Hindu spring festival · Sunday–Monday, March 21–22, 2027
Holi
The festival of colors: a bonfire at night, then a day of color, music, sweets and forgiveness.
Say it like a neighbor
Happy Holi
Say: HO-lee HY · “Holi hai!” means “It’s Holi!”
Bura na mano, Holi hai!
The classic reply is “Bura na mano, Holi hai!” (BOO-ra na MAH-no, HO-lee HY): “Don’t take offense, it’s Holi!” Friends say it while smearing color on each other’s cheeks.
Mar 22
Tap to throw some color.
When is Holi? Key dates and days to know
Main day
Holi follows the Hindu lunar calendar and falls on the day after the full moon of the month of Phalguna. In the U.S. the dates are March 21 (Holika Dahan) and March 22 (Holi). Many Houston celebrations are held on the weekend closest to Holi.
What is Holi and what does it mean?
Holi is a Hindu festival that welcomes spring and celebrates the victory of good over evil. It is one of the most joyful days of the year, and people of all backgrounds and faiths are welcome at many celebrations.
Two stories stand behind it. The night before Holi recalls Prahlada, a young devotee of Vishnu, who was protected from his aunt Holika’s fire. The day of color recalls the playful love of Radha and Krishna.
The deeper idea is that color breaks down every difference. Rich and poor, young and old, neighbors and strangers all end up painted the same, and old quarrels are forgiven.
How is Holi celebrated? Customs and traditions
Holika Dahan
On the evening before Holi, communities light a bonfire and gather around it to sing and pray. It marks the burning away of evil and the old, and it is a sacred moment for many families.
The day of color
The next morning people play with dry powder called gulal and with colored water. Friends smear color on each other’s cheeks and toss it in the air.
White clothes
Many wear old white clothes so the colors show. Real gulal is plant-based and should be gentle on skin, but not every powder sold is.
Music and dancing
Bollywood songs, folk songs and the dhol drum fill the day, and there is plenty of dancing.
Sweets and snacks
Families share gujiya (sweet filled pastries), malpua, dahi vada, and a cold milk drink called thandai.
Forgiveness and fresh starts
Holi is a time to mend quarrels and visit friends and relatives. “Bura na mano, Holi hai!” is a promise that no one should be offended.
Temples and traditions
Temples hold special prayers, and in some regions Holi lasts several days, with different traditions in places like Mathura and Vrindavan.
Being a good neighbor at Holi
Tap each one as you go.
Holi in Houston: how neighbors can take part
Among the largest Holi festivals in the U.S.
Houston has a large Hindu community, and Holi is a city-wide celebration. Several temples and cultural groups hold open celebrations, including the Hindu Worship Society, the Hindu Temple of The Woodlands, Chinmaya Mission Houston and Sri Guruvayurappan Temple, and the Vallabh Priti Seva Samaj temple has hosted large Holi festivals.
Houston Holi: Festival of Colors, organized by Masala Radio, has been described as one of the biggest Holi parties in the U.S.
Most celebrations are open to everyone. Many use only biodegradable color and ask guests not to bring their own. The 2027 Houston Holi festival is set for Saturday, March 20 (12 to 5 PM, rain date March 21); the venue had not been announced when we checked.
Holi events in Houston
Houston’s Holi events are announced late and sell out. Please check the organizer’s website, and confirm what is allowed before you bring color.
Questions neighbors ask about Holi
When is Holi 2027?
Holika Dahan, the bonfire, is the evening of Sunday, March 21, 2027, and the color day of Holi is Monday, March 22.
What does Holi mean?
Holi welcomes spring and celebrates the victory of good over evil. People gather to throw colored powder, share sweets and mend friendships.
Can anyone join a Holi celebration and what should I wear?
Most Holi events welcome neighbors. Wear clothes you don’t mind staining, protect your skin and hair, and ask before putting color on someone.
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