Holi is one of the most popular Hindu Festivals, also known as the “Festival of Colours,” the “Festival of Love” and the “Festival of Spring.”

Holi celebrates the eternal love of Lord Krishna and Radha. It also denotes the triumph of good over evil.

The festival also marks the arrival of spring after winter. It’s a time to cast aside our worries and celebrate the colours of Spring.

Holi celebrations begin the night before with a ‘Holika Dahan,’ where people come together and perform religious rituals in front of a bonfire. They pray that their internal evils are destroyed, and goodness prevails.

The festival of Holi is celebrated throughout India, and because of its popularity, it’s also observed around the globe. Celebrating Holi In Canada is equally important for Indians residing in Canada. Holi celebrations in Canada invite people from all cultures and communities to equally participate. Holi celebrations in Toronto and neighbouring cities are iconic due to the large number of Canadians of Indian origin.

One of the most distinctive parts of the festival is the tradition of spraying others with coloured water and throwing coloured powder known as “Playing Holi”

It must be one of the most instagrammable festivals anywhere in the world.

It is also, like a lot of Indian festivals about Food and Drink.  There are many foods that are given particular prominence during the event.

Holi snacks are worth looking out for and tasting if you get the opportunity. They will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more and hoping you get invited to more Holi celebrations.

 

 

Gujiya

These little dumplings look like mini-Cornish pasties. However, they are sweet and made with wheat flour, which is stuffed with the sweet dairy product called khoya, dried fruits or coconut.

Pakora

These fried fritters originated in India. They are made with a various vegetables like onions, potatoes etc dipped in light batter and fried.

Barfi

Barfi are small treats that are made with condensed milk, sugar and ground nuts or flour. They are cooked until solidified, usually giving a dense sweet layer.
This sweet Holi food is cut into pieces and can be decorated with sliced nuts or fruit.

Puran Poli

Originating in the south of India, Puran Poli is a sweet flat-bread. For centuries this has been a traditional food usually sweetened with jaggery or sugar with additions of cardamom and sometimes nutmeg too.

Papri Chaat

This popular fast food favourite from northern India is common during the festival.
A popular Holi food made with crispy dough wafers served with chickpeas and boiled potatoes, tamarind chutney and yogurt.
Many cities will have stalls and carts selling this tasty dish.

Chana Masala

Made with the chickpea variety known as chana, this dish is common in the west and north of India. 
The chickpeas are cooked dry with a range of masala spices, along with dried mango powder and crushed pomegranate seeds for flavour.

Malpuas

Malpua is a traditional Indian sweet, it is a pancake like Indian dessert, fried in ghee and dipped in sugar syrup. Popularly made on various festivals like Diwali and Holi, Malpua has delicate flavours, made easy with simple ingredients.

Bhaang

One of the more interesting drinks. Cannabis plants are crushed into a pulp then combined with milk, refined butter, mango and spices.

Not surprisingly bhaang is enjoyed for its liberating effects.