Holi 2025: Date, Rituals & 5 Traditional Foods That Make the Festival Special

The streets are alive with laughter. The air is thick with the scent of gulal and the sweet aroma of festive delicacies. Children run around with water balloons, their hands smeared in hues of red, yellow, and green. Elders sip on thandai, reminiscing about the Holi celebrations of their youth. It’s that time of the year again—Holi 2025 is here!

Holi 2025 Date & Shubh Muhurat

This year, the festival of colors will be celebrated on:

• Holika Dahan (Chhoti Holi): Thursday, March 13, 2025
• Rangwali Holi: Friday, March 14, 2025
• Holika Dahan Timing: 06:24 PM – 09:02 PM (Subject to change based on location)

As the sun sets on March 13, 2025, people will gather for Holika Dahan, lighting bonfires that symbolize the victory of good over evil. The flickering flames will tell the age-old story of Prahlad and Holika, reminding everyone that faith and righteousness always triumph.

The next morning, on March 14, 2025, the real celebration begins—Rangwali Holi! Streets will burst into a riot of colors as people smear gulal on each other, splash water, and dance to the beats of dhol. This is a day of joy, unity, and togetherness, where age, caste, and social differences melt away in a cloud of bright hues.

Holi Rituals and Traditions

1. Holika Dahan: The night before Holi, people light a bonfire to mark the victory of good over evil.
2. Playing with Colors: On Holi morning, people apply organic gulal and throw water balloons in celebration.
3. Traditional Drinks & Bhang: In some regions, people drink bhang-infused thandai, adding an extra festive spirit to the occasion.
4. Feasting & Family Gatherings: Homes are filled with Holi sweets and snacks, bringing families and friends together.

5 Traditional Holi Foods That Make the Festival Special

Holi is not just a festival of colors—it’s a festival of joy, togetherness, and of course, delicious food! As gulal fills the air and laughter echoes in the streets, homes come alive with the sweet aroma of festive treats. Some dishes are so special that Holi feels incomplete without them. Let’s take a journey through five traditional Holi foods that add flavor to this colorful celebration.

Gujiya – The Sweet Delight of Holi

As Holi approaches, every Indian kitchen is filled with the fragrance of golden, crispy gujiyas. These half-moon-shaped dumplings are stuffed with sweet khoya (mawa), dry fruits, and coconut, then deep-fried and dipped in sugar syrup. Whether you love the classic Mawa Gujiya or the modern chocolate-filled version, this sweet treat is a must-have for Holi celebrations. Families come together to prepare gujiyas, sharing stories and laughter as they fold the delicate edges of each one with love. 

Also Read: Holi Special Gujiya Recipe 

Thandai – The Ultimate Holi Drink

Holi is incomplete without a glass of chilled thandai! This refreshing drink, made with milk, almonds, saffron, and aromatic spices, is a festival favorite. Some even add bhang (a cannabis-based ingredient) for extra fun. Served in earthen pots or steel glasses, thandai is perfect for beating the heat after a long day of playing with colors. The first sip is like a burst of flavors—cooling, nutty, and slightly sweet, making it the perfect Holi drink.

Also Read: Holi Special Drink Thandai Recipe 

Dahi Bhalla – The Perfect Festive Snack

After all the color fights and dancing, nothing tastes better than a plate of Dahi Bhalla. These soft, fluffy lentil dumplings are soaked in creamy yogurt and topped with sweet tamarind chutney, spicy green chutney, and a sprinkle of chaat masala. The combination of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors makes every bite a delightful experience. It’s a must-have for every Holi party, and the best part is—everyone fights over the last piece!

Also Read: Holi Special Dahi Bhalla Recipe 

Malpua – A Crispy, Syrupy Treat

Holi brings with it the joy of malpuas, a crispy pancake-like sweet soaked in sugar syrup. Made with flour, milk, and cardamom, these golden delights are deep-fried until crispy on the edges and soft in the center. Some love to pair it with rabri (thickened sweet milk) for extra indulgence. In many homes, the smell of frying malpuas signals the arrival of Holi, as grandmothers and mothers prepare them with love and patience.

Also Read; Holi Special Malpua Recipe 

Puran Poli – The Maharashtrian Holi Special

In Maharashtra, Holi is incomplete without Puran Poli—a soft, stuffed flatbread made with jaggery and lentils. Cooked on a tawa with ghee, this sweet delight melts in the mouth. It’s served with a dollop of butter or warm milk, making it an irresistible treat. Families gather around the kitchen, rolling and stuffing the dough while sharing memories of past Holi celebrations.

Also Read: Maharashtra Special Puran Poli Recipe 

Holi 2025 – A Celebration of Colors, Love & Food!

As Holi approaches, let’s prepare to celebrate with colors, music, laughter, and delicious Holi special recipes. Whether you're dancing to Bollywood beats or enjoying a plate of gujiya, Holi is about spreading happiness.

Wishing you a joyful, safe, and color-filled Holi 2025!