Celebrating Holi in Jaipur: A Colorful Adventure in the Pink City

Holi is one of India’s most vibrant festivals, and as a native of Jaipur, I had the chance to celebrate it in the very heart of Rajasthan. The festival, celebrated over two days, brings a splash of colors, love, and joy as it marks the arrival of spring. I had always seen the pictures of people drenched in colorful powders, laughing and dancing in the streets, but experiencing it first-hand was something else altogether. And since Holi coincided with a wedding I was attending in India, it made deciding our travel dates a lot easier.

It didn’t disappoint, and it’s an experience I’ll cherish for a long time.

Understanding Holi: More Than Just a Colorful Festival

Holi’s celebration is dictated by the lunar calendar, which is why the date can shift every year. This year, things were a bit confusing as the full moon fell on two different nights. While most of India celebrated Holi on the 8th of March, Rajasthan, where Jaipur is located, decided to celebrate on the 7th. It was an interesting dynamic as we had to adjust our plans accordingly!

The festival begins with Holika Dahan, a bonfire that symbolizes the burning of evil and the triumph of good, as per the legend of Holika and Prahalad. On the night before the color festival, we headed to the City Palace in Jaipur to witness the grand bonfire. Watching the royal family’s bonfire being lit was an awe-inspiring sight. Soon after, a procession of men with big sticks rushed out from the bonfire to ignite smaller fires across the city, many of them hopping onto motorbikes as the fire spread. It was loud, chaotic, and incredibly exciting, with motorbikes backfiring as the excitement built.

The Colorful Day of Holi

The second day of Holi was when the real fun began. The streets of Jaipur were filled with color and energy, and we were immediately enveloped in the festivities. Stalls selling Gulal powder (the colored powder used during Holi) and water pistols were everywhere. However, one important lesson I learned was to make sure the Gulal powder was herbal. Some powders can be made with toxic chemicals, so we made sure to buy herbal Gulal, ensuring it was non-toxic and safe for our skin.

As a tourist, I initially worried that I wouldn’t have the chance to immerse myself fully in the festival, but I quickly realized that everyone was eager to share in the joy with us. The locals were more than welcoming, and it didn’t take long for a group of young men on motorbikes to throw colors at us as we made our way to the City Palace!

Celebrating Holi with the Locals

If you’re wondering how to celebrate Holi as a tourist in Jaipur, you’re in luck! There are numerous options to experience the festival. For those looking for a more controlled environment, Rajasthan Tourism organizes special events for tourists, complete with free colors, snacks, cultural demonstrations, and a safe atmosphere. We stopped by one of these events, but honestly, it felt a bit too commercial for my liking, and it didn’t capture the essence of Holi. It was more like an impersonal party full of tourists.

Instead, we decided to go to the City Palace and later visit a Hindu temple. It was a chaotic but exhilarating experience. The colors were flying everywhere, people were jostling to get to the front, and we became the center of attention with people eager to exchange colors and take pictures with us. It was intense but unforgettable.

Visiting a Hindu Temple During Holi

If you plan to visit a Hindu temple during Holi, there are a few important things to keep in mind. First, remove your shoes before entering. There will usually be designated areas or racks for shoes, or you might find piles of shoes along the walkway. Secondly, dress modestly, covering your shoulders and knees. It’s also important to remember that many people make offerings to the gods inside the temple, and you may choose to do the same. Finally, people usually circulate through Hindu temples in a clockwise direction, so follow the flow respectfully.

Tips for Celebrating Holi as a Tourist

Don’t Wear Clothes You Care About: Holi is a messy affair, and your clothes (even your underwear) will never be the same again. It’s best to wear white, but be prepared for it to be stained in all sorts of colors. The colors can stick to your skin for days, so be ready for a rainbow look!
Protect Your Eyes: Sunglasses are a good idea, though I’ll admit mine ended up broken. They offer some protection for your eyes but won’t stop all the powder from flying.
Be Cautious as a Woman: Sadly, there were a couple of instances of groping during the festival. It’s something that can happen in large, crowded events, so it’s important to stay close to your companions. If you’re traveling alone, consider going with a group for extra safety.
Be Prepared for Crowds: Holi is a busy time, and many places will be closed for the holiday. The streets can get chaotic, and the powder in the air can make it difficult to breathe. Take breaks when needed, and remember it’s okay to step away if the atmosphere becomes overwhelming.
Move Around: Standing still in a crowded space will make you a target for selfies and photo ops, so keep moving if you don’t want to be stuck in one spot.
Know When to Leave: If at any point you feel uncomfortable or just need a break, don’t hesitate to leave the celebration. While Holi is fun and lively, it can also be overwhelming. If you need to step back, do it without hesitation.

Would I Visit India for Holi?

Honestly, I don’t think I would travel to India solely for Holi, but it was an incredible experience that I wouldn’t have missed. If you happen to be in India around Holi, Jaipur is a fantastic place to join in the fun. The city is already so colorful, and it really comes alive during the festival. Plus, there’s a lot of room for tourists to join in without feeling left out.

Many people we met were heading to Pushkar, another city in Rajasthan known for its temples and spiritual significance, for their Holi celebrations. However, Jaipur was perfect for us—it was vibrant, full of life, and welcoming to tourists.

Have you celebrated Holi in India? What were your experiences and tips? I’d love to hear from fellow travelers about their Holi adventures!