Holi Two Ways: India and the US

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Growing up in India, Holi was always a mix of excitement and unpredictability. I remember waking up to the smell of sweets frying in the kitchen, the sound of laughter outside and the thrill of knowing that by the end of the day, I would be covered head to toe in color.

One Holi celebration particularly stands out in my memory. My friends and I had spent the entire morning preparing for the perfect ambush, filling water balloons and setting up on the rooftop, ready to strike. When our unsuspecting neighbors walked by, we launched our attack with perfect timing. Victory was sweet—until an older cousin took revenge by dumping an entire bucket of bright green colored water over my head. My clothes were ruined, my hands stayed green for days and I learned the hard way that no one is truly safe during Holi. But I couldn’t stop laughing, because that’s what Holi is all about—letting go, embracing the moment and making memories that last long after the colors fade.

I remember Holi as one of the most vibrant and exciting celebrations in India. Marking the arrival of spring, it is a time when people put aside their differences and come together in a burst of color, music and joy.

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Holi also carries a deeper meaning—it is a time for forgiveness, for reconnecting with people and for letting go of past disagreements. It is a festival that reminds everyone to embrace life with open arms and an open heart.

Later I learned the symbolic meaning of Holi in Hindu tradition, that of victory of good over evil and renewal. A story about it involves Prahlad, a devoted young man, and Holika, a wicked woman, showing how faith can conquer evil. Another tale links to Lord Krishna, who playfully smeared color on Radha, starting the joyful tradition we celebrate today.

Traditionally in India, the festival unfolds over two days. On the first night, people gather around large bonfires in a ritual meant to symbolize the triumph of good over evil and the burning away of negativity.

The real magic begins the next morning. Streets transform into a giant canvas of bright colors as people throw powdered dyes at each other, drench their friends in colored water and dance to energetic music. There are no boundaries—everyone, from close friends to strangers, becomes part of the celebration. The laughter, the vibrant hues and the festive energy create an atmosphere unlike any other, where for a day, worries fade and joy takes over.

What made Holi more memorable was special food which is essential to its celebrations. The festival is as much about gathering and sharing food with loved ones as it is about the colors and celebration. Families prepare special sweets, crispy fried treats stuffed with nuts and refreshing drinks flavored with spices.

Over time, Holi has spread worldwide, becoming a celebration of fun and unity. Many countries now host Holi-inspired events. But there has also been a growing awareness of environmental and health concerns regarding its celebration. Many people have started using organic colors that are safer for the skin and the environment. Dry Holi celebrations have become more common in places facing water shortages. These changes have allowed people to enjoy the festival while being mindful of its impact.

I miss my Holi in India. But my celebration of Holi in the US brings the same joy. The excitement of throwing the first handful of color, the playful energy in the air and the shared laughter with family and friends remain unchanged.

Whether celebrated in the crowded streets of India, at a local event, or in my small backyard with loved ones, Holi is more than just a festival—it is an experience, a feeling and a reminder to enjoy life’s moments to the fullest. It is a day when the world is brighter, people are happier and, for a little while, everything is covered in color.

(Devansh Malhotra, 14, is a high school sophomore 10^th grader at the West Windsor Plainsboro High School South)

Related posts:

Celebrating colors, camaraderie and community Holi: Ancient Tradition For Modern Times Where Everybody Knows Your Name! Holi in America Holi: Memories of Homeland– Remembering the gone days of colorful joy!