Attend the Holi Festival, India
Holi welcomes spring across India with coloured powder, water, music, food and exuberant social play, rooted in regional Hindu traditions and stories including Radha and Krishna and the eve-of-Holi bonfire. There is no single national version: celebrations in a family courtyard, temple town, hotel or organised public event can feel very different, so choose the setting as carefully as the destination. Confirm the lunar date, local programme and etiquette through official tourism information and a trusted host or operator. From the UK, check India's entry rules, FCDO regional advice, vaccinations and insurance before booking. Reserve transport and accommodation early, plan a secure route back in daylight where possible and avoid demonstrations or unmanaged crushes; official advice notes that deadly stampedes have occurred at large gatherings. Wear modest old clothes, closed shoes and eye protection if appropriate, protect phones and medication and use clearly labelled colours from a reliable source. Ask before applying colour: Holi's playfulness does not cancel consent, and nobody owes strangers physical contact, water, alcohol or bhang. Stay with trusted companions, keep drinks under control and leave any crowd where harassment, panic, restricted exits or dangerous throwing begins. Learn the local meaning before joining, respect temples and private homes and photograph people only with permission. Keep powder away from animals, waterways and anybody who opts out. Completion is participating respectfully in one genuine Holi celebration in India, sharing colour by consent and returning safely—not finding the largest street battle, drinking intoxicants, staining every item you own or treating a religious and family festival as a costume backdrop.