*** Holi in Mumbai ***

Hindu Festival of Colours

>> India // Mumbai / Holi Festival

Experiencing Holi in Mumbai:

Through an incredible stroke of luck, I found myself in Mumbai just in time for the vibrant Hindu festival of Holi. This joyous celebration marks the triumph of good over evil and the arrival of spring in India. Spanning two days, the festival begins with Holika Dahan, a night where people gather around bonfires to symbolize new beginnings and the burning away of the old. But it's the second day, Holi, that most people around the world recognize—the day when streets explode with color as people gleefully douse each other in bright powders, turning entire cities into a kaleidoscope of celebration.

We arrived just in time for the second day of celebrations, and as we made our way into Mumbai, the streets told their own vibrant story—bicycles, tuk-tuks, and sidewalks were coated in bursts of colorful powder, remnants of what had clearly been a fierce and joyful color war earlier.

Eager to find more of the festivities in full swing, we wandered through the side streets of South Mumbai, drawn in by the lingering energy of the celebration. Before long, we stumbled upon groups of revelers still dancing in the streets, their faces streaked in bright hues. The moment they spotted us—curious Westerners looking to join in—they lit up with excitement, pulling us into the heart of the festivities. Laughter, music, and a whirlwind of colors surrounded us as we took turns smearing vibrant powders on each other’s faces.

What struck me most wasn’t just the explosion of color but the warmth of the people. Every person we met was incredibly welcoming, eager to share the joy of the festival with us. It wasn’t just a celebration—it was an invitation, a moment of pure connection in the heart of Mumbai.

For anyone wishing to visit, Holi usually takes place in March, on the full moon day (Purnima) of the Hindu month of Phalguna. The exact date changes each year based on the lunar calendar, but it typically falls between late February and mid-March.

Latest Update: Mar. 2025