Colours of Holi: A Celebration of Joy, Togetherness and Flavours

Bura Na Mano Holi Hai!!

Holi is more than just a festival—it’s a feeling. It’s the laughter of children running through the streets, the splash of colours filling the air, the sound of drums and music bringing people together and the warmth of sharing food with loved ones. It’s a day when all differences fade away, replaced by a vibrant explosion of joy, friendship and, most importantly, togetherness.

The story behind Holi: The triumph of good over evil

Long ago, in a kingdom ruled by the powerful but tyrannical King Hiranyakashipu, fear and arrogance knew no bounds. The king believed himself to be invincible and demanded that everyone worship only him. But his own son, Prahlad, a devoted follower of Lord Vishnu, refused to obey. No amount of threats or punishments could shake Prahlad’s faith.

Frustrated and enraged, Hiranyakashipu devised a cruel plan. He turned to his sister, Holika, who had a special boon—she could not be burned by fire. The wicked duo plotted to end Prahlad’s defiance by making him sit on a pyre with Holika, hoping he would be reduced to ashes while she remained unharmed. But faith and righteousness always triumph over evil. As the fire roared, Holika’s powers failed her, and she perished in the flames, while Prahlad emerged unscathed, protected by his unwavering devotion to Vishnu.

This victory of good over evil is still celebrated today as Holika Dahan, where bonfires are lit on the eve of Holi to symbolise the burning away of negativity and the triumph of truth, faith and love. And the next day? That’s when colours take over, when joy spills into the streets and when Holi transforms into a celebration of life itself!

According to the Hindu calendar Holi this year will be celebrated on Friday 14th March 2025. 

Personal memories: Holi through my childhood eyes

As a child, Holi was one of the most exciting times of the year for me. The anticipation would begin days in advance when my dad would take me to buy packets of bright, colourful gulal. I would carefully pick my favourites—pink, blue, yellow and green—each one a promise of the fun to come. Then, early on Holi morning, I would jump out of bed, eager to get started. Armed with my colours and a water-filled pichkari, I would run outside to join the neighbourhood kids, where we would chase each other, laugh endlessly and turn every corner into a riot of colours. By midday, we would all be unrecognisable, covered head to toe in a mixture of hues. And just when exhaustion would set in, I would return home, where the best part of Holi awaited—my mom’s delicious festive feast. The aroma of freshly fried pakoras, and sweet, chilled dahi vada would fill our home, making the perfect ending to a perfect day.

The spirit of Holi: Letting go and embracing joy

Holi is more than just a festival—it’s a time to let go of worries, forget grudges and embrace joy without restraint. It’s the one day when societal rules take a backseat and everyone, young or old, rich or poor, joins in the fun. Faces are smeared with colours, strangers become friends and the air is filled with music, dancing and laughter.

Of course, the revelry is made even more spirited with the traditional consumption of bhang—a cannabis-infused drink or snack that has been part of Holi for centuries. Mixed into thandai, lassi, or even crispy pakoras, bhang brings an extra layer of carefree joy to the celebrations, making laughter louder, jokes funnier and the world just a little more colourful for the day.

The flavours of Holi: A feast for the senses

No Holi is complete without food! Across India, kitchens come alive with festive treats that have been passed down through generations. In the North, Holi is synonymous with sweet, crispy gujiyas—deep-fried pastries filled with khoya and nuts. In Bengal, golden malpua soaked in syrup is a festival favourite. Maharashtra celebrates with puran poli, while the South indulges in rich, coconut-infused payasam. No matter where you are, Holi is a feast for both the heart and the stomach.

Tikka and Tadka: Bringing festive flavours to you

At Tikka and Tadka, Holi holds a special place in our hearts because it reminds us of why we do what we do—bringing people together over food that feels like home. The flavours, the warmth, the nostalgia—these are what make a meal truly special. Our catering isn’t just about serving food; it’s about recreating those childhood memories, about bringing the joy of home-cooked festive meals to every celebration. Whether it’s a plate of spicy chaat, a refreshing glass of thandai, or a spread of crispy pakoras, we cook with the same love and tradition that we grew up with.

We cater for private events, supper clubs, weddings and corporate gatherings, making sure that no matter the occasion, the food brings people closer. As we grow, our dream is to reach more people, take on more orders and share the magic of home-cooked flavours with bigger celebrations. Because food is more than just nourishment—it’s connection, it’s joy, it’s love.

Wishing you all a joyous Holi!