You Should 1000000% Go to India for Holi
I recently got back from celebrating Holi on EF Ultimate Break’s India: Golden Triangle trip—and it was hands-down one of the most unforgettable travel moments of my life.
As a Market Development Manager at EF Ultimate Break, I create and launch new travel experiences, like this one, and getting to see them come to life—especially during moments as magical as Holi—is one of the most rewarding parts of my job.
Holi in India is a celebration unlike any other, something that needs to be experienced to be understood. If you Google “Holi,” you’ll come across many different explanations. Some will mention the mythological story of Holika, a tale that symbolizes how truth and light always prevail over evil. Others will describe it as a joyous welcome to spring, a time of renewal and new beginnings.
But for me, Holi is beyond explanation—it’s a feeling, an energy, a moment of pure, unfiltered joy that stays with you long after the colors (finally) fade.
The festival unfolds over two days every March. It begins with the Holika Dahan ceremony, a spiritual evening where communities across India gather around a neighborhood bonfire. People walk in circles around the fire, singing, chanting, and praying, each bringing something to toss into the flames—cow patties, corn, or personal tokens—symbolizing the release of grudges, regrets, and memories that no longer serve you.
Standing around the fire with dozens of others felt like a collective exhale, a moment of release and renewal you didn’t know you needed. Past differences are set aside, and the fire's energy charges everyone for the celebration and the new season ahead. I left the evening feeling cleansed and refreshed, lighter from whatever I’d let go.
The next day was Holi, and in Jaipur the energy was palpable from the moment we stepped out of the hotel. As we joined the crowds heading to the festivities, bursts of color filled the air. Laughter echoed through the streets as children sprayed us with water guns and strangers joyfully smeared powdered color across our faces. Every interaction came with a warm “Happy Holi!” and the feeling of being welcomed into something unforgettable.
The celebration EF Ultimate Break set up for us took place at Narain Niwas Palace, and from the moment we arrived we were swept up in the revelry. We walked through a beautiful courtyard decorated with marigolds draped and scattered around us, the air filled with the beats of traditional drums, the sound of trumpets, and the oontz oontz of a DJ set.
In the main courtyard, the celebration was in full swing. We were greeted by hugs from strangers—both locals and travelers—each smearing vibrant pink, orange, red, yellow, green, and blues powders on our faces, arms, and clothes. The rest of the afternoon was a beautiful blur of dancing, singing, water fights, jumping rope, and pure joy.
It’s hard to put Holi into words because it’s so much more than an event, it’s a whole vibe. When I look back on that day, I’ll of course remember the brilliant colors, but even more than that, I’ll remember the feelings: to be joyful, to be open, to be generous and kind. Holi is a celebration of life in its most vibrant, exuberant form—a reminder to connect, to let loose, to embrace the moment, and to find joy in the simplest of things.
From dancing and water fights to sharing smiles and hugs with total strangers, Holi reminded me of the power of collective joy. If you’re interested in experiencing it yourself, check out EF Ultimate Break’s Holi in India: The Golden Triangle trip.
