Holi, the vibrant Hindu festival of colors, is not just a celebration of the arrival of spring but also a time for togetherness, joy, and spreading love. It’s a festival eagerly awaited by both children and adults alike. If you’re in Des Moines and want to immerse your family in the spirit of Holi, there are plenty of ways to do so while creating lasting memories with your little ones.
Discover additional ways to create seasonal memories this year in our Spring Fun Guide and our Event Calendar.
Here’s a guide to help you navigate through the Holi festivities and make the most out of this colorful occasion:
Gain a Deeper Understanding of the Holi Celebration
The festival of Holi is a vibrant two-day celebration that holds deep cultural significance. Signifying the victory of good over evil, it marks the arrival of spring and the end of winter while also heralding the onset of a bountiful spring harvest. This Indian festival, known as the Festival of Colors, is eagerly awaited each year and celebrated with grandeur. In 2024, Holi falls on Monday, March 25th, according to the Hindu calendar. People come together to smear each other with colored powders, dance to lively music, enjoy festive foods, and exchange warm wishes. For families, it’s a time to bond, indulge in playful activities, and create beautiful memories.
Make Colored Holi Powders
Many of the festivities and crafts during Holi involve the use of colored powder, which can be applied dry or mixed with water for a more vibrant effect. While ready-made powders are readily available for purchase, creating your own can be a fun and engaging activity for the whole family. Encourage your kids to participate in making their own colorful powders using simple ingredients like cornstarch and food coloring. Not only does this activity add to the excitement of the celebration, but it also offers children a deeper understanding of the essence of the festival. If you’re looking for guidance on making colorful Holi powder, resources like Little Passports provide easy-to-follow directions to get you started on this creative endeavor.
Celebrate Holi with Colorful Painting Activities
Painting and color play a significant role in the festivities of Holi. Children can partake in various painting activities that embrace the spirit of this vibrant festival. One enjoyable activity involves gathering a variety of colored tempera paints and a few paintbrushes. Encourage your kids to dip their hands in the paint and stamp colorful handprints on white paper or poster board. Once they’re done, these handprint creations make fantastic Holi decorations, ideal for capturing memorable photo opportunities.
Ignite the Spirit of Holi with Festive Flames
Bonfires hold a significant place in the heart of Holi celebrations, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. In certain regions of India, it’s customary to burn an effigy of Holika, signifying the victory of righteousness over malevolence. This tradition fosters a sense of unity and renewal among communities. To incorporate this element into your Holi festivities, consider organizing a family bonfire. Gather around the fire, share stories, sing songs, and bask in the warmth of togetherness. For added fun, you can roast marshmallows, prepare traditional snacks, or even engage in storytelling sessions centered around the festival’s rich mythology. It’s a wonderful way to honor tradition while creating cherished memories with loved ones.
Explore Local Indian Grocers and Restaurants
For those looking to immerse themselves fully in the flavors of Holi, Des Moines offers a variety of Indian grocers and restaurants to explore. Head to local Indian grocers where you can find an array of colorful spices, sweets, and specialty ingredients essential for preparing traditional Holi dishes. These stores often stock everything from vibrant powders for color play to ingredients for mouthwatering Indian delicacies. Additionally, Des Moines boasts several Indian restaurants where families can indulge in authentic Holi feasts. From savory chaats to delectable sweets like gulab jamun and jalebi, these eateries offer a taste of India’s rich culinary heritage. Whether you’re planning a festive meal at home or seeking to savor the flavors of Holi without the hassle of cooking, Des Moines’ Indian grocers and restaurants have you covered.
Attend a Local Holi Event
Holi at the Hindu Temple Cultural Center
The Hindu Temple and Cultural Center of Iowa located at 33916 155th Lane in Madrid, IA, is hosting a vibrant celebration of Holi on March 24th from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm. Experience the joy and festivities of this Hindu festival with activities such as the Holi fire, color throwing, dancing, and delicious food! As a gesture of respect, please remember to remove your shoes upon entering the temple building, and kindly refrain from taking photos inside. Don’t forget to bring cash if you’d like to purchase lunch during the event. Keep in mind that the colors used during the celebration may stain clothing, so dress accordingly for both the weather and the colorful mess! This event promises to be a delightful cultural experience for all attendees.
Holi: Celebration of Colors and Spring
Polk County Conservation invites you to join them for a day of new beginnings. This program offers an opportunity to delve into the rich history of Holi, partake in hands-on activities to welcome the arrival of spring, and engage in colorful cultural festivities sure to bring a smile to your face. The event is scheduled for March 24, 2024, with two sessions available: the first from 12:30 to 2:00 pm and the second from 2:30 to 4:00 pm. Registration is required, and the deadline is March 22, 2024. This event is free of charge, and individuals of all ages are welcome to participate.
