By Pradip Jain
Holi, one of the most vibrant and joyful festivals in India, celebrates the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil. Known as the "Festival of Colors," Holi is observed with immense enthusiasm, bringing people together regardless of age, caste, or religion. The festival is celebrated at the approach of the vernal equinox, on the Phalguna Purnima (full moon). The festival date varies every year, as per the Hindu calendar, and typically comes in March, sometimes February in the Gregorian Calendar.
The legends of Holi: Prahlad and Holika - a testament to faith and devotion.
The festivities begin with Holika Dahan on the eve of Holi, where bonfires are lit to symbolize the triumph of good, based on the mythological story of god-loving prince Prahlad's faith defeating the evil Holika. On the following day, known as Rangwali Holi, people smear each other with bright, colored powders, drench in water, and share sweets like Gujiya and Thandai. It is a day of laughter, music, and camaraderie.
An India Post special cover of ‘Lathmaar Holi.
Lathmaar Holi takes place days before the actual Holi in the neighboring towns of Barsana and Nandgaon near Mathura in Uttar Pradesh state, where thousands of Hindus and tourists congregate each year.
A Guyana Phagwah stamp showing Lord Krishna playing Holi with Radha and gopis, and a Guyana Phagwah (Holi) stamp and First Day Cover, issued on February 26, 1969.
Besides India, it is celebrated in many parts of the world with unique traditions like Nepal where it is celebrated as Fagu Purnima, and it is a major festival, marked by colors, music, and feasting. In Mauritius, Holi is celebrated with great enthusiasm and a national holiday.
The South American nation of Guyana issued a series of stamps in 1969 dedicated to Holi, also known as Phagwah in Bhojpuri. These stamps depicted Lord Krishna celebrating the festival of colors with gopis (cowherd women devoted to Lord Krishna). This is a fascinating example of how cultural celebrations transcend borders, as Guyana has a significant Indian diaspora that cherishes such traditions.
Uruguay 2025 Holi theme postmark cover.
In other countries like USA, Canada, UK, Germany, Netherland, Spain, Kenya, Tanzania etc. Holi events are organized in cities with large Indian communities, often as cultural festivals.
India–Israel and Israel-India joint stamp issued on February 11, 2025.
In 2025, Israel and India collaborated on a joint postage stamp to celebrate the festivals of Holi and Purim. This stamp was released on February 11, 2025, symbolizing the cultural ties between the two nations.
The 2025 India–Israel joint stamp First Day Cover.
The joint stamp, designed on the theme of Purim and Holi, is indicative of the ideological similarities between the two societies. Purim is the Jewish festival commemorating the survival of the Jews due to the efforts of Esther against the diabolical plot of Haman, the chief minister of the Persian King Ahaseurus, to annihilate them in the Persian empire. Holi is a Hindu festival commemorating the survival of Prahlad from the diabolical plan of his father Hiranyakashyap, who plotted with his sister Holika to murder Prahlad.
Holi is not only a celebration of colors but also a reminder of the power of unity, love, and renewal. The festival has transcended borders, spreading its vibrant spirit to countries across the world.
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(All photos courtesy of the author)
Pradip Jain is a well-known philatelist with several Gold Medals in international philately to his credit. His book, Mahatma Gandhi Memorial issues of 1948, was published in 2015. Contact: [email protected]
