Celebrate with so much color! Holi is a Hindu festival, widely popular all over India and in Indian communities around the world.
Known as the festival of color and celebrated over two days in March (starting March 7, 2023), the festival is based on Hindu mythology. For centuries the religious holiday has been an important part of the Indian culture, recounting the story of Lord Vishnu and his triumph over the evil King Hiranyakashyapu.
Holi symbolizes the celebration of spring, friendship, family, and the victory of good over evil. Communities gather in the streets to throw bright-colored powder and splash each other with colored water. Red, green and yellow colors dust the air, each carrying its own meaning.
Families also gather to share in this tradition by decorating their homes, sharing food and indulging in sweets. Here are some ways that you can celebrate Holi and the beginning of spring!
Join a Holi event and celebrate
Kidsquest and Hindi Time Kids host a Holi Festival workshop. Kids will get to create their own art using bright colors. Friday, March 3 at 6 p.m. Preregistration required. For ages 5 and up. $10-$15.
The Seattle Asian Art Museum and Hindi Time Kids host an afternoon or music, dance and art. Join on March 4 from 11 a.m.- 2 p.m.. Registration required. Ages 14 and under are free. $14.99/adults and $9.99/Teen or Student.
Hindi Time Kids and Bellevue Art Museum host another workshop to celebrate Holi. Storytelling, art, and music await. March 11, 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.. Good for ages 4-9 with adult caregiver. Register online.
Head to Bellevue Downtown Park for some masti (mischief!) excitement with music a color fight and food, held on March 11 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.. $15/ticket. Great for all ages, 12 and under free.
Join families at Tyee Middle School for food and colorful fun. March 12 from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. Ages 9 and under are free. All other $9/person. Buy tickets online.
Holi Festival at Marymoor Park is on March 18 from 12 p.m.-5 p.m. – enjoy song, dance, kid-friendly entertainment, food and more.
Phinney Neighborhood Association will have its annual family-friendly celebration from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 25, $7-$12. With a color-throwing area, food and entertainment, you are destined to ring in the new season in a bright way!
Holi at Seattle Center promises to be a day of fun on March 26 from 11 a.m.- 3 p.m.. All ages welcome. Free, but food and color packets must be purchased. Event located at the Seattle Center Mural Amphitheater.
Photo courtesy of mayuri.com
Celebrate Holi events with sweets, snacks and colorful food
Make a colorful food tray with fruits and veggies or stop at a local Indian market to sample some sweets from the bakery. My family loves the fried donuts soaked in rose syrup (Gulab Jamun) or the mildly spiced samosas mixed with chickpeas, yogurt and onions (Samosa Chaat). Crispy plaintain chips also hit the spot with a hot glass of masala chai.
Mayuri bakery in Redmond or Bothell has a good selection of treats. While you’re there pick up a few small bags of color and plan for a color-throwing party outdoors. (Tip: Don’t wear your best clothing!)
Choose to celebrate with an Indian meal. Order from a local restaurant or choose a recipe to try out.
Blessing the house with a colorful rangoli
Holi: Make a rangoli, dress brightly
Adorn your porch or driveway with spring flowers or powdered colors. Use real petals or sidewalk chalk to make a design. Rangolis are said to bring good luck to your home, family and guests. Spring is all about the color! Tie-dye a T-shirt or wear your brightest outfit to symbolize all the love that you have for one another. In addition, wear colorful accessories to complete your ensemble.
Make colorful shirts to celebrate spring.
