Holi is a two-day Hindu festival celebrated in India and Nepal. It starts on Phalgun Purnima (Full Moon Day), which comes around February or March. The festival celebrates the victory of good over evil and the arrival of spring. For the singles out there, it's a festive day to meet a significant other. For this reason, people hug and wish each other "Happy Holi!"
Holi celebrations start the night before the holiday with a Holika bonfire. Here, people gather, engage in religious rituals, and pray that their internal evil will be destroyed as the bonfire starts.
The next morning is celebrated as Rangwali Holi, a free-for-all carnival of colors, during which participants chase each other with dry powder and colored water. People rub "gulal" and "abeer" on each others’ faces and cheer, "bura na mano Holi hai" ("Don’t feel offended, it’s Holi"). These antics occur everywhere, from the open streets and parks to temples and buildings. Groups carry drums and other musical instruments all over town to sing and dance.
The food that is eaten on Holi mostly consists of typical Indian cuisine. However, different parts of India have unique specialties. A staple of Holi is Thandai, a sweet, creamy milk drink. The drink consists of spices such as rose petals, cardamom, aniseed, peppercorn, and poppy seeds flavored with almonds.
Another Holi staple is the delicious, sweet Gujhiya, made with dried milk powder and nut stuffing. In Southern India, they prepare a cold beverage called Sherbets along with exotic sweet rice and a variety of fruit mixtures.
Get inspired by the Festival of Colors and the wonderful cuisine of India. Check out SideChef’s favorite recipes and taste the flavors of Holi.
Mango milkshakes are one of the most popular flavored milkshakes in Indian households. They're really simple to make and much creamier than mango smoothies.
These soft and simple Sri Lankan flatbreads with a wonderful coconut and chili flavor are perfect for serving with curries or as a snack or breakfast item alongside chutney.
This is an easy vegetarian Tofu Vindaloo similar to the kind found in many Indian restaurants.
Chicken Tikka Masala is made up of chunks of spicy marinated chicken grilled and simmered in a creamy tomato sauce. It’s a staple on any Indian restaurant menu and is hugely popular in the UK. In fact, it has even been dubbed "Britain’s National Dish."
Pakoras are basically vegetable fritters that have a very delicious chickpea batter base. This is a vegetarian/vegan treat that will make even the meat-lovers in your life happy.
Full of bold flavor and yummy veggies, Curried Lentil Soup makes a great choice for a meatless lunch or dinner.
Traditional vegetable samosas get a healthier makeover with the use of homemade pie crust. Delicious and easy to make!
