Celebrating Holi with FlixBus: Your Colourful Journey to Togetherness

As the vibrant festival of Holi approaches, FlixBus extends its warmest greetings to our customers. It's a time to celebrate love, and unity, and meet the beloved ones. We invite you to immerse yourself in the spirit of Holi, reconnect with family and friends, and embark on a heartwarming journey with us. Let FlixBus be your trusted travel partner as you plan your Holi trip. 

When is Holi celebrated?

Holi's date is more than just a day on the calendar; it's a time marker for a collective burst of colours and happiness. This annual festival doesn't have a fixed date; instead, it aligns with the lunar Hindu calendar, which shifts from year to year.

Marking the Date: Holi in 2024

In 2024, you can mark your calendars for the colourful celebrations, as Holi will be observed on Monday, March 25.

Here are the dates for the Holi festival for the next few years:

• 2025: Holi will fall on March 14.
• 2026: The festival is on March 3.
• 2027: Holi will be celebrated on March 22.
• 2028: The festival will occur on March 10.

These dates can help you plan your festivities and reunions in advance.

Is Holi a national holiday?

Learn that while Holi is not a national bank holiday in India, it's widely celebrated, with businesses and schools often closed. This allows people to fully participate in the festive spirit of the day. 

Why is Holi celebrated in India?  

Holi, a vibrant and significant festival in Indian culture, extends over two days, each marked by distinct traditions and celebrations. The festival commences with "Holika Dahan" or "Chhoti Holi" on the eve of the main event. This night is characterised by the lighting of bonfires, symbolising the victory of good over evil. The tradition harks back to the ancient story of Holika and Prahlada. Holika, who possessed a boon that made her immune to fire, tried to burn her nephew Prahlada, a devout follower of Lord Vishnu. However, in this legendary tale, it was Holika who perished in the flames, while Prahlada remained unharmed, signifying the triumph of faith and righteousness. This night, communities gather to perform rituals, sing, and dance around the fire, reflecting on the themes of purification, the end of winter, and the welcoming of spring.

The celebration transitions into its more exuberant form the next morning, known as "Rangwali Holi" or "Dhuleti". This day is a riot of colours, where social norms are relaxed, and people of all ages engage in playful battles with coloured powders and water. The use of water guns and water-filled balloons adds to the fun, making everyone fair game in this joyous celebration. The streets and homes resonate with the sounds of drums, dholaks, and folk songs, as groups move from one place to another, spreading cheer and camaraderie. This day emphasises community bonding, reconciliation, and the setting aside of past grievances. It's common for people to visit family and friends, share festive foods like gujiya, mathri, malpuas, and enjoy special drinks.

Furthermore, Holi's significance extends beyond just merriment. It's a festival that encourages social harmony, bridging social gaps and renewing relationships.  

How is Holi celebrated?

Holi celebrations are a riot of colours and joy that engulf India in a wave of euphoria. The atmosphere is electrifying as people of all ages come together in open spaces, dancing to the beat of traditional songs and indulging in mouthwatering festive delicacies. However, the hallmark of Holi is the playful and vibrant colour-throwing ritual. During this ritual, everyone becomes equal, covered in the same vibrant hues. It's a beautiful metaphor for unity and equality, where societal distinctions blur under the rainbow of colours.

How to wish a Happy Holi  

Expressing Holi greetings goes beyond mere words; it's about sharing the essence of happiness, unity, and festivity. As you exchange heartfelt wishes during this vibrant festival, you're embracing a rich cultural tradition that fosters closeness among people. Uttering "Happy Holi" is more than a greeting; it's an invitation to immerse oneself in the festival's lively and colourful spirit. Whether you're greeting someone face-to-face or sending your regards from a distance, these words are a way to partake in the communal joy and excitement that Holi symbolises. Here are some additional ways to wish a Happy Holi:

• "Wishing you a Holi filled with bright colours and joyful moments!"
• "May this Holi bring a spectrum of happiness to your life!"
• "Celebrate Holi with vibrant colours and joyful hearts!"
• "Happy Holi! May your life be as colourful as the Holi hues."
• "Embrace the joy of Holi and spread happiness everywhere!"

Each of these expressions captures the essence of Holi, allowing you to share in the festival's celebratory and uniting spirit. 

Where to Buy Holi Colours

If you want to buy Holi colours, you can find them in various stores and online marketplaces. Look for natural and eco-friendly colours to minimise the environmental impact. You can purchase Holi colours in powder form or as water-based colours. Make sure to choose trusted and reputable sellers to ensure the quality and safety of the colours.

Etiquette for Playing Holi

When celebrating Holi, it's important to follow certain etiquette and guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience:

• Consent: Always seek consent before applying colours to someone's face. Some people may prefer not to have colours applied to their faces or clothes.
• Respect Personal Space: Respect people's personal space and boundaries. Do not forcefully apply colours to anyone who is not willing to participate.
• Use Eco-Friendly Colours: Opt for natural and eco-friendly colours that are safe for the skin and the environment. Avoid using harmful chemical-based colours.
• Protect Your Eyes: Consider wearing sunglasses or protective eyewear to shield your eyes from colour powder. It's common for colour to accidentally get into the eyes during the festivities.
• Skin Protection: Apply a layer of oil or moisturiser on your skin before playing Holi. This can make it easier to wash off the colours later and protect your skin.
• Clothing: Wear old or designated Holi clothes that you don't mind getting stained. White clothing is a popular choice as it showcases the vibrant colours.
• Respect for Elders: Show respect to elders and senior members of the family or community. Apply colours to their feet as a sign of respect.
• Water Balloons and Pichkaris: If using water balloons or pichkaris (water guns), aim them below the waist to avoid causing discomfort to others.
• Cleanup: After the celebrations, make an effort to clean up the surroundings and dispose of colour responsibly. Avoid littering.

Remember that Holi is a festival of joy, love, and unity. Respect the preferences and comfort levels of others while celebrating, and ensure that the festivities remain safe and enjoyable for everyone involved. 
 

How to Protect your skin and eyes during Holi

What to Apply on Face Before Playing Holi: Apply a layer of coconut oil, almond oil, or a good quality moisturiser on your face, hair and any exposed skin before playing Holi. This can act as a protective barrier and make it easier to remove colour afterwards.

How to clean and remove Holi colours

Here are the answers to the questions related to Holi colours and their removal: 

• How to Remove Holi Colour from Face/Skin:  
  To remove Holi colour from your face and skin, follow these steps:
  • Avoid using harsh scrubbing or hot water.
  • Use a gentle, oil-based cleanser or baby oil to loosen the colour.
  • Gently massage the oil onto your skin and let it sit for a few minutes.
  • Rinse with lukewarm water and repeat if necessary.
  • Moisturise your skin afterwards to keep it hydrated.
     
• How to Remove Holi Colour from Hair:
  • Rinse your hair with cold water initially to remove loose colour.
  • Apply a mixture of yoghurt and lemon juice to your hair and scalp.
  • Allow it to sit for 20-30 minutes and then wash your hair with a mild shampoo.
  • If needed, repeat the process until the colour is completely gone.
     
• How to Remove Holi Colour from Hands and Nails:  
  To remove colour from hands and nails, you can use the same methods as for skin. Apply oil, gently rub, and rinse with lukewarm water. For nails, consider using a soft nail brush for better results.
   
• How to Clean Holi Colour from Clothes:
  • For clothes, soak them in cold water with mild detergent for a few hours.
  • Gently rub the stained areas without excessive force.
  • Wash the clothes in cold water, and if the colour persists, repeat the process.
  • Avoid using hot water as it can set the colour stains.

Remember to be gentle when removing Holi colours from your skin and clothes to avoid skin irritation or damage to the fabric. 

The Exuberance of Holi: Coming Together in a Celebration of Colours 

Holi, the vibrant Festival of Colours, is deeply embedded in the joy of unity and the celebration of togetherness. It's a time when the journey back to one's roots becomes a path laden with anticipation and excitement. The spirit of Holi flourishes in these reunions, where the act of coming together becomes as meaningful as the festival itself. Holi is emblematic of communal joy, where families and friends, often separated by the demands of life, converge to create memories. 

These gatherings are not merely social events; they are vibrant mosaics of laughter, stories, and affection. From the elders sharing tales and wisdom to the youngsters frolicking in hues of pink, green, and yellow, these assemblies weave a vibrant tapestry of love and mutual admiration. The essence of Holi is captured in these moments of togetherness, where everyone is immersed in colours, symbolising a melting pot of hearts and spirits. 

Traveling home for Holi is more than a mere physical journey; it is an emotional pilgrimage, a journey back to one's roots and shared joys. It's an opportunity to rekindle relationships, to relive and create traditions, and to fill homes with laughter, colour, and warmth. The jubilance of reuniting during Holi underscores the enduring vibrancy and warmth of familial and communal bonds, making it an integral and heartwarming part of the celebration. 

As people from different walks of life gather under the canopy of a colourful sky, Holi transcends its identity as a festival of colours; it becomes a celebration of returning home, in the most profound sense. 

FlixBus: Your Holi Festival Travel Partner

FlixBus stands out as a hallmark of ease and comfort during the lively Holi festival season. Our extensive network, covering major cities including Delhi, Jaipur, Lucknow, Varanasi, and more, ensures seamless connectivity. We shorten the distance between you and your cherished gatherings, making your trip as vibrant as the Holi celebrations themselves.

Why FlixBus is Ideal for Your Holi Excursions

• Ease and Versatility: Our intuitive booking system simplifies your travel planning. With a variety of schedules and diverse routes, FlixBus adapts to your unique travel requirements.
• Supreme Comfort: Our buses, boasting ample seating space and onboard facilities, guarantee a relaxed journey.
• Cost-Effective Travel: FlixBus presents attractive pricing, enhanced by special offers during Holi, aligning with your budget-friendly travel plans.
• Safety and Dependability: Your safety is our top priority. We adhere to rigorous health measures and dependable service, offering you tranquility throughout your journey.
• Sustainable Transportation: Embracing eco-friendly travel practices, FlixBus resonates with the environmentally conscious ethos of Holi, making your trip a choice that benefits the planet. 

Effortless Travel with FlixBus: Eliminate Packing Concerns

Traveling for Holi often raises packing dilemmas, particularly when bringing gifts and festive items. FlixBus alleviates these concerns. Catering to the Holi traveler, our generous baggage policy lets you carry all you need for the festivities without compromise.

Liberal Baggage Allowance  

Each FlixBus ticket includes a spot for one handbag and one larger baggage item. The handbag, ideal for essentials, fits conveniently in the overhead bin or under your seat. The larger baggage, perfect for your colourful Holi attire and gifts, is securely stored in the bus's cargo area. This policy is crafted to enhance your travel ease, freeing you from the worries of minimal packing.

Adaptable Options for Extra Baggage  

FlixBus acknowledges that Holi might require additional or oversized baggage – whether it's an extra bag of festive treats or larger items. For a small fee, you can add extra or special baggage to your booking, ensuring everything you need for Holi is with you. 

Our goal is to make your Holi travel as exhilarating and carefree as the festival itself. The flexibility of our baggage policy, combined with the comfort and reliability of our services, allows you to eagerly anticipate the celebrations, rather than fret over packing limitations. With FlixBus, your journey to the colourful festivities will be as enjoyable and hassle-free as the destination.

As you plan for Holi, remember that with FlixBus, there's always space for more joy and greater ease. We handle the journey, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in the Holi celebrations.