A Guide to Celebrating Holi in New York City

Holi festivities are instantly recognizable by the multi-colored powders participants shower upon one another. At all Holi events, attendees throw this powder and, with permission, rub it on each others’ faces. In order to make the colors pop more, it’s customary to wear white clothing during these festivals.

Krishna, the eighth incarnation of the Hindu god Vishnu, is behind the holiday’s chief tradition. Legend has it that the dark-skinned Krishna wanted to have the same complexion as his fair-skinned playmate Radha. Known for being mischievous in his youth, Krishna achieved this by applying color to Radha’s face.

While it’s easy to assume there is little order to rainbow-hued Holi festivals, each color of powder actually carries special significance. Blue represents Krishna, and red is the color of purity and love. Green denotes new beginnings, and yellow is a nod to tradition, symbolizing the turmeric that was historically used in Holi celebrations.

In Indian and Hindu societies, age, gender, and caste are a few factors that determine one’s social position. During Holi, however, this hierarchy and the social rules it prescribes are loosened as all Hindus come together to celebrate the coming of spring.

Per the Hindu calendar, Holi takes place each March for roughly 24 hours. In New York City, however, celebrations have been known to happen throughout the month and even as late as May.

The most popular Holi event in New York City appropriately takes place on the Play Lawn at Governors Island. Each May, the “happiest festival of New York” returns with free yoga, Sufi and Punjabi entertainment, food vendors, and, of course, environmentally safe colored powders.

Celebrate Holi the Brooklyn way at Festival of Colors, an annual spring arts and music event in trendy Bushwick. Art from painters and graphic designers, live DJ performances, and traditional powders make life in Brooklyn even more colorful.