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People in many other countries also enjoy getting drenched in colours during Holi. Interestingly, a study has shown that India is not the top country for Holi enthusiasm.
Despite being the birthplace of Holi, India ranks 8th on the list. (File Photo)
Today is March 4, 2026, and the entire country is celebrating Holi. Colours, gulal, water squirt guns, sweet gujiyas, and bhang thandai are everywhere. But did you know that Holi celebrations are not just limited to India? People in many other countries also enjoy getting drenched in colours during Holi. Interestingly, a study has shown that India is not the top country for Holi enthusiasm. According to India Someday’s 2024 study and Google search trends, Qatar, a small Gulf country, tops the list.
Which are the top 10 countries with the most enthusiasm for Holi?
In 2024, data on the World’s Most Holi-Obsessed Countries was released. This study examined Google searches for “Holi festival,” “Holi celebration,” and “Holi date,” as well as the number of celebrants relative to their population. Qatar emerged as the most passionate.
Number 1: Qatar – This small Gulf country celebrates Holi on a grand scale due to the Indian and expat community.
Number 2: Singapore – A significant Indian community here celebrates Holi with large events.
Number 3: Mauritius – Holi is celebrated with great pomp and show for two days. Holika Dahan is also performed, and traditional Phaag songs are sung.
Number 4: United Arab Emirates (UAE) – Large Holi parties occur in cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Number 5: New Zealand – The Indian diaspora celebrates Holi on a large scale.
Number 6: Bahrain – Another Gulf country where Holi is celebrated enthusiastically.
Number 7: Britain – In cities like London and Birmingham, Holi is celebrated with Indian music, dance, and colours.
Number 8: India – Surprisingly, despite being the birthplace of Holi, India ranks 8th on this list.
Number 9: Germany – The Indian community there celebrates Holi as well.
Number 10: Switzerland – This European country is also very enthusiastic about Holi.
In Nepal, Holi lasts for a week. Known as Phagu Purnima, the celebrations begin a week earlier. In the hilly areas, the first day is celebrated with festivities, while in the Terai plains, the second day is marked by playing with colours. In Nepal, Holi is the largest festival after India.
In Mauritius, Holi spans two days and is a public holiday. In Fiji, islanders also spend two days immersed in colours. In Suriname, Guyana, and Trinidad and Tobago, it is called Phagwah, where Chautal is sung, and Holika Dahan is performed. These countries, located in South America and the Caribbean, have significant populations of Indian origin.
Holi is celebrated in America, Australia, and Europe too. In the US, cities like New York and California host large Holi parties. Indian communities in Australia and South Africa also celebrate Holi with colours. In the UK, London and Birmingham host Holi events with Indian music and dance.
Tirgan of Iran: A festival very similar to Holi
Tirgan, celebrated in Iran, bears a resemblance to Holi. This festival has roots in ancient Iranian culture. During Tirgan, people throw water on each other, and now, in some places, colours are also used. The festival is associated with Tishtrya, the god of rain and harvest. The sacred Homa Amrit is prepared and offered. Since ancient times, there have been many similarities between the cultures of India and Iran, hence the similarities between Tirgan and Holi.
India is the birthplace of Holi. Here, Holi is celebrated by burning Holika and then playing with colours. This festival is linked to the story of Prahlad and Lord Narasimha, but today it has become so universal that Indian communities and local people in many countries around the world celebrate it with enthusiasm.
March 04, 2026, 12:43 IST
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