Holi is widely known as the Hindu festival of colors. The celebration is thought to date back nearly 2,000 years and represents the triumph of good over evil in the form of the arrival of spring after a long winter.
The night before the holiday, pyres are built and burnt, symbolizing the removal of evil spirits. Then, the day of the celebration, participants throw colored powder and water at each other in a joyous celebration of color. Each color has a meaning, from fertility to new beginnings to winning out over evil. The colored powders were traditionally made from natural sources like flowers and herbs, but now they’re largely synthetic.
Learn More About Holi
This list of resources will grow as community members contribute. Send recommendations to hello@burlington.buzz.
Recommended Watching and Reading
Globally Taught has a list of five books for young audiences to learn about this colorful holiday, along with some lesson plans and activities!
Bookshop.org has a wealth of books for all ages, from spring poetry collections to parables and more.
In-person and online resources
Hindu American Foundation has videos, 5 things to know, and even a Holi Toolkit.
Local Holi Happenings
Below are just a few events happening nearby to celebrate Holi in 2024. Let us know if you have one you’d like to add!
March 24, 6:00PM-1:00 AM - Colorful Boston - Boston's Indoor Holi Color Party (Tanjore Bar & Restaurant)
March 30, 2:00-6:00 PM - Holi Mela in Roslindale
How do you observe Holi? What resources would help your neighbors and their children and grandchildren learn more about this holiday? Share your stories with us by emailing hello@burlington.buzz, and your story could be added to this feature!
What are you celebrating or observing? Let us know at hello@burlington.buzz!