Briana Gonzalez

Originally known as Holika, Holi is an ancient Indian festival which holds deep histories and cultural traditions. Briefly, the calculation of the date of Holi is dependent upon a lunar month- when the full and new moons take place. Observed at the end of the winters in the month of March after the full Moon. A day before Holi, known as Holika Dahan, a large bonfire is lit that helps in burning out the evil spirits. This year, Holi can be celebrated on March 14th and March 21st at Stage 48 in NYC, considered New York’s biggest festival of colors.

While the traditional celebration is a time to have fun, understanding the cultural roots of Holi is incredibly important, here are a few things to know:

Various mythological legends are associated with Holi and are celebrated during the festival. These legends and the histories behind them remind people of the power of truth as the moral, and the continuous victory of "good" over "evil."

The festival can be celebrated by those who do not practice Hinduism, the tradition of Holi includes the acceptance of others and turning enemies into friends, forgetting the hardships that may have occurred.

There are various regional names for Holi, and in the evening, people often visit friends and family to exchange gifts and greet them, which often helps revive relationships and strengthen bonds between people.

For more detailed information regarding practices and cultural histories of Holi start by visiting here: Holifestival.org

While the actual date of Holi is on March 10th, Stage 48 is holding a Holi celebration on multiple dates. Recommended that you wear white for this festival of colors, you can grab tickets here.

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