Eight Countries where Holi is celebrated

This is that time of the year when Holi celebrations all over India is at its peak. People smearing colours on each other’s face and exchanging Holi greetings; kids throwing gubbarre on each other and spraying colours on others with their waterjets- this is the situation where you can see when you visit each state of India. But did you know that a somewhat similar situation exists even outside the country?

Yes, you are right. I am talking  about the celebrations of Holi outside India. You will be amazed to know that this festival is celebrated with equal fervor in some countries other than India too. Take a look below and know how is holi celebrated in these countries.

Guyana: Holi is known by the name of ‘Phagwa’ here. The festival kicks off after planting a castor oil plant known as Holika. Chowtaals which are special holi songs, are sung by people in groups. Since, Hindus constitute about 33% of the population here, Holi is declared as a national holiday in the Guyana.

Mauritius: The country may be famous for its exotic beaches, but when it comes to Holi celebration, it leaves behind all other countries in the world. With an Indian population of 63%, people here celebrate this grand Indian festival by exchanging sweets and putting coloured tikkas on each other’s forehead. The festival also marks the beginning of Spring season here.

Pakistan: The festival might not be as big as it is in India, but it is celebrated by following all the Hindu rituals. Lahore and Sindh region have the maximum Indian population and hence people here flock at the Hindu temples and offer sweets in the form of Dahi Badas and Gujiyas to all the deities.

South Africa: One million Indians reside in South Africa and the majority of the population is Gujarati. Even in a conflict infested country like Africa, the celebration of Holi is an effort to bring together people of all religion and celebrate the festival.

Surinam: You might not have heard the name of the country to often. It is located in the north-eastern Atlantic Coast of South America. Indians, mostly from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh have migrated to this country. Here, Holi is celebrated here to commemorate the victory of good over evil by burning an effigy of Holika.

Trinidad and Tobago: It might be a tiny island, but when it comes to celebrating Holi, it is really big. This festival was started in the year 1845, when a large group of workers migrated to the country.

United Kingdom: Leicester City is a place in the United Kingdom, where Holi is celebrated in a quintessential Indian style. People throw colours at each other, eat sweets and visit the homes of the family members. Even here, Holi is a national holiday.

USA: Dance performances from Bollywood stars, musical concerts by top Indian rock groups and fashion shows are a catalyst which increases the excitement and adds to the excitement of the festival. Visiting New York won’t make you feel as if you are away from India.