Holi Festival Pondicherry

The second biggest festival in India after Diwali, Holi is a riot of colours. Being a religious festival, Holi celebrations have gone onto become a major cultural and social festival. Known as the festival of colours, Holi is celebrated throughout India. Although the traditions may differ, the splash of colours is common in all of them.

Although Holi is best witnessed in the Braj regions, which are associated with Lord Krishna, Pondicherry has its own unique essence of the festival of colour. From Lathmar Holi celebration to the throwing bucket full of colours, Holi is a vibrant exhibition of Incredible India. Celebrated on two days, the first day is called Choti Holi or Holika. On the first day, bonfires are lit in the evening and people gather around it. Holika Dahan in Pondicherry is referred to as Kama Dahanam. The next day is the main day of Holi celebration and is called as Dulhanandi in Hindi.

During the second day, people play Holi with dry colours and coloured water. It is also called as Rangwali Holi and is an occasion of joy. A festival of cheerfulness and social celebration, Holi has been an important cultural festival in Pondicherry. Despite being diverse in culture and religion, the colour festival of Holi compliments the colourful city of Pondicherry. Holi in Pondicherry is an exhibition of the vibrant culture and people of the city.

Celebration Dates/Month

Holi is a festival that is celebrated throughout the country and the date for Holi usually falls around the end of February or March.

Special Highlights/Rituals of the Festival

• The major highlight of Holi in Pondicherry is the celebration of the festival with dry colours, which are called Gulal and coloured waters. The chances of you getting wet are extremely high during the celebration of Holi in Pondicherry.
• The other highlight of Holi is the Choti Holi or Holika Dahan. On this day, people light bonfires in the evening, after sunsets. The event is followed by folk music and dance in some parts of India.