Holi 2027

Holi, popularly known as the Festival of Colours, is an ancient Hindu spring festival that celebrates love, rebirth, and the ultimate triumph of good over evil. It takes place on the full moon day (Phalguna Purnima) of the Hindu lunar calendar, which generally falls in late February or March.

Good to know

Holi is a gazetted holiday for Central Government offices in Delhi and one of the 12 optional holidays elsewhere, so most states close government offices and schools. Banks close on Holi or the day before, depending on the city, under RBI notifications, while public transit operates on reduced schedules in many cities.

History

The origin of Holi is grounded in Hindu mythology, most prominently the legend of Prahlada and his father, the demon king Hiranyakashipu. According to sacred texts, Hiranyakashipu demanded that everyone worship him, but his young son Prahlada remained a steadfast devotee of Lord Vishnu. Enraged, the king plotted to kill his son with the help of his sister Holika, who possessed a cloak that made her immune to fire. Holika tricked Prahlada into sitting on a blazing pyre with her, but divine intervention protected the boy while the flames consumed Holika instead.

Holi is also associated with the divine romance between Lord Krishna and Radha in the Braj region. Legend tells that a young Krishna, envious of Radha's fair skin compared to his dark complexion, playfully applied colour to her face at his mother Yashoda's suggestion. This affectionate prank grew into a beloved tradition of smearing bright colours on loved ones to mark the arrival of spring.

How it is observed

Festivities begin on the eve of Holi with Holika Dahan, a ritual where communities gather around large wooden bonfires to pray and burn effigies, symbolizing the destruction of wickedness. The following day, known as Rangwali Holi or Dhulandi, is dedicated to joyful, outdoors play with dry powder colours (gulal) and water. People fill water guns (pichkaris), throw colour balloons, dance to traditional drums, and visit friends and family. Festive snacks such as sweet gujiya, savoury mathri, and thandai, a chilled, spiced milk drink often infused with bhang, are widely shared throughout the day.

Facts

• In the towns of Barsana and Nandgaon near Mathura, a unique variation called Lathmar Holi is celebrated where women playfully chase and hit men with wooden sticks while the men defend themselves with shields.
• Traditionally, Holi colours were made from natural ingredients like turmeric, neem, and dried flowers such as palash (Flame of the Forest), which had medicinal properties beneficial for the skin during the seasonal change.
• Holi marks the transition from winter to spring and coincides with the Rabi harvest season, making it an agricultural celebration of thanksgiving for farmers across northern India.

Questions about Holi

How is the date of Holi determined each year?

Holi is calculated using the Hindu lunisolar calendar and falls on the Purnima (full moon day) of the month of Phalguna, which typically aligns with late February or March in the Gregorian calendar.

What is the difference between Holika Dahan and Rangwali Holi?

Holika Dahan takes place on the eve of Holi and involves lighting sacred bonfires to mark the destruction of evil. Rangwali Holi occurs the next day and is the main event where people play with coloured powders and water.

What are the essential foods eaten during Holi?

Popular traditional treats served during Holi include gujiya (a sweet stuffed fried dumpling), dahi bhalla, puran poli, mathri, and thandai.

Source: DoPT O.M. dated 03.07.2025 (2026) and 16.07.2026 (2027)