Introduction

Every year, Hindus and Indians eagerly await the Holi festival (sometimes affectionately called the Festival of Colours). It marks the end of winter and the start of spring — a time of new beginnings and rebirth!

Whether with family or colleagues, we know you can't wait to spend this special holiday on fun and memorable activities. Here are some amazing Holi celebration ideas that give everyone a blast.

Why Do Indians Celebrate Holi?

Holi signals the start of Indian spring when everyone bids farewell to the chilly winter and welcomes love in the air. It's also the time to pray for a bountiful spring harvest!

This festival kicks off on Purnima evening (Full Moon Day), usually in the Phalguna month of the Hindu calendar (and around mid-March of the Gregorian calendar). 

The celebration lasts from the first evening to the next day. That very first evening is called Chhoti Holi or Holika Dahan. Meanwhile, the next celebration day is known by many different names, such as Holi, Dol Purnima, Rajawali, Dhulandi, Manjal Kuli, Kuli, Shigmo, Yaosang, Jajiri, or Phagwah.

Top 10 Holi Celebration Ideas For Families

1. Making Coloured Powder

Many Holi games need coloured powder (Image source: Pexels). 

Many crafts and games organised during Holi need coloured powder. You can use it dry or mix it with water! While coloured bath bombs or pre-made powders are always available, making your own is another option (and much more fun, too!) 

Let us tell you how:

  • First, mix flour (1 cup) with water (½ cup) until it forms a nice, thick paste. Then, add your favourite food colouring.
  • Shape this paste into a small ball. After that, flatten it into a smooth disk using your rolling pin. Leave the disk to dry overnight.
  • Use your coffee grinder to crush it back into powder.

And that's it! 

2. Straw Painting Holi Cards

Straw painting is one of activities for Holi (Image source: My Little Moppet)

Want to find a simple, fun activity for all children? Let's go blow painting!

You'll need construction paper (preferably white), liquid watercolour, and plastic straws. Use the straw to blow a small amount of paint onto the paper. 

Our tip: Cut the straws in halves for better, more effective blowing action. Repeat the process above with different colours!

3. Holi Colouring Fun

Are you seeking calm Holi activities? Then consider printing out some Holi colouring pages online or getting a Holi-themed colouring book. Lay them out on a dining table, then grab coloured pencils, markers, crayons, or any other colouring tools you have. It's time to relax! 

4. Balloon Stomping Game

Let’s get everyone to stomp to their victory! (Image source: Flickr). 

Fill several balloons with coloured Holi powder and air. Then, let your guests stomp through to the end line. 

The first person to tramp all their balloons will win the game!

5. Holi-themed Scavenger Hunt

Why not get into the festive spirit with a fun scavenger hunt? 

For example, participants must hunt down five green items, six red items, etc. The first person to spot all the items will win a prize! 

6. Toothbrush Painting

To prepare for this artistic project, gather some construction paper (white, of course), paint (or water mixed with food colouring), and old toothbrushes.

Pour the paint on your paper plate, dip the old toothbrush, and flick that paint onto the canvas using your forefinger and thumb. Repeat with other colours to create your own Picasso-inspired masterpiece!

7. Marble Painting

Trust us; no other art activity is as quick yet enjoyable as marble painting. Gather some marbles, then grab a cardboard box (a shallow one should do) and put a paper piece inside. Dip the marbles in paint and drop them inside the box, too.

Now, tilt the box left and right to roll the marbles around. That's how you create colourful, unique artwork! 

8. Holi-inspired Obstacle Course

Set up an obstacle course in the backyard where everyone can dash from one station to another. Some fun tasks could include:

  • Eating sweet treats
  • Hitting targets with water guns
  • Colour running
  • Bhangra dancing (everyone must perform a quick Bhangra routine before moving on to the next obstacle)
  • etc.

The fastest person to complete this obstacle course wins!

9. Water Balloon Battle

Get ready for an epic water balloon battle! (Image source: Flickr). 

Use coloured water to fill several water balloons and tie them up. 

Don't forget to wear light-coloured clothes so everyone can see all the rainbow splashes. Now, round up your family members and jump into an epic water balloon battle for some refreshing Holi fun!

10. Drink Guessing Game

Fill the cups with different drinks and blindfold your contestants; they must taste each drink, and guess what it is! Make sure to include a variety of flavours to increase the difficulty level, like sour pickle juices or dark chocolate milk.

Bonus: Best Holi Celebration Ideas At Workplace

1. Holi Celebration With Handprints

We all want to leave our mark on this world, whether at work or in our personal lives. Why not create beautiful handprint art with your team during Holi festivities, then? Gather everyone before a large canvas or wall, dip your hands in different paint colours, and let the creativity flow! 

It's a surefire way to bring laughter and joy to your workplace and create lasting memories together. Plus, you can also add a vibrant touch to the office decor!

2. Musical Chairs Of Fun

Kids and adults alike LOVE Musical Chairs! Bringing this classic game into the workplace is a fantastic way to make the most of this festival with your team. 

Use office chairs as the props and get everyone moving to the music. You can even play Holi songs ("Balam Pichkari," for example) to add some festive touches to the game! 

3. Bollywood Movie Night

Who doesn't love a good movie? But with the usual nine-to-five grind, finding time for it isn’t easy for everyone; that's why hosting a Bollywood film fest at the office during Holi is a brilliant idea. 

Conclusion

Nobody in their right mind would want to stay cooped up at home during the Holi festival; it's time to get out there and have fun with your loved ones! 

We have discussed some awesome Holi celebration ideas for you to try out. If you have any other suggestions, feel free to share them with us in the comments below. Let's make this Holi unforgettable!