Holi, which is known as the “Festival of colors,” takes place each Spring to celebrate the start of the season and Hindu values. Regardless of where you go, you’ll be doused in gorgeous hues (often times without warning). The first thing you must know is: Dress to mess.
I was fortunate enough to be in Varanasi, India’s most spiritual city, during the Holi festival. However, people celebrate Holi all over the country. America has many festivals of its own during Holi! Many of my friends had similar experiences as I did from irrespective of where they were: Jaipur, Kochi, Goa, and Agra (homeplace of the Taj Mahal)
My white outfit has yet to recover from the festivities, but I knew this going into Holi and it will always serve as a memory.
Enjoy:
-The color and joyous celebration that welcomes Spring, new beginnings, and appreciation
-The symbolism. The color red, for instance, symbolizes love and fertility while the color blue represents Krishna, the valued divinity
-THE FOOD! Don’t be shy when it comes to trying authentic Indian food
–Dancing and singing. Whether you’re immersed in a sea of strangers or dancing beside your best friend, take it all in and express yourself
Be Cautious of:
–Intoxicated men who may act inappropriately toward you (beware of groping and sexual discrimination, but also understand the cultural context)
-The cannabis milk, as it is highly illegal, but a treat for the locals who celebrate. People will offer it to you
-The dye that often stains the clothes more than the traditional powder
–Respecting cultural norms. I am all for feminism and equality, but exposed skin is not widely acceptable in India. Make sure that your shoulders are covered, especially when visiting religious sites.
Enjoy the colors and the company. You will have a once-in-a-lifetime experience that is vibrant, beautiful, and adventurous!
I have always wanted to go to India and this seems like such a perfect time. I know some things about some of their holidays and they are always so beautiful. From seeing Holi in America, I can tell that it’s a very happy holiday and what would be better then celebrating it in it’s home country.
I’ve never heard of Holi and I think you did a great job at describing it. That’s also a beautiful photo of you in front of the Taj Mahal. I have dreamed of visiting the Taj for years now. To hear from a fellow-woman on her experiences has only furthered my interest
Hi rmb5799. I’m glad that you learned a bit about Holi. This article does a pretty nice job of summing it up: https://theplanetd.com/holi-festival-india/. Check it out 🙂
Woah. I can’t believe you went to India. You put such a positive spin on the cautions that women should take while there. That picture of you in color looks like such a personality pic!
Prior to my trip, I struggled with imagining what India would look like, especially for a woman. While everyones’ experiences are different, as long as you take these objective precautions, you should have a life-changing experience!