. See the source entries for the calendar dates and distinction.

Holidays for central government offices, 2026 — Government of India, Department of Personnel and Training (opened official circular) ↗
Annexure I lists Holi on March 4, 2026 for central government administrative offices in Delhi/New Delhi; Annexure II lists Holika Dahan and Dolyatra on March 3, 2026, supporting the distinction between the eve observance and the main calendar date.
Holidays at the Consulate — Consulate General of India, Toronto (opened official page) ↗
The page lists Holi as 04 March 2026 and 23 March 2027, each with weekday, directly supporting both requested ISO dates as Indian government mission calendar dates.
Holi — Incredible India, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India (opened page) ↗
Describes Holika Dahan as an eve bonfire and the following day’s colour celebration, and relates Holi to traditions about Prahlada and Radha and Krishna.

MORE REASONS TO GATHER

Find another moment worth making.

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