From India to the world: Holi’s global celebration

Bringing people together through colour

Holi, the festival of colours, has transcended borders, uniting people worldwide in joyous celebrations. With music, dance and vibrant hues, it symbolises love, togetherness and the triumph of good over evil.

Holi, the festival of colours, is not just an Indian celebration anymore. It has transcended geographical boundaries, capturing hearts and imaginations worldwide. From the bustling streets of New York to the beaches of Bali, the spirit of Holi has found a home in the most unexpected places. What started as a Hindu spring festival in India has transformed into a global phenomenon, embraced by people of all cultures and backgrounds.

The globalisation of Holi can be attributed to the Indian diaspora, which carried its traditions to different parts of the world. However, Holi’s appeal goes beyond just Indians abroad. The sheer vibrancy of the festival marked by its playful use of colours, infectious music, and the joy of togetherness has made it an international favourite.

In recent years, cultural organisations, music festivals, and even mainstream tourism industries have begun incorporating Holi into their events, making it an anticipated annual celebration in various countries. While the essence of Holi remains the same welcoming spring, celebrating love, and fostering unity each country adds its own local flavour to the festival.

Holi in the United States

The United States, with its diverse population and a significant Indian community, has embraced Holi with open arms. Cities like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco host grand Holi events, often blending Indian traditions with western entertainment.

The ‘Festival of Colours’ events, popular across the US, attract thousands of people who revel in colour fights, Bollywood music, and Indian street food. Universities with large South Asian student bodies, such as Harvard, Stanford, and NYU, also organise Holi celebrations on campus, fostering cultural exchange and inclusivity.

One of the biggest Holi festivals in the US is held in Spanish Fork, Utah. Hosted by the Krishna Temple, this event draws over 50,000 people annually. While traditional Holi celebrations in India revolve around religious rituals, the Utah festival focuses on unity, featuring live music, yoga sessions, and dance performances.

Holi in the United Kingdom

Hindus settled in the United Kingdom ensure they do not miss out on the excitement of Holi, celebrating the festival with great enthusiasm. The zeal for Holi is particularly strong in the UK, where Indians constitute the second-largest ethnic minority. These celebrations help them stay connected to their families and cultural heritage.

The UK has made Holi a mainstream celebration, especially in London, Birmingham, and Leicester. The British capital hosts massive Holi parties in Hyde Park and Wembley, where attendees enjoy live DJ performances, rain dances, and organic colour play.

Leicester is particularly known for its vibrant Holi festivities, drawing large crowds each year. The city, already famous for embracing Indian festivals, bursts into colours as Holi approaches. Children eagerly spray colours on each other, while Holi parades add to the joy of the occasion. In the evening, families and friends gather to exchange greetings, sweets, and warm embraces. The traditional application of tilak further strengthens the bonds of love and festivity.

Interestingly, Holi in the UK often incorporates elements of British festival culture, with multi-genre music, pop-up food stalls, and even themed Holi cruises along the River Thames. The blend of traditional and contemporary makes it a unique experience for both Indians and non-Indians alike.

Holi in Australia

Holi has found a vibrant presence in Australia, where it is celebrated in cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. The ‘Holi Mela’ in Melbourne, hosted at Federation Square, is one of the biggest Indian cultural festivals in the country. The event includes dance performances, food trucks serving Indian delicacies, and a massive colour-throwing gathering that transforms the venue into a rainbow spectacle.

What makes Holi special in Australia is the backdrop—beaches, parks, and open-air venues provide a stunning setting for the festival. Bondi Beach, for instance, has witnessed Holi celebrations where people dance barefoot in the sand while covered in vibrant hues.

Holi in Mauritius

Just like many other major Hindu festivals, the large Indian majority celebrates Holi with great enthusiasm in the island of Mauritius.

It is an official holiday in the country, allowing people to fully immerse themselves in the spirit of Holi and, of course, colour water. Hindus in Mauritius perform the traditional Holika Dahan or lighting of the bonfire on the eve of Holi to celebrate the victory of good over evil. The next day, people revel in playing with colours and drenching everyone with water jets. In the evening, they greet each other with tilak and exchange sweets.

Markets and shops are painted in every colour of the rainbow in the week leading up to the festival, setting the tone for the exuberance to come.

Holi in South Africa

Holi in South Africa is deeply rooted in the country’s Indian heritage, particularly in Durban, which has one of the largest Indian populations outside of India. The festival is celebrated with immense enthusiasm, with traditional Indian music, dance, and community gatherings forming the core of the festivities.

What makes Holi in South Africa special is the intermingling of African and Indian cultures. Local musicians often blend Indian classical tunes with African beats, creating a fusion that adds a distinctive rhythm to the celebrations.

Holi in Thailand

Thailand, known for its Songkran Water Festival, has also embraced Holi in a way that perfectly aligns with its own cultural elements. Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket host massive Holi parties, often held at beach clubs and rooftop venues.

What is interesting is how Holi in Thailand merges with Songkran, as both festivals involve water fights and public celebrations. Many Holi events in Thailand also include foam parties, electronic dance music, and Bollywood nightclubs, making it a thrilling experience for tourists and locals alike.

Holi in Dubai

Dubai, home to a large Indian expatriate community, celebrates Holi with great enthusiasm, albeit within designated venues due to local regulations. From vibrant colour festivals at parks and resorts to lively beach parties, the city hosts some of the most extravagant Holi events outside India. Bollywood music, rain dances, and celebrity performances add to the festive spirit, attracting thousands of revellers each year.

A unique twist to Holi in Dubai is the desert Holi experience, where people enjoy colour play amidst the golden dunes. These special celebrations feature camel rides, dune bashing, and a fusion of Bollywood and Arabic music, creating an unforgettable blend of cultures. Meanwhile, luxury hotels and upscale beach clubs offer exclusive Holi brunches, with gourmet Indian cuisine and live entertainment for those seeking a more refined celebration.

For families, Indian neighbourhoods like Bur Dubai and Al Karama host community-driven Holi events with cultural performances and traditional sweets. Whether celebrated in the desert, by the beach, or at grand festival grounds, Holi in Dubai offers a unique mix of tradition and modern entertainment, making it an unmissable experience.

The global appeal of Holi

The reason Holi has gained such global popularity lies in its universal message celebration of life, unity, and joy. The festival’s simplicity throwing colours, dancing, and feasting makes it accessible to people from all backgrounds.

Moreover, Holi provides an opportunity for cultural exchange. Non-Indians who participate in Holi celebrations often gain a deeper appreciation for Indian traditions, fostering global connections. The presence of social media has also played a significant role in spreading Holi fever, with pictures and videos of colourful revellers going viral every year.

Holi has truly become a global festival, embraced by people far beyond its Indian roots. While each country adds its own unique twist, the essence of Holi celebrating love, joy, and togetherness remains unchanged. Whether it is a beach party in Thailand, a grand spectacle in Dubai, or a community gathering in South Africa, Holi continues to spread its magic, proving that colours have no borders.

So, no matter where you are in the world, when spring arrives, do not be surprised to see the sky filled with hues of red, yellow, green, and blue. After all, Holi is not just a festival, it is an experience, a feeling, and a reminder that joy is meant to be shared.