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.
This year, the festival will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 25th. Here are some exciting ways to celebrate this festival in NYC.
1. Holi In The City: Festival of Colors Party
Attend one of NYC’s best Holi parties and the city’s only outdoor Festival of Colors party! BK Backyard Bar in Williamsburg is hosting a day full of amazing music, dancing, colorful powders, and food and drinks! Get your tickets to the Holi party here.
Where: 86 N 11th St, Brooklyn
When: March 24 & 30, 11 am – 5 pm
2. Holi Celebration at The Seaport
The Seaport is partnering with The Culture Tree, a NY-based organization that promotes cultural literacy about South Asia and the South Street Seaport Museum to host a number of Holi festivities. Kids can experience an interactive paintball mural, dance workshops, delicious tastings, art activities, a puppet show and, of course, colored powder! There will also be traditional Indian cuisine and festive shops and local businesses to support too! Learn more here.
Where: Seaport
When: March 23, 11 am – 1 pm
3. Celebrate Holi at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum
Head to the Brooklyn Children’s Museum for a day of fun filled with Holi-centered powder. In partnership with Ajna Dance Company and The Culture Tree, you can expect a day of art, dance, food, and music! Be sure to wear white as the main event includes heading to Brower Park and covering yourself in different colored powder! It’s happening from 10 am – 12:30 pm and you can learn more here.
Where: 145 Brooklyn Ave, Brooklyn
When: April 6
4. Celebrate Holi at NYPL
Author Anu Sehgal, founder of The Culture Tree, will read from her first book on Holi at the New York Public Library. This special bi-lingual (Hindi and English) book reading of Kahani Rangeeli will teach one of the ancient stories of Holi and how it is celebrated. This session will be a puppet storytime, where children will get to meet Krishna, Sudama and Radha, as puppets. Afterwards there will be an art making activity and Holi face painting. Learn more here.
Where: NYPL 53rd Street Library – 18 West 53rd St.
When: March 25, 4 pm – 5 pm
5. Holi at Gulaabo
One of our favorite Indian restaurants in NYC, Gulaabo is celebrating Holi this year in a few ways! Nt only will they be present at NYC’s Indian Street Food Festival from March 19 – 24, they’ll also be hosting a special Holi dinner that includes live Bollywood music from Dr. Avish Jain. Learn more here.
Where: 250 W 47th St