As the days grow warmer and longer, we put the short, cold bursts of winter behind us. Across the world, people gear up to celebrate Holi, the ancient Hindu festival also known as the Festival of Colors.
We're ready to say goodbye to the past several months and welcome the sense of renewal that comes with spring. Holi is a vibrant two-day celebration, typically held outdoors. Participants shower one another with bright, colorful powders called gulal, as they eat, dance, and enjoy time together. The Hindu celebration of Holi means looking forward to brighter days ahead. As we approach the one-year mark of theglobal pandemic, the celebration of hope has never been more relevant. Those wondering how to celebrate Holi in 2021 will appreciate these ideas for a Holi at-home celebration.
What is Holi and when is it celebrated?
How to celebrate the Hindu Festival of Colors with kids
No matter your religion or culture, the Hindu tradition of Holi is for everyone. Holi is an opportunity to raise global citizens and teach your children about the importance of inclusion, love, and celebrating as a family. A Holi at-home celebration will bring hope into what has undoubtedly been a challenging year for everyone.
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Take a deep dive into the celebration and learn its history on the Holi Festival site so you can share what you've learned with your children.
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Penn Museum in Philadelphia brings the festivities right to your computer with their five-part CultureFest! series. In March, the museum will highlight Holi. Stories from Indian mythology and Holi-themed crafts and activities for all ages will make it a great addition to any Holi celebration.
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This fun storytelling from Culture Groove Kids tells the mythological legend behind the celebration and explains to children that "we celebrate Holi to show that good always wins over evil."
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Teach your children all about Holi with the Festival of Colors, a book by Surishtha Sehgal that follows two siblings working to prepare for the Indian Festival of Colors.
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For an interactive experience, have your kids play Floyd and CuzCuz Celebrate Holi on the Education.com website. The game incorporates food, tradition, and culture in a kid-friendly and fun way.
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Afterward, they can practice their handwriting with the Holi Festival of Colors cursive worksheet and learn a little more about India.
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If you have any gender-reveal color powder left over, consider using that to keep the Holi at-home celebration fun and simple. Otherwise, several packs of gulal Holi powder can be purchased to bring the Holi celebration right to your backyard.
