Holi, also known as the festival of colours, is a vibrant and joyous festival celebrated by Hindus worldwide. It marks the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil. Traditionally, Holi is celebrated with vibrant colours, water balloons, and sweets.
While celebrating Holi in large gatherings is a popular tradition, it can also be celebrated at home in a fun and memorable way. Here you will learn how to celebrate Holi at home.
See also: How to make Holi colours at home?
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Here are some ways to celebrate Holi at home
Decorate your home
One of the best ways to immerse yourself in the spirit of Holi and get into the festive mood is to decorate your home with colourful and vibrant decorations, such as intricate rangolis, bright streamers, and cheerful balloons, that will evoke the joy and excitement of the festival; furthermore, if you are looking to make your home more sustainable and eco-friendly, you can get creative and craft your own DIY decorations using recycled materials, not only reducing your carbon footprint but also adding a personal touch to your decor that reflects your creativity and personality.
Prepare traditional sweets
No celebration is complete without indulging in delectable sweets, and when it comes to Holi, traditional sweets such as gujiyas, mathri, and thandai take centre stage, tantalising taste buds and adding an authentic touch to the festivities.
Therefore, to make your Holi celebration even more memorable and enjoyable, you can gather your family members and involve them in the cooking process of these mouth-watering sweets, turning it into a fun and interactive activity that not only brings you closer as a family but also enables you to learn and appreciate the art of traditional cooking.
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Play with colours
One of the most exciting and anticipated aspects of the Holi festival is playing with a range of colours, a hallmark of the celebration that symbolises joy, harmony, and the victory of good over evil, and to fully immerse yourself in this colourful tradition, you can opt to buy herbal colours or even create your own natural colours using flowers, fruits, and vegetables, which not only adds a unique and personalised touch to your celebration but also promotes sustainability and eco-friendliness. However, it is essential to take precautions by wearing old clothes that you do not mind getting stained and protecting your skin and hair from potential irritation by applying a layer of oil or coconut oil to form a protective barrier.
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Set up a bonfire
On the eve of Holi, people observe Holika Dahan by lighting up a bonfire. The celebration signifies the triumph of good over evil. According to Hindu mythology, Prahlada was a young devotee of Lord Vishnu refused to worship his father, demon king, Hiranyakashipu as god. So, Hiranyakashipu planned to kill his son. Prahlada was saved from his father’s plans by Lord Vishnu. One day, Hiranyakashipu got his sister Holika, who had received a boon to be unharmed by fire, to sit atop the pyre with Prahlada. However, as the fire grew, Holika burnt to death and Prahlada was unharmed. Later. Lord Vishu took the form of Narsimha to kill Hiranyakashipu.
Collect wood and cover it with thread and set up the bonfire in an open area. Place a statue of Holika on the wood. Gather roasting grains, popcorn, coconut and chickpeas, which are thrown into this bonfire as per the traditions. The day of Holika Dahan is also known as Choti Holi. One can chant mantras during the bonfire to ward off evil spirits.
Participate in breaking pot
The breaking of pot or Dahi Handi is also part of Holi rituals. Set up a porcelain buttermilk pot across the backyard of your house. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Krishna would take buttermilk from the villagers’ homes. So, the women in the village would tie the buttermilk pot far up to hide it from little Lord Krishna. Typically, the Dahi Handi breaking is done on Janmashtami but it can be celebrated on the occasion of Holi. On this day, people form a human pyramid and one person climbs up to reach the buttermilk pot and break it. One must exercise caution while performing this activity.
While the men gather to form the human pyramid, the women encircle around the pyramid. The celebrations also include singing songs and dancing.
Organise Holi-themed indoor games
To ensure that your Holi celebration is filled with non-stop entertainment and excitement, especially if you have kids at home, you can opt to organise a series of lively and engaging indoor games, such as the classic tambola, carrom, or board games, that will not only provide endless hours of fun and laughter but also enable you to bond with your family and create cherished memories that you will treasure for a lifetime.
Moreover, to add a touch of Holi-inspired flair to your games, you can even create a Holi-themed quiz or treasure hunt that will challenge and stimulate your creativity and imagination, all while celebrating the vibrant spirit of the festival in a playful and enjoyable manner.
Virtual celebration
Virtual celebration will enable you to connect with your loved ones, irrespective of distance or location; you can kick off your virtual celebration by playing your favourite Holi songs and dancing to the beats of the dhol, spreading the festive cheer and energy.
Furthermore, you can also plan a video call with your family and friends, where you can exchange greetings, share your Holi experiences and memories, and bask in the warmth and love of your dear ones. Additionally, to make your virtual celebration more interactive and engaging, you can even create a platform where you and your loved ones can share your Holi pictures and videos, creating a beautiful collage of memories that will stay with you forever.
Donate to charity
As Holi approaches, it is essential to remember that this festival is not just about revelry and joy but also about giving back to the community and spreading kindness and compassion; thus, one meaningful way to celebrate the festival is to donate to charity organisations that work towards supporting the underprivileged and marginalised communities, providing them with access to basic necessities and resources that they need to thrive and prosper.
Alternatively, you can also choose to contribute towards environmental causes that promote sustainability and conservation, thereby doing your part in protecting the planet and preserving its natural beauty for future generations to come, and in doing so, embodying the true spirit of Holi, which lies in spreading love, joy, and kindness to those around.
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Holi items list
Here are some items that are integral part of any holi celebration.
- Herbal colours: With growing awareness about eco-friendly holi, people prefer to celebrate it with herbal colours and natural ingredients.
- Water guns: Pichkaris are popular during holi celebrations.
- Sweets: Celebrate the festive time with friends and family, indulging in various sweets. Gujias, Thandai, Phirni, Barfi, etc. are some sought-after items.
- Flowers and rangoli: You will need rangoli colours and flowers to decorate your home.
- Party decoration: Party photobooth props, party balloons, diyas and lanterns, wall hangings, etc. can be used to set up a festive décor.
- Gifts: Gifting is an essential part of the tradition. You can opt for attractive gift hampers for your friends and family.
- Stain-removing detergent: Make you have tools to remove colour stains from clothes after the festivities are over.
- Skincare and haircare products: These are essential household items to ensure you celebrate a safe Holi at home.
- Waterproof gadgets and accessories: Make sure to secure your gadgets and other electronic accessories at home against water damage.
FAQs
What are some traditional sweets that can be prepared for Holi?
Gujiyas, mathri, and thandai are some popular sweets that are made during Holi.
Can we play with natural colours during Holi?
Yes, natural colours made from flowers, fruits, and vegetables can be used during Holi.
What indoor games can be played during Holi?
Tambola, carrom, and board games are some fun indoor games that can be played during Holi.
How can we make our Holi celebration more eco-friendly?
We can use herbal or natural colours, avoid wastage of water, and use eco-friendly decorations to make our Holi celebration more sustainable.
What is the significance of Holi?
Holi symbolises the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil. It is also a time to forgive and forget and to strengthen relationships.
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