Significance of Holi
Holi is the ‘festival of colors’ and spring that we celebrate in different ways but with plenty of joyfulness, togetherness and love. This festival also marks the victory of good over evil, light over darkness and positivity over negativity. One of the most revered festivals of India, Holi is celebrated with joy and enthusiasm through the length and breadth of the country. This is also the day when people get together forgetting all their past resentments, begin their relationship in a new way or mend broken relationships. Thus, Holi is sometimes referred to as the ‘festival of love’ as well. This Hindu festival is celebrated over a day and night, starting in the evening of Full Moon Day or Purnima which is known as Choti Holi or Holika Dahan. The next day is Holi, which includes playing with color as a part of the festivities. Here, I am sharing 100 Holi Recipes that are made during this spring festival. From the most classic and traditional to the modern ones, these recipes can be easily scaled to feed a large group of people.
Holi Pan India
Holi is known by different names in different regions of India. For instance,
Lathmaar Holi in Vrindavan, Mathura, Barsana, Nandgaon, which are also places associated with Bhagwan Krishna and Holi Milan in other parts of Uttar Pradesh Rang Panchami or Shigma in Maharashtra Dulandi Holi in Haryana Hola Mohalla in Punjab Dol Yatra or Basant Utsav in Bengal Shigmo in Goa Kumaoni Holi in Uttarakhand Manjal Kuli in Kerala Yaosang or Yaoshang in Manipur
You will be surprised to know that despite of the ones mentioned above, there are many more ways of celebrating Holi within different communities in cities and villages. Though, each has their unique way of playing Holi, the spirit remains the same. The traditional food and drinks of Holi is what enhances the celebrations. As I list down my 100 Holi Recipes here, I’m sure you’ll be all set to plan your special menus of this vibrant day.
Eco-Friendly Holi
While playing Holi, it is always better to avoid chemical-based colors and play with plant-based or eco-friendly colors. Chemically processed colors are not only toxic, but also harm the skin and are difficult to wash and clean. You can also make your own natural colors at home from flowers, leaves, fruit peels or skin and other food ingredients. For example, marigold, turmeric powder, gram flour, pomegranate peels, beetroot, henna leaves, etc. are popularly used to make organic colors. A common trick which most of the people use to minimize the effect of the colors is to spread some mustard oil on their skin before going out to play Holi. This thin layer of oil on the skin later helps in getting rid of the color off the skin easily, without much rubbing.
About Holi Food
There are many quintessential snacks and sweets that are synonymous with this ‘festival of colors.’ Like no one can actually imagine Holi without delicious gujiyas and the lovely thandai. These are an absolute must on Holi, especially in North India. Some pre-planning is good to make things easy and time-saving, so that you can enjoy the day fully. Like for a samosa or kachori, you can prepare the filling or dough a day prior and refrigerate. Same for the thandai paste, which can be prepared a few days before the festival and refrigerated or frozen. You will find this essential list of Holi Recipes really helpful in planning your Holi menu. Some of these may not be authentic recipes, but still are great for your Holi party. You can do according to what works best for you by adapting the recipes with ingredients that are available in your city or town. The list features a variety of snacks, sweets and beverages that can be made at home. With this, here’s wishing everyone a Happy Holi. Celebrate this spirit of love, joy, warmth and deliciousness with your family and friends, but be safe.
Popular & Special Holi Food
This is the list of those traditional food dishes, without which Holi is definitely incomplete. Make one, make two or make all, the choice is yours.
Holi Snacks
Snacks are a significant part of Holi get togethers. There are many varieties of Indian snacks that are usually made during this festival. Here, I am also including some modern options that can bring a new twist to your menu of Holi snacks. This list is categorized into
Fried Snacks Pakoda Chaat and Street Food Sandwiches and Pizzas
For healthier options, make sandwiches with whole grain breads and pizzas with whole wheat crust and assorted vegetable toppings.
Fried Snacks
Pakoda
Chaat And Street Food
Sandwiches And Pizzas
Holi Sweets
Sweets are a must for any Indian festival, let alone be Holi. This is the list of some popular Indian sweets and desserts which will only level-up your Holi revelries.
Holi Drinks
Here you have a collection of both Indian and global non-alcoholic drinks that are perfect to beat the heat on Holi. These will also help you to rehydrate and instantly get energized after playing with colors. Beverages like Jaljeera and Nimbu Pani can be made a few days prior to the festival and refrigerated. For the Aam Panna, you can make the mango concentrate a couple of days earlier and refrigerate. This collection of Holi Food recipes from the blog archives first published in March 2020 has been updated and republished on March 2023.
