6 Exciting Ways To Celebrate Holi In NYC

Holi is a popular ancient Hindu festival, also known as the Festival of Love, the Festival of Colors, or the Festival of Spring. This exciting celebration has become known as India’s most vivid, joyous festival, often being celebrated by throwing around colored powder and water balloons. Though it originated in South Asia it has gained popularity across the world. Since this festival is celebrated today, March 18th, here are six exciting ways to celebrate Holi in NYC.

1. Enjoy a special menu at Brick Lane Curry House

On Friday, March 18th, Brick Lane Curry House will be offering a special colorfully-spiced menu for Holi. The menu will feature Indian specialties such as Holi Chaat, Trinidadian Doubles, Nilgiri Korma Curry, Zardha/Zafrani Berry Pulao, and Assorted Breads. There will also be a Trio of Lassis and some chilled Rice Pudding to finish off your meal. Click here to make a reservation.

Where: 79 2nd Ave, East Village

When: Friday, March 18th

2. Dine on delicious Indian-inspired Asian Fusion dishes at Wok in the Clouds

Spend Holi at Wok in the Clouds, a restaurant conceptualized by the Fine Indian Dining Group. Choose from a selection of delicious dishes including Tibetan MOMO, steamed chicken dumplings with onion and ginger, Szechuan Lamb, sliced thin lamb basked in a spicy Szechwan sauce, and Chicken Banh Mi. And don’t pass up on a Lychee Martini. Click here to make a reservation.

Where: 127 E 28th St., Kips Bay

When: Monday-Sunday 11:30a.m. – 11:30p.m.

3. Honor this colorful celebration at The Seaport’s Holi Festival

The Seaport is partnering with The Culture Tree, a NY-based organization that promotes cultural literacy about South Asia, to host a number of Holi festivities. For the kids, experience Colors of Krishna’s Love, an interactive puppet show highlighting one of the most beloved stories from Krishna’s childhood followed by a puppet making workshop for children. Then stick around for a colorful and vibrant dance performance inspired by a blend of Bollywood, folk, and semi-classical choreography, paired with popular Holi songs and followed by a dance lesson at 1p.m. For more info click here.

Where: The Corner – 25 Fulton St., Seaport

When: Saturday, March 19th at 12p.m.

4. Treat yourself to bright treats that look too good to eat!

Head to some of these tasty NYC restaurants that are serving up treats that look almost too good to eat. Check out SONA for a colorful Rainbow Sherbet with bright pops of color throughout, TAGMO for their mithai Holi collection featuring two of their crowd favorites, besan ladoo and thandai burfi or Junoon for 15 limited-edition handmade bon-bons in flavors such as pistachio buttercup and ginger hibiscus.

Where: SONA – 36 E 20th St., Flatiron / TAGMO – 226 Front St., Seaport / Junoon – 19 W 24th St., Flatiron

When: SONA – Friday, March 18th – Tuesday, March 22nd / TAGMO – Now through March 21st / Junoon – While supplies last

5. Enjoy a day of Bollywood dancing, live music, and more at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum

Head to the Brooklyn Children’s Museum for a day of fun filled with Bollywood dancing, delicious food, and live music. Be sure to wear white as the main event includes heading to the park and covering yourself in different colored powder. There are three different timed sessions you can choose from, and you can get more info here.

Where: 145 Brooklyn Ave.

When: Saturday, April 2nd

6. Dance the night away at Holi In The City: The Festival of Colors Party

Dress in white from head to toe and head to the biggest Holi Party on the East Coast to paint yourself in reds, yellows, greens, and pinks before dancing the night away. Enjoy food and drinks, including a fully-stocked cash bar, and celebrate happiness, love, and the freedom to live life vibrantly. Click here for more info and tickets.

Where: TailGate Outdoor Sports Bar – 86 North 11th St., Greenpoint

When: Sunday, April 3rd and Saturday, April 9th