The Hindu Festival of Holi, often referred to as the Festival of Colors, celebrates the arrival of spring. It is a sensory delight featuring food, music, art, and, notably, the traditional throwing of colored powders. According to history.com, this festival has origins that trace back to the 4th century, with the color-throwing act serving as a means to unite the community, mending past grievances and inviting new blessings. The colors have significant meanings: red represents love and fertility, yellow denotes prosperity and new beginnings, blue is linked to the divine Krishna, and green signifies life's renewal along with the advent of spring.
As with any great celebration, food plays a crucial role here as well. Sweet delicacies, such as gulab jamun, and traditional beverages like thandai (also known as rose lassi) are enjoyed, highlighting the sweetness of life and encouraging abundance, all while fitting seamlessly into the festive atmosphere.
This year, Holi is on March 14, and if you wish to immerse yourself in the Holi spirit, several venues in Beijing are hosting celebrations this weekend.
**Holi Party and Lunch Buffet at Taj Mahal**
If you’re in Shunyi, visit the Taj Mahal in ID City for an authentic Holi celebration featuring a buffet, unlimited drinks, music, and a few surprises. This event will take place on Saturday, March 15, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets are priced at RMB 168 for adults and RMB 78 for children under 10. Reservations can be made by scanning the QR code on the poster above.
**Location:** Taj Mahal, 106, 1/F Bldg 21, ID City, 7 Anning Jie, Shunyi District (顺义区安宁街7号院21号楼底商106)
**Biggest Holi Festival in Beijing**
For those in Chaoyang, Beijing Indians will be organizing a Holi festival at Zui Ku Garden. This celebration will occur on Saturday, March 15, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and will feature an Indian lunch buffet, free soft drinks, performances, prizes, a live DJ, and more. Tickets cost RMB 220 for adults in advance, RMB 270 at the door, RMB 110 for children aged 7-12, and free for those under 7. Tickets can be purchased by scanning the QR code on the poster above.
**Location:** Zui Ku Garden Restaurant, 8A Caochangdi Village, Chaoyang District (朝阳区草场地村甲8号醉库庄园花园餐厅)
**Sacred Colors, Sacred Love: Bhakti Yoga & Holi at The Box**
On Sunday, March 16, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., there will be a special Bhakti Yoga and Holi event on the rooftop of The Box. This event will feature a yoga class, snacks from Punjabi Restaurant, and live music from Rhythms of Joy, a Beijing-based band focused on kirtan, the sacred art of devotional music. Tickets for Sacred Colors, Sacred Love: Bhakti Yoga & Holi are available for RMB 198 and can be bought by scanning the QR code below. More details about the event can be found here.
**Location:** The Box Rooftop, L5, The Box, 12 Chaoyangmenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District (朝阳区朝阳门外大街12号 THE BOX年轻力中心L5)
No matter how you decide to celebrate, we wish you a colorful Holi filled with hope and love. Welcome, spring!
**READ:** Vibrant Spring Fair Vasant Mela Returns to Beijing on March 22
*Images: Unsplash, courtesy of the venues*
This year, Holi is celebrated on March 14, and if you want to immerse yourself in the Holi spirit, here are some venues to join in the festivities.