India is home to a multitude of religions, languages, traditions, and customs, which all contribute to the diverse and vibrant culture of the country. It is also known as the "festival of colours" or the "festival of love".
Most of the time, the festival is held in March, on the day of the full moon in the Hindu month of Phalguna. The main tradition of Holi is the throwing of coloured powder, known as "gulal," and water at one another, signifying the triumph of good over evil and the arrival of spring. Let’s find out the top 8 things to do for this Holi 2023 celebration in the UK!
The top 8 things to do for a fantastic holi celebration
- Colours
The most important element of Holi is the colours. Holi is known as the "festival of colours" because people throw and smear coloured powders and liquids on each other. In ancient times, natural and herbal colours were used, but nowadays, synthetic colours are more commonly used. Synthetic Holi colours, on the other hand, can be harmful to the skin and health, so it is best to use natural and herbal colours. You can buy natural Holi colours made from flower extracts, herbs, and vegetable dyes or make your own by mixing water and food colouring from Indian grocery stores in the UK like Desicart.
- Sweets
Sweets are an essential part of any Indian festival, and Holi is no exception. On Holi, many traditional Indian sweets are associated with Holi celebrations. Some popular ones are gujiya, which is a sweet pastry filled with khoya and dry fruits; ladoo, which is a round sweet made of flour, sugar, and nuts; and rasgulla, which is a spongy dessert made of cottage cheese and soaked in sugar syrup.
- Music
Music sets the mood for any celebration, and Holi is no different. People play music and dance during Holi. Popular Holi songs are played, which are upbeat and festive. Some of the most popular Holi songs are "Rang Barse" from the movie "Silsila" and "Holi Ke Din" from the movie "Sholay".
- Holi decorations
Decorating your home with colourful flowers, streamers, and lights is a great way to create a festive atmosphere for Holi. People decorate their homes with rangolis, which are intricate patterns made on the floor with coloured powder, rice, or flowers. They also hang colourful banners and flags, and some even decorate their homes with balloons and lanterns.
- Holi Special Foods
Apart from sweets, there are many other special foods that are made during Holi. For instance, people make "puran poli," which is a sweet flatbread made with lentil filling and jaggery. They also make dahi vada, which are lentil fritters soaked in yoghurt and topped with chutneys and spices. Other popular foods include chana masala, samosas, and pakodas which are easily made with ready-to-cook packs in Desicart. You can also buy ready-to-cook curries to cherish the joy of trying out delicious Indian food.
- Celebration Photography
Holi is a colourful festival, and it provides a great opportunity for photography enthusiasts to capture some amazing shots. You can take photos of people playing with colours, the decorations, the food, and other aspects of the Holi festival. You can also organise a photo booth with Holi-themed props and encourage people to take pictures. Photography is a great way to preserve memories and capture the essence of the festival.
- Holi-themed attire
People often wear white clothes on Holi, as it makes the colours stand out more. However, you can also wear colourful clothes, especially those with bright hues like pink, green, and yellow. Some people also wear Holi-themed clothing, like t-shirts or dresses with slogans related to the festival.
- Holi gift baskets
Giving gift baskets to friends and family is a great way to spread the joy of Holi. You can fill the baskets with sweets & snacks, herbal colours, and other small items. You can also make your own gift baskets at home and add a personal touch.
Here are some of the things that you can include in a Holi gift basket:
Sweets
Sweets are an important part of any Indian festival, and Holi festival is no exception. You can include traditional sweets like kaju katli, ladoo, barfi, soan papdi or any other sweet of your choice.
Snacks
Holi is a time for feasting and celebrating with friends and family. You can include a variety of snacks in the gift basket, such as mixture, murukku, or any other savoury snack of your choice, which is available for sale on Desicart.
Herbal colours
Holi is often associated with the use of synthetic colours, which can be harmful to the skin and the environment. To promote eco-friendly celebrations, you can buy herbal colours in desicart made from natural ingredients like flowers, herbs, and spices.
Holi-themed items
You can also include Holi-themed items in the gift basket, such as t-shirts, mugs, or keychains with slogans related to the festival. These items can add a personal touch to the gift and make it more memorable.
Why is Holi so special to celebrate in the UK?
Here are the reasons that make Holi so special to celebrate in the UK.
Celebration of spring
Holi marks the arrival of spring, a season of renewal, rebirth, and growth. It is a time when the weather is pleasant and flowers and trees start to bloom, making it a season of joy and happiness.
Triumph of Good Over Evil
Holi is celebrated to commemorate the victory of good over evil. It is believed to be the day that Lord Vishnu vanquished the demoniac Holika, symbolising the victory of good over evil.
Unity and forgiveness
The Holi celebration is a time when people forget their differences and come together to celebrate. It is a day when people forgive and forget past grievances and make new friends. It is also a time when people of different castes, religions, and social backgrounds come together to celebrate the Holi festival, symbolising unity in diversity.
Joy and fun
Holi is a day of joy, fun, and merriment. People enjoy throwing coloured powder and water at one another, dancing, singing, and enjoying traditional sweets and delicacies.
And moreover, Holi festival is celebrated as a time to forget differences, forgive, make new friends, and spread happiness and love.
Can I get herbal rangoli colours in the UK for Holi?
Yes, you can find herbal rangoli colours in the UK for Holi. DesiCart in the UK sells natural and organic Holi colours made from plant-based ingredients, such as turmeric, henna, beetroot, and flower petals. We are the top Indian grocery store in the UK, selling the best quality Indian groceries. So, you can buy organic rangoli colours and other holi essentials for holi 2023 online at Desicart. You can order now to get it delivered at your doorstep.
You can always check the labels to make sure that the ingredients are natural and safe. It's also a good idea to conduct a patch test on a small area of skin to check for any allergic reactions before applying the colours to the body or face. We hope this blog has given you the top 8 things to do during the Holi 2023 in the UK...
Happy Holi Folks ; )