Traditions do not get much more fun than Holi, the Hindu festival that celebrates spring, love, and new life.
Some families hold religious ceremonies, but others use the colourful centuries-old festival for a Joyful time – hurling paint at each other.
And this week we are set to see the return of the annual celebration, with Holi falling this year on Friday, March 14.
Find out more about Holi, also known as the “festival of colours”, below.
Holi marks the arrival of spring and the end of winter. It is usually celebrated in March.
It is a tradition celebrated across the Indian subcontinent by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and nonbelievers alike, and is held annually to mark the start of spring and celebrate life. For Hindus, it’s a time to celebrate the love of Radha Krishna and the triumph of good over evil with events that begin with a ritual evening bonfire, followed by coloured paint flinging, music, and feasting the following day.
Holi falls on Friday, March 14 this year, although many celebrations will take place on the weekend.
On night one of Holi, traditionally, people light bonfires and throw popcorn, coconut, and chickpeas onto them.
The next day, people of all ages go into the streets for fun and paint-throwing.
Holi Festival celebrations – in pictures
What do the Holi colours mean?
Some people believe the Holi colours came from Krishna mischievously throwing coloured water over his milkmaids when he was a boy. This developed into the practical jokes and the games of Holi that are played every year.
Where can I celebrate Holi in London?
There are a few places where Londoners can celebrate the colourful festival.
• The London ki Holi Festival will take place this weekend, on Saturday, March 15, from midday until 9pm and promises an abundance of light, love, colour and live acts.
Taking place at Hainault Skatepark, there will be food stalls, family photo booths, outdoor kids zones and a huge entertainment line-up.
• Hackney Bridge will also be hosting celebrations from 1pm to 6pm on Saturday (March 15).
London’s Holi Festival 2025 will include “safe colours, water balloons, and a vibrant open-air setting”, according to the organisers.
They added: “Dance to DJ Vino’s beats, enjoy live dhol and band performances, and savour delicious street food.”
• On Sunday, March 16, the Holi Festival of Colours 2025 is taking place in Woolwich.
The Shree Kutch Satsang Swaminarayan Temple is set to host its free annual event, starting at 10.45am, and will feature “vibrant colours, lively music, delicious food, and entertainment. Lunch and coloured powders will be provided for attendees to fully immerse themselves in the festivities.”
The temple, located at St Margaret’s Grove, Plumstead, SE18 7RL, has previously hosted memorable Holi celebrations, drawing attendees from across London.