Holi is no longer confined to India; it has evolved into a global festival. Many countries outside India celebrate Holi with great fanfare, where the Indian diaspora and locals come together to enjoy this colorful festival. However, the way it's celebrated varies slightly from country to country, reflecting the local culture and traditions. Let's explore how Holi is celebrated in different parts of the world besides India.
- Nepal – Holi deeply rooted in Hindu culture
Locations: Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Lalitpur
In Nepal, Holi is celebrated with as much enthusiasm as in India. Here, it is called 'Fagu Purnima' and is observed as the beginning of the Hindu New Year across the country.
Highlights of Holi in Nepal:
- People apply colors and abir (a red powder) to each other.
- Large-scale Holi celebrations are organized in Kathmandu.
- People enjoy Holi with traditional music and dance.
- Special dishes include gujiya, malpua, and bhang (a cannabis drink).
- Mauritius – A cultural heritage of Indian immigrants
Locations: Port Louis, Triolet, Maheshwarnath Temple
Mauritius has a large population of people of Indian origin; therefore, Holi is celebrated with particular enthusiasm. This festival arrived with immigrants from India in the 19th century and has now become an integral part of Mauritian culture.
Highlights of Holi in Mauritius:
- People dance to traditional Indian songs.
- Holi Milan celebrations are held at temples and community centers.
- Traditional dishes made from coconut, jaggery, and rice are prepared.
- Holi is played using colors and gulal (colored powder), similar to India.
- Fiji – A vibrant festival of the Hindu community
Locations: Suva, Lautoka, Nadi
Fiji has a significant population of people of Indian origin; therefore, Holi is celebrated with great joy. It is commonly known as a "Hindu Festival" and has become an integral part of Fijian culture.
Highlights of Holi in Fiji:
- Holi begins with traditional devotional songs and kirtan (devotional singing).
- People greet each other by applying colors and distributing sweets.
- Special sweets like pakauni and gulgula are made during Holi in Fiji.
- Trinidad and Tobago – A colorful Holi celebration in the Caribbean
Locations: Port of Spain, Chaguanas
Holi is also celebrated with great fanfare in the Caribbean country of Trinidad and Tobago. It is known as 'Phagwa' here. This festival arrived with Indian laborers in 1845 and has become a significant part of the local culture.
Highlights of Holi in Trinidad and Tobago:
- People dance and sing to the rhythm of traditional drums.
- Phagwa songs (choutaal), based on Indian folk music, are sung.
- People enjoy Holi by playing with gulal and colors.
- USA – Popular as the 'Festival of Colors'
Locations: New York, California, Texas, Florida
In the USA, Holi is no longer limited to the Indian diaspora; it has become popular as a 'Festival of Colors'.
Highlights of Holi in the USA:
- Large Holi events are organized in various cities.
- American citizens also participate in playing with colors alongside the Indian community.
- Holi parties are held with Electronic Dance Music (EDM) and Bollywood songs.
- Indian student organizations in many universities organize Holi celebrations.
- United Kingdom (UK) – The color of Indian culture in Britain
Locations: London, Birmingham, Manchester
Holi is also celebrated with great enthusiasm among the Indian community in the UK. Grand Holi events are organized in many places in London, in which British citizens also participate.
Highlights of Holi in the UK:
- The colors of Holi spread across major parks in London.
- Holi is celebrated with devotional songs, kirtan, and Bollywood songs.
- Indian restaurants and community centers organize traditional food and dance events.
- Australia – The growing influence of Indian festivals
Locations: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane
With the growing Indian diaspora in Australia, the celebration of Holi is becoming increasingly popular.
Highlights of Holi in Australia:
- Large Holi events are held in local parks and beaches.
- Holi events are organized under the name 'Festival of Colors' in different locations.
- A tradition of celebrating Holi with yoga, meditation, and Indian cuisine is developing.
- Singapore and Malaysia – The radiance of Holi in South Asia
Locations: Singapore, Kuala Lumpur
In Singapore and Malaysia, the Indian community celebrates Holi with enthusiasm.
Highlights of Holi in Singapore and Malaysia:
- Holi events are organized by local Hindu temples and cultural organizations.
- There is a vibrant atmosphere of dancing and singing with colors and water.
- The Holi festival has become a major event among Indian festivals here.
Holi is no longer just an Indian festival; it has become an international celebration due to the widespread Indian diaspora. The way it's celebrated may differ in each country, but the message of color, enthusiasm, and brotherhood remains the same everywhere. In 2025, the exuberance of Holi will be seen worldwide, where people will rise above caste and religion to enjoy this colorful festival.
