Gujiya
Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Bihar
A half-moon pastry that is deep fried and filled with sweetened khoa, coconut and dried fruit. It is a staple of Holi in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Bihar.
Source: Gujia.
Holi is Monday 22 March 2027. Holi is the Hindu spring festival of colours, held at the full moon of Phalguna with a bonfire the night before and coloured powder and water the next morning. Visitors to homes are offered fried sweets and snacks, and a chilled spiced milk drink called thandai is a centrepiece of the day.
Also known as Festival of Colours, Rangwali Holi, Dhuleti, Phagwah, Holika Dahan.
What people eat for Holi
Thandai
North India
A cold, sweet milk drink made with almonds, fennel seeds, rose petals, cardamom, saffron and sugar. It is served alongside snacks such as dahi vada and gujiya.
Source: Thandai.
Malpua
Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Rajasthan
A sweet pancake fried in oil until crisp at the edges. Madheshi families in Nepal make it for Holi, and it is also a northern Indian sweet.
Source: Malpua.
Dahi vada
Fried lentil balls soaked in thick curd, a chaat snack that is prepared for festivals such as Holi.
Source: Dahi vada.
Mathri
Rajasthan
A flaky savoury biscuit from Rajasthan, made from flour, water and optionally carom seeds. It is among the snacks offered to visitors during Holi.
Our city guides where it is celebrated
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Holi dates
| Year | When |
|---|---|
| 2027 | Monday 22 March 2027 |
| 2028 | Saturday 11 March 2028 |
| 2029 | Thursday 1 March 2029 |
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