Do You Know Which Muslim Country Celebrates Holi Like India?

In this blog, we will explore:

• What is Holi and why it is celebrated?

• The countries where Holi is celebrated outside India

• How Holi is celebrated in a Muslim-majority country

• The significance of Holi in different cultures

Let’s dive in!

What is Holi and Why is it Celebrated?

Holi is an ancient Hindu festival that marks the arrival of spring. It is celebrated on the full moon day in the month of Phalguna (March). The festival is connected to the story of Prahlad and Holika, where good wins over evil. People light bonfires on the night before Holi, called Holika Dahan, to symbolize this victory.

The next day, people throw colors, dance, and eat delicious sweets like gujiya and malpua. Holi is not just about fun; it is also about spreading love, forgetting past arguments, and making new friends.

Which Muslim Countries Celebrate Holi?

Holi is mostly celebrated in India and Nepal, where Hinduism is the major religion. However, some Muslim-majority countries also celebrate Holi, especially where there is a strong Indian or Hindu community. Here are some of them:

1. Pakistan

Pakistan was once a part of India, and many Hindu families still live there, especially in Sindh and Punjab provinces. In cities like Karachi and Lahore, Hindus celebrate Holi with full enthusiasm. Even some Muslim communities join in, as Holi has become a cultural festival rather than just a religious one.

In 2017, Pakistan’s government even declared Holi a public holiday for Hindus, showing respect for different religions. Many people, including some Muslims, enjoy playing with colors and sweets in cities with a significant Hindu population.

2. Bangladesh

Bangladesh also has a Hindu population, and Holi is celebrated mainly by them. The celebrations happen in places like Dhaka and Chittagong, where temples hold Holi events. Some Muslims, especially those who have Hindu friends, also take part in the celebrations. It has become a symbol of unity and friendship in Bangladesh.

3. Indonesia

Indonesia has the largest Muslim population in the world, but it also has a deep connection with Hindu culture, especially in Bali. The island of Bali is mostly Hindu, and Holi is celebrated with great joy there. People in Bali throw colors and enjoy traditional Indian sweets.

Even in Jakarta, the capital city, Indian communities celebrate Holi with events that include music, dance, and food. Some local Muslims also join in to enjoy the fun.

4. Malaysia

Malaysia has a significant Indian community, mainly Tamils, who celebrate Holi in cities like Kuala Lumpur and Penang. Holi events are organized by Indian cultural groups, and many Malaysians, including Muslims, join in the celebrations. It is not a national holiday, but it is still enjoyed by many people.

5. United Arab Emirates (UAE)

The UAE, especially Dubai and Abu Dhabi, has a large Indian population. Holi celebrations are common in these cities, with events organized in parks and clubs. Many Muslims in the UAE also take part, as the country is known for its diversity and acceptance of different cultures.

How is Holi Celebrated in These Countries?

Even though Holi is not a Muslim festival, it is celebrated in some of these countries with a lot of excitement. Here’s how it happens:

1. Throwing Colors – Just like in India, people throw colored powders at each other and have fun.

2. Sweets and Food – Indian communities prepare traditional sweets like gujiya, laddoo, and malpua.

3. Cultural Events – Many places organize Bollywood dance performances, music shows, and cultural programs.

4. Community Gatherings – People, regardless of religion, come together to enjoy the celebrations.

Holi in these countries is more of a cultural event than a religious one. It brings people of different backgrounds together in a spirit of joy and friendship.

Why Do Some Muslim Countries Celebrate Holi?

Even though Islam does not traditionally include Holi, some Muslim-majority countries celebrate it because:

• Cultural Influence: These countries have a strong Indian or Hindu presence, which keeps the tradition alive.

• Community Bonding: Holi is a fun festival, and people love to join in, no matter their religion.

• Respect for Diversity: Many nations, like the UAE and Malaysia, celebrate different cultural festivals to promote unity.

Conclusion

Holi is a festival of joy, love, and togetherness. While it is mainly a Hindu festival, some Muslim-majority countries also celebrate it, especially where Indian communities live. Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the UAE are some of the places where you can see Holi celebrations.

These celebrations show that festivals are not just about religion but also about culture and unity. No matter where you are, Holi is a time to spread happiness and make new friends.

Would you like to celebrate Holi in one of these countries? Let us know in the comments!