“Holi is like my annual reset button—washing away stress, splashing colours on friends and strangers alike, and turning me into a carefree kid again. It’s one day in the year when I can create a mess and call it a celebration,” shares Zeenat, a PR professional. It’s an interesting way of looking at this festival of colour. During Holi time, the air is filled with bright colours, laughter resonates in every corner, and hearts are overflowing with undiluted joy. This is soothing and a lot of people find it is good for their mental well-being. Let’s explore the psychological benefits of playing Holi.
Emotional catharsis
Holi is psychologically a form of emotional catharsis, allowing people to freely express themselves through colours, movement, and laughter. It also provides a brief respite from our busy lives, allowing us to temporarily forget our worries and embrace joy.
Dr Rahul Chandhok, Sr. Consultant & Head of Psychiatry at Artemis Lite NFC, New Delhi, shares, “Holi, with its colors and festive mood, can bring mental wellness by inducing happiness, emotional healing, and healthy relationships between people.”
“The festival acts as a psychological release, allowing individuals to express emotions freely, let go of past grudges, and embrace joy,” he adds.
Amrita Singh, 28, a content marketer from Mumbai says, “I wait for Holi throughout the year. I can’t explain what playing with colours, just being myself like a kid does to me. It is actually a moment of emotional catharsis for me.”
Shilpi Sharma, 33, Delhi shares, “Last year, I was down with fever on Holi and was missing playing it so much. The feeling of missing the feeling made me realise how the festival is actually related to my mental health.”
Mindful experience
Using sight, touch, smell, and sound, Holi is a multisensory experience that helps improve mindfulness and present-moment awareness. Being surrounded by bright colours, lively music, and celebrations diverts attention from pessimistic thoughts and rumination, which fosters psychological adaptability and improves emotional management.
Divyansha Tolani, a clinical psychologist at Lissun mental health platform, notes that “Holi is a multisensory experience that enhances mindfulness and encourages people to stay present, reducing negative thoughts and stress.”
“The combination of vibrant hues, joyous music, and collective celebration serves as an emotional anchor, helping people detach from daily anxieties and immerse themselves in the present moment,” she adds.
Ankit Choudhary, 29, Mumbai, adds that he absolutely feels mindful after playing Holi. “I reconnect with myself with the multisensory experience Holi brings.”
Stress reliever
Dr Chandhok explains that “Holi causes the production of endorphins, the body’s natural mood enhancers, which assist in decreasing tension and anxiety.” The vibrant use of colours, shared laughter, and overall festive delight create a genuine sensation of happiness, alleviating mental stress.
The festival itself provides a welcome break from the monotony of daily life, encouraging individuals to relax and immerse themselves in the joy of the moment.
Amit Gupta, 32, Gorakhpur, shares, “For a day, I forget all my stress and just immerse in the experience of playing Holi. This festival is the perfect stress reliever for me.”
Social bonds
Holi fosters social bonding by bringing people together, transcending barriers of age, status, and background. The playful act of throwing colours on one another symbolises forgiveness, strengthening relationships, and reducing social tensions. Engaging with family members, friends, and even strangers combats feelings of loneliness and cultivates a deep sense of belonging.
Rupali Rani, Assistant Account Manager at Reppro, emphasises that “Playing Holi offers more than just colours—it brings a vibrant boost to mental well-being, especially for girls. The festival’s joyous spirit encourages self-expression, breaks societal inhibitions, and fosters confidence. Splashing colours and laughter release endorphins, reducing stress and anxiety while promoting emotional freedom.”
“Holi also strengthens bonds, creating a sense of belonging and security. For many girls, it becomes a rare moment to celebrate without constraints, embracing individuality and happiness. The psychological impact of Holi extends beyond the day—its memories instil positivity, resilience, and a deep sense of joy, proving that colours can truly heal the mind and soul.”
Promoting positive mindset
The colours of Holi symbolise hope, renewal, and new beginnings. The festival marks the arrival of spring, a season associated with growth and positivity. The energy and enthusiasm of the celebrations generate an overall atmosphere of optimism, uplifting spirits and diminishing negative emotions.
In essence, Holi is not just a festival—it is a vibrant psychological therapy session filled with laughter, human bonding, and emotional release. Dr. Chandhok emphasises that “participation in this celebration of joy can result in a fresh mind and a cheerful heart.” So this Holi, forget stress and dive into the colours of positivity. Let the spirit of the festival uplift your mind, refresh your soul, and strengthen your connections with the world around you.
