What is Holi?
Holi is the ancient Indian Hindu Festival of Colors, 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 !
When is Houston Holi?
HOUSTON HOLI 2025 (also referred to as HOLI MELA or HOLI FESTIVAL or FESTIVAL OF COLORS) is the largest celebration of HOLI in USA since 2008. Festival highlights include all day color play, Crowd Dancing with Bollywood DJs and CHolis (Drummers), amazing Bollywood and Indian Folk group dance performances, Live Concert, FREE Kids Carnival Rides & Giant Inflatables, bursts of Colorful Indian Decorations & Photo Ops. The festival will be teaming with an Indian merchandise bazaar and delicious Vegetarian Indian and Fusion Street Foods.
When is Houston Holi?
Houston Holi is happening on SAT MAR 1 2025 11-5PM (Rain Date SUN MAR 2 2025).
Where is Houston Holi?
Houston Holi will be held at the BH Ranch(14149 Player St, Houston, TX 77045. This real Texan Ranch features multiple large grassy areas surrounded by evergreen trees, a small lake with ducks, giant covered pavilion with tables for dining, quaint picnic tables, benches and covered gazebos.
Can I get color powder at the event or do I have to bring my own?
Beautiful Vibrant Holi Color Powder is available in TEN COLORS online in advance, which you collect right at the door, or you can buy inside the event opposite the main stage at the Gujarati Samaj of Houston Booth. All proceeds for color powder benefit this non-profit organization. Outside Color Powder is strictly prohibited and all bags will be checked by security before entering.
What is the featured attraction?
The main attraction is the carefree throwing of color powder on each other with occasional water guns bursts 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 Battle of the DJs Crowd Dancing, Sponsor Booths with Giveaways, Free Kids Rides, and so much more!
What is the Entrance & Parking fees?
Ticket prices start at $10pp for Groups of 8 or more, $12.50pp for Families of 4-7, and $15.00 for individuals. 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/ or eventbrite.com. Check out the IG & FB HoustonHoli for $5 off promo codes for Individual Tickets! Parking in the grassy HOV Parking & Shuttle Parking Lots is Free. Limtied VIP Parking is available for $25.
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 Masala Radio 98.7FM, Houston’s Bollywood Radio Station is association with many community organizations and with the financial support of many sponsors.
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 is by Harris County Sheriffs, 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 the event will be moved to the Rain Date – SUN Mar 2 2025.
Can I bring my own food to this event?
No, outside food is not allowed in the event premises, security will conduct bags checks and discard any food found unless you return it to your vehicle.
What type of food is sold at the event?
One of the pleasures of this event is to experience Indian Street Foods prepared right off the grill. Try Mumbai famous Vada Pav, Pani Puri, Bhel Puri, Kasta Kachori. or South Indian dosa, rice & dal crepes filled with exotic potato fillings and dipped in fresh chutneys and lentil soup. Another favoritie is curried vegetables & rice in the popular Hydrabadi Biryani. Local Indian restaurants also create a variety of India fushion dishes like Paneer Wraps, and curried Potato on a Stick 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 the 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 832-744-3003 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 a white t-shirt that you can discard after Holi. Holi powder usually comes off from jeans after you wash them.
Will there be a color free zone at the event?
There are areas such as the Pavilion and Kids Area which have little or no color play. But again this is a COlor Festival so if you are sensitive wear sunglasses and bandanas. Bura na mano, Holi Hai!
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 or may them fall off. Every year we have at least one person who loses their diamond jewelry, keys or credit cards. Wrap cell phones in waterproof or even Ziploc tight bags.