The Festival of Colours: A Celebration of Joy
Holi is a vibrant Hindu festival that transforms the streets into a kaleidoscopic canvas of gulal (coloured powder) and water. Known primarily as the "Festival of Colours," it marks the arrival of spring and the symbolic triumph of good over evil. Its origins are rooted in ancient Indian mythology, most notably the legend of Prahalad and Holika, where the devout Prahalad was miraculously saved from a fire while the demoness Holika perished, a story that gave the festival its name. In the Braj region, it is also celebrated as a playful commemoration of the divine love between Radha and Krishna. Holi's immense popularity transcends religious boundaries because it is a day of radical social harmony. It is a unique occasion where traditional hierarchies are cast aside; friends and strangers alike embrace, share sweets like gujiya, and forgive past grievances, making it a universal celebration of love, laughter, and new beginnings.
Miniature paintings : (L) Girls Spraying Each Other at Holi c. 1640–50 Northwestern India, Rajasthan, Rajput Kingdom of Bikaner, courtesy Andrew R. and Martha Holden Jennings Fund 1971 • (R) Radha and Hindu God Krishna Celebrating the Festival Holi c. 1800–1810 India, Pahari Hills, Bilaspur School, 19th century, courtesy Mrs. Severance A. Millikin 1989
Why Holi Captures the World's Imagination
Spirit of Inclusivity: It is one of the few festivals where "playing" is the primary ritual, making it accessible to everyone regardless of age or background.
The Power of Symbolism: The burning of the Holika bonfire the night before represents the purging of negative energy and the "burning" of internal demons.
A Sensory Experience: From the rhythmic beat of the dhol (drum) to the saturated hues of crimson and indigo, it is a feast for the senses. "Bura na mano, Holi hai!" (Don't take offence, it's Holi!) - The traditional phrase that encapsulates the playful, carefree spirit of the day.
Gastronomic Delights: The festival serves as a culinary showcase, uniting communities through time-honoured seasonal treats and festive drinks that are as essential to the experience as the colours themselves. These include, but aren't limited to the ever popular gujiya and gulab jamun, and the cherished north Indian staple of aloo poori, dahi bhalle, pakoras and papri chaat; all washed down with a long, cool swig of thandai.
Photos by Jyoti Singh (L) , Prachi Palwe (C) , Abhijeet Biswas (R)
Celebrating Holi in Mathura and Vrindavan
Mathura
The Holi celebrations in Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna, are rooted in ancient religious devotion and transform the entire city into a jubilant spectacle. Here, the festivities often begin days in advance at the Dwarkadheesh Temple, where the mood is one of intense spiritual fervour and sheer exuberance. Pilgrims and locals alike gather in massive crowds, engaging in traditional rituals and singing bhajans dedicated to Krishna and Radha. The atmosphere is thick with anticipation and joy, as the city sheds its daily routine to embrace a riot of coloured powders and water, all performed with a deep sense of reverence that links the modern revelry to centuries of mythological significance.
Vrindavan
In Vrindavan, Holi takes on a unique and culturally distinct character, most famously embodied by the Lathmar Holi celebration. Held in the nearby town of Barsana, closely associated with Radha. This tradition sees women playfully "chasing" men with sticks (lathis), a reenactment of the divine love story where Krishna was playfully driven away by Radha and her friends. The celebrations at the Banke Bihari Temple are equally mesmerising; the temple doors are thrown open, and the priests shower the devotees with colours and flower petals in a chaotic yet harmonious display of devotion. It is an immersive, high-energy experience where the lines between the divine and the mortal seem to blur, creating a uniquely powerful atmosphere that is arguably the most authentic Holi experience in the world.
The Magic of Holi in Varanasi
In Varanasi, Holi is less a festival and more a transcendental experience that dances between the sacred and the surreal. In the narrow, winding lanes of Varanasi, the morning usually begins with a ritual dip in the holy River Ganga to cleanse the soul before the narrow alleys erupt into a whirlwind of colour. The festival reaches a melodic crescendo that is often overshadowed by the visual chaos of the ghats. Beyond the colours, the city’s heart beats to the rhythm of Hori and Chaiti, traditional folk and semi-classical songs of the Banaras Gharana that celebrate the season's romance and the playful antics of the gods.
While the rest of India plays with bright powders, the spiritual capital of India famously observes Mashaan ki Holi at Manikarnika Ghat, where devotees celebrate by throwing wood ash from funeral pyres, a poignant, slightly gritty reminder of the cycle of life and death amidst the chaos. By the afternoon, the wild energy softens into the elegant tradition of Holi Milan, where locals don crisp white kurtas and visit neighbours to exchange warm embraces and folk songs, embodying the quintessential Banarasi spirit of Mauj (carefree joy).
No celebration in Varanasi is complete without its legendary gastronomic offerings, which are as bold and layered as the city itself. The centrepiece is undoubtedly the Banarasi Thandai, a luscious, chilled milk drink infused with saffron and spices, often elevated with a traditional dash of bhang for those seeking the full festive "kick." As the revelry winds down, the focus shifts to the city’s world-famous street food; plates of tangy Tamatar Chaat (tomato chaat) and crispy, spicy Kachori Sabzi and Kathal ki Sabzi (jackfruit curry) provide the perfect savoury counterpoint to the sweetness of syrup-soaked Gujiyas. To round off the day, one must indulge in a classic Banarasi Paan, a refreshing betel leaf preparation that serves as both a digestive and a fittingly colourful finale to the day's indulgence.
Celebrating Our Heritage at Benares
In Mayfair, Benares Restaurant & Bar serves as a sophisticated bridge to its namesake city, ensuring that Holi is celebrated with the same depth of tradition. We stay true to our roots by transforming the luxury dining experience into a cultural homage. Our During the festival, Executive Chef Sameer Taneja often introduces limited-edition treats that reflect the "Festival of Colours" through a Michelin-starred lens, such as thandais and lassis, and gold leaf plated kulfi that mirror the opulence of Indian festive sweets. By blending traditional techniques with the finest British ingredients, Benares preserves the warmth and spirit of Holi Milan.
