Holi 2025: The Colors of Celebration in Chandigarh

Holi, often celebrated as the festival of colors, is much more than just a vibrant spectacle—it is a celebration of togetherness, joy, and the bonds we share. Across India and even beyond its borders, Holi brings people closer, dissolving barriers of geography, language, and culture. From childhood nostalgia to unforgettable experiences in foreign lands, here’s how Holi continues to leave its mark on hearts around the world.

Dancing with Colors in Jakarta

For Aditi Srivastava, Holi has always been an emotion more than just a festival. Growing up in Uttar Pradesh, her family celebrated the festival with grand traditions—mornings filled with bursts of colors, the laughter of loved ones, and the rich aroma of gujiya, dahi bhalla, and thandai. However, her most unforgettable Holi was not in India but in Jakarta, Indonesia, in 2016.

Longing for the customs of home, Aditi and her husband, Sanjay, decided to celebrate in their backyard—smearing colors on each other, playing music, and dancing. Their celebration soon attracted the attention of other Indian families living nearby, who joined in, turning a simple moment into a full-fledged Holi gathering. Strangers became friends, bound by the spirit of Holi, proving that no matter where you are, the essence of the festival remains the same. To this day, Aditi and her husband remain connected with many of the people they met that day, reinforcing the power of Holi in bringing people together.

Holi Amongst Colleagues and Seniors

For Dr. Anuragini Gupta, a senior resident at Maulana Azad Medical College (MAMC) in New Delhi, Holi was an opportunity to bond with her faculty members and juniors. The day was marked with laughter, delicious gujiyas, jalebis, and sweets, allowing her to interact with colleagues beyond the hospital corridors. The celebration also served as a platform to advocate for playing Holi safely, ensuring that everyone could enjoy the festival without harm. This experience remains one of her fondest Holi memories, as it allowed her to build strong personal connections in her professional environment.

A Childhood Holi in Allahabad Cantt

Navneet Kaur Dhillon recalls her most memorable Holi celebrations in Allahabad Cantt, where she grew up in a disciplined yet joyous environment. With her father in the Army, Holi was a mix of traditional customs and playful mischief. The neighborhood would come alive with vibrant colors, music, and laughter. Sneaking in extra water balloons with friends, only to be caught and playfully scolded by elders, remains one of her favorite childhood memories.

Another unforgettable Holi for Navneet came in 2013, right after she won Femina Miss India. She celebrated the occasion with her team, immersed in colors and surrounded by love and laughter. It was a moment of immense gratitude, marking not only a festival but also a new chapter in her life.

The Essence of Holi: Food, Tradition, and Togetherness

Beyond colors and revelry, Holi is deeply intertwined with food and traditions. Across households, the festival is incomplete without gujiya, mathri, papri chaat, and dahi bhalla—staples that bring a nostalgic taste of home. For Navneet, her mother’s homemade gujiyas filled with coconut, khoya, and dry fruits remain an essential part of the celebration.

Holika Dahan, the ritual bonfire on the eve of Holi, symbolizes the victory of good over evil and is a moment of reflection and renewal. It is a time to let go of negativity and welcome positivity into life.

Looking Ahead: Holi 2025

As Holi 2025 approaches, many look forward to embracing the festival with organic colors, joyful gatherings, and traditional delicacies. For Navneet and many others, Holi is the perfect time to unwind and reconnect with loved ones despite busy schedules. Whether in India or abroad, the spirit of Holi transcends borders, reminding us that life, much like the festival, is meant to be celebrated in full color.

This year, as the colors fill the air and laughter echoes through the streets, Holi will once again prove its magic—bringing people together, creating lifelong memories, and spreading boundless joy.