Holi Color in India

The world famous Holi Color festival in India is known for its colorful and traditional festivities during the New Year of the Hindus. In this news item we tell you more about the meaning behind Holi Color and how you as a photographer can best capture this event.

Holika Dahan

Holika Dahan is celebrated the day before the colorful festival, but actually starts 40 days in advance. Then a cutting of a miracle tree is planted, called Holika. A pyre is made around it that grows bigger every day. During Holika Dahan, this pile is set on fire, symbolizing the burning of the Holika. However, the name comes from an old folk tale in India, in which the evil Holika (sister of King Hirankashyapu) went up in fire and Prahlaad, the king's son survived the same pyre.

Holi-Phagwa

The Holi-Phagwa is another name for the Holi Color festival. This festival celebrates the New Year and the victory of good over evil. Since it takes place every year in March, it is also a big spring festival. This day everyone takes to the streets and the scented water and colored powder flies non-stop through the air. The color powders come in all kinds of different colors, each with its own meaning. For example, yellow stands for success, pink for love and harmony and blue for healing and protection.

Shooting during Holi Color

Of course, this exuberant and colorful festival is beautiful to capture, but it is also a challenge for the photographer and the camera itself. It is therefore important to pack your camera equipment (and lens) well so that it is protected against the crowds, but of course also against all the colored powder and water that is thrown.

Do you want a nice atmosphere of the festival? Then photographing from a higher point with a view of the busy streets and squares is a good idea. Portraits also give great results, especially if you manage to capture the emotion in the photo. And finally, be well prepared so you know the best photo locations. Locals can help you with that.

Photography Tour Rajasthan North – India

During the photography trip we travel through Rajasthan, a state in North India. The Holi Color Festival is also celebrated here on a grand scale and is therefore not to be missed during the tour. Prepare yourself for an unforgettable experience and a colorful experience on this photography tour.