Take part in two of India’s most lively festivals: Holi and Diwali
Without a doubt, India is known for hosting some of the most unique and colourful festivals in the world. These celebrations, which have remained virtually unchanged for thousands of years, offer a glimpse into the country’s rich history and culture. In particular, two of India’s most famous festivals are of Hindu origin and are an utter delight to people from all around the world due to the celebrations’ extraordinary explosions of light and colour.
Holi: The Festival of Colour
Imagine standing in a sea of people dressed entirely in white watching thousands of hands simultaneously release a special pigmented powder into the air. Green for harmony, orange for optimism, blue for vitality, and red for happiness and love are tossed about in this incredible Hindu festival of colour and joy.
Holi is a time where old and young, rich and poor come together to meet new people, forgive and forget past deeds, and restore relationships. This celebration marks the end of the dark winter while welcoming in the vibrant spring and typically falls between the end of February and middle of March. It is a day where the world bursts back to life in a sea of colour and love.
In 2017, Holi will be celebrated on 13 March.
Diwali: The Festival of Light
Diwali is the extraordinary ‘festival of light’ celebrating the coming of the New Year for five days and often held between mid-October and mid-November.
Flickering candles are set in front of doors and windows, softly glowing lanterns hang from ceilings and pavilions, and exploding fireworks light up the night sky. Celebrated by practicing Hindus to honour the time of Lord Rama’s conquest of ‘light over darkness, good over evil, knowledge over ignorance and hope over despair’, it’s easy to become enchanted by the radiant lights and merriment that fill the streets.
In 2017, Diwali falls on 19 October.
Experience Holi and Diwali in style with a stay at one of the country’s most exclusive sanctuaries, such as the lush Summer Villa in Goa or the ultra-luxe heritage hideaway of Talabgaon Castle outside of Jaipur.
