🎨 Hindu

Holi books for kids: what it is and how to celebrate

When is Holi? around Monday 22 March 2027 to Tuesday 23 March 2027. Dates marked “around” depend on the moon and local calendars.

What is Holi?

Holi is the Hindu festival of colours, celebrating the arrival of spring and good winning over evil. On the first evening, bonfires (Holika Dahan) remember the story of Prahlad and the demon Holika. The next day everyone throws coloured powder and water at each other, and dances, sings and shares sweets.

Who celebrates Holi, and books for each

Hindu

Families light a bonfire on Holi eve, then spend the day playing with coloured powders (gulal) and water, eating sweets like gujiya and visiting friends. Some also remember Krishna's playful games with colour.

📖 Free guide
Festival of Colors
Surishtha Sehgal and Kabir Sehgal
siblings gather flowers to make Holi colours
Questions to ask → View on Amazon ↗
📖 Free guide
Happy Holi!
Chitra Soundar
colour, gujiya and dancing in the street
Questions to ask → View on Amazon ↗
📖 Free guide
Maya's Holi
Thrity Umrigar
Maya visits her grandparents in India for Holi
Questions to ask → View on Amazon ↗

Questions to ask while you read

Use these with any of the Holi books on this page. Pick two or three, and there are no wrong answers.

What is the family in the story getting ready for?
Which part of Holi would you most like to try, and why?
How do the people in the story show they care about each other?
Is anything in the story like something your family does?
What would you like to ask a friend who celebrates Holi?

Ways to celebrate Holi with children

Make coloured powder from cornflour and food colouring and play outside (old clothes!).
Splatter-paint a big Holi picture.
Tell the story of Prahlad and Holika.
Make or share gujiya or other sweets with friends.

Holi picture books at a glance

All the Holi books on this page: Festival of Colors (Surishtha Sehgal and Kabir Sehgal), Happy Holi! (Chitra Soundar), Maya's Holi (Thrity Umrigar).

Questions parents ask about Holi

What is the story of Holi?

Prince Prahlad stayed faithful to the god Vishnu, which angered his father, the demon king. His aunt Holika, who couldn't be burned, sat with Prahlad in a fire, but she burned and Prahlad was safe. Bonfires on Holi eve remember good winning over evil.

Is Holi powder safe for children?

Buy natural, skin-safe powders, keep them away from eyes, and rub oil or lotion on skin and hair first so the colours wash off more easily.

Related festivals: Diwali · Navratri and Dussehra · Lunar New Year

All festivals, by month and by faith →

Traditions vary between families, places and communities; ask your child's friends and their families how they celebrate. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.