What is Holi?
Holi is the ancient Hindu Festival of Color, also known as the Festival of Love. Holi celebrates the coming of spring and the rebirth of nature. Sounds of drums resonate through all streets in India as people sing, dance and throw color on their families and friends. Kids throw water filled balloons on unsuspecting neighbors and everyone is fair game, friend or stranger, rich or poor, children and elders. The color play occurs in communities, open streets, parks and temples. Friends & families meet to color each other as a symbol of love. This is also a day to forgive and mend broken relationships. Ladies prepare snacks like gujiya, malpua and other vegetarian delicacies. Men make bhang, a sweet intoxicating drink made with milk, sugar, cinnamon, and special herbs. A Holika bonfire is lit and people gather around to pray that their internal evils be destroyed as the bonfire starts. It is an tradition to offer coconuts and corn in the bonfire as the Hindu priest performs a prayer to bless everyone present at Holi regardless of their religion, caste or origin. In color we are ONE !
What is a Holi Mela?
Mela means Festival in Hindi. HOUSTON HOLI 2025 (also referred to as HOLI MELA or HOLI FESTIVAL or FESTIVAL OF COLORS) is the largest celebration of HOLI in USA. Festival highlights include all day color play, amazing Indian Classical and Bollywood dance performances, Foam Dance Party, FREE Kids Carnival Rides, and ceremonial HOLI Pragitya (HOLI Bonfire Lighting). The festival will be teaming with Indian merchandise and delicious street food festival.
When is Houston Holi?
Houston Holi is happening on Mar 1 2025
Where is Houston Holi?
Houston Holi will be held at the BH Ranch(14149 Player St, Houston, TX 77045.)
Who can attend Houston Holi?
EVERYONE IS WELCOME! This is a Family Friendly event with special activities for Adults, Teens, and Kids. Everyone is welcome to bring their friends and families. Usually the attendance is 60% Indo-Americans and 40% Mainstream Houstonians.
What is the featured attraction?
The main attraction is the carefree throwing of color powder on each other, with occasional water guns bursts and a rare full water dunking by mischievous Holi Revelers. This is a Mela (Festival), so there is a variety of featured attractions taking place at the same time throughout the event. Street Foods Vendors will open at 12:00 PM. The Main Stage will feature Bollywood & Cultural Dances & a Finale Concert featuring a popular South Asian artist. Other attractions include DJ Party Booths, Sponsor giveaways, Giant Kids Rides, and so much more!
What is the entrance charge or parking fee?
Ticket prices $15.00 individual, $12.50 each for family pack(4 tickets), Group Tickets $10.00 each(minimum group of 10 people). There are usually long lines to buy tickets at the door. To avoid lines at the door, we urge you to buy your tickets in advance online on https://www.houstonholi.com/tickets/.
Is there a dress code?
Yes. Dress Code is WHITE but you can wear casual clothing that you would not mind getting colored. As this is an outdoor event dress appropriately for the weather. SUNBLOCK is highly recommended.
Who is organizing Houston Holi?
This Festival is a huge community effort, spear-headed by Sandhya Thakkar of Masala Radio, Houston’s Bollywood Radio Station with the financial support of many sponsors. Our title sponsors for this year are
Will there be entertainment for kids?
Yes, every year we have kids Activities & Rides FREE for kids of all ages.
Will there be security at the event?
Yes, Traffic Control and General Security is provided by Sugar Land Police and there is private security throughout the event. This is a family friendly, non-alcohol event; however, exercise common sense – do not leave your young children unattended and do not leave valuables in your car. Park only in designated areas or you car will be towed. Bring old towels and leave in your car to wipe excess color off and to protect your car seats.
What if it rains?
If it is projected to rain on the new date, it will held on the following date Mar 2 2025.
Can I bring my own food to this event?
No, outside food is not allowed in the event premises. It is highly recommend that you sample the Indian Street Food & beverages by local Indian Restaurants serving delicious vegetarian food at reasonable prices.
What type of food is sold at the event?
Indian Street Foods freshly made on site include Samosa Chat, Pav Bhaji, Vada Pav, Chole Bature, Pani Puri, Bhel Puri, Dosas, Idlis, Cookies, Brownies, Masala Sodas, Ice Cream, Kulfi’s, Faloodas, and so much more! If you plan it correctly you can eat a different regional cuisine or dessert every hour!
Is alcohol permitted at the event?
No. Houston Holi is family friendly event and a Hindu celebration – Alcohol is not permitted. alcohol cannot be brought in, consumed, or sold at Holi. With so much music, joy & color, we assure you will not miss alcohol.
May I bring a camera to take pictures?
Yes! For personal use only, you can shoot to your heart’s delight and post to #houstonholi2024! You’re welcome to post your pictures/videos to our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/HoustonHoli (Like our page and then tag your pictures. We will post our professional photos & videos to our Facebook Page within few days after the event. Professional use of photos or videos for this event require written permission from admin@masalaradio.com. All rights reserved.
How would I sponsor this event or have a booth?
We welcome sponsors and vendors to promote their businesses and sell merchandise. Browse the Sponsor Media Kit or contact our Sales Manager Rinku at 281-277-MUSIC (6874) or email rinku@masalaradio.com. Office Hours are MON-FRI 10AM-5PM CST.
Will the color stain or irritate my skin?
No. The color used in Holi is herbal and organic specifically designed for use on the body. Color on your body will easily be washed off with plain water. However, it may stain your clothes which is why we ask that you wear white t-shirt that you can discard after Holi. Holi powder usually comes off from jeans after you wash them.
Will there be color provided at the event?
Of course! You will be able to purchase herbal color powder at the GSH Booth for a nominal charge. ICC Booths will be selling pichkaris (water guns).
Will there be a color free zone at the event?
Yes there is a “Color Free” zone around the Main Stage & the Booth Area in case you do not want to be colored.
Can I bring my own color to the Holi Mela?
You are more than welcome to bring your own color as long as its herbal Holi body color powder that is washable with plain water. Permanent colors or dyes are not permitted.
Where should I keep my valuables?
We strongly suggest not to bring valuables at the event. Do not wear long earrings, loose jewelry or expensive purses, the colored power play may ruin them. Wrap cell phones in Ziploc tight bags.