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Time to spill some tea: Pride is *not* the world’s most colourful celebration. That honour belongs to Holi, the Hindu Festival of Spring. Colour us impressed, so we’re heading there in the new year. The celebration marks the climax of nearly two weeks touring Rajasthan – here are five things to know about the festivities.

1. Things kick off the night before.

Holika Dahan is a purification ritual celebrated around bonfires on the eve of Holi. People dance and sing to bid conflicts and bad energy farewell.

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Holika Dahan

2. Cannabis cocktails are customary.

FYI, one of Holi Festival’s most popular libations is quite infused with marijuana. If somebody offers you a ‘bhang,’ it’s not a sexual proposition, but it may blow your hair back.

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In India, every colour has meaning. For example, red is the colour of love and fertility.

3. It’s all about colour.

Imagine a city-wide battle starring giant clouds of colour.  Traditionally made with natural dyes such as turmeric, most of today’s powders are synthetic.

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Most of the powder used today is synthetic.

4. Everyone gets involved

Like Pride, one thing we love about Holi is how everyone joins the celebration. Once the colour starts to fly, anyone is fair game.

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Holi Festival originated in India; however, it is now celebrated all over the world. This photo was taken during a Holi Festival in the U.S.A.

5. There’s an after-party obviously.

As fun as the fight is, winding down with friends and relatives is also part of the ritual. Since Holi also marks the end of our trip, we’ll scrub down and dress up for an extra-festive Farewell Dinner on the terrace of Shiv Niwas Palace.

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We’ve planned an exceptional farewell dinner at Shive Niwas Palace

Join Out Adventures on our Holi Festival Foray through India.

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