“Bura na maano, Holi hai!” rings in the streets as you get one day to enjoy colours, water balloons, and delicacies. Be it the festive gujiya, soul-chilling thandai, or Indian snacks such as puran poli.
Here are some authentic Indian recipes to add colours to this Holi:
1. Gujiya
Holi is incomplete without gujiya. Native to Rajasthan, these deep-fried sweet dumplings are made of maida or flour, filled with khoya and dry fruits. However, there are other varieties too, these days. Chocolate gujiya, anyone! 
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2. Ras Malai
The right balance of presentation and flavours…yes, we are talking about one of the most famous sweets of Bengal, Ras malai. These are soft spongy small balls, prepared with paneer or chenna dipped and served in thick sweet cardamom milk.
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3. Kesari Malai Peda
Yes! Kesari Malai Peda is as good as it sounds; in fact, it is so delectable that you won’t be able to stop at one. This Indian sweet is made with cream, milk solids or thickened milk. Other ingredients like saffron and cardamom add to the decadent flavour, making the dish ideal to satisfy your mood on Holi.
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4. Puran Poli
“Holi re holi, puranachi poli..”! Yes, in Maharashtrian homes, Holi is incomplete without the delicious aroma of puran poli wafting through the verandas. This paratha stuffed with sweet lentils is normally served with Gujarati kadi. *Yummy*
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5. Matar Kheer
Just when you thought that green peas can only be used make sabjis, try this rich, creamy matar kheer to satiate your sweet buds! It is a sweet dish garnished with pistachios and raisins to add soothing flavours to the creamy dessert. So get ready for this unique yet delicious preparation this Holi.
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6. Thandai
This is one of the most popular drinks prepared on Holi. It’s a cold beverage (perfect to beat the summer heat) made with a mixture of almonds, fennel seeds, rose petals, saffron, milk, and other ingredients. (Planning to spike it with bhaang?) Make it early and refrigerate, to welcome your guests at home.
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7. Malpua
Malpua is a pancake-like dessert fried in ghee and dipped in sugar syrup. It’s a traditional sweet made in almost every household of North India on Holi.
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8. Almond Malai Kulfi
Sometimes known as “Indian ice cream,” kulfi is a frozen dessert made with almost any ingredient. You can use almonds, condensed milk, cream, dry fruits, and saffron, put the mixture in kulfi moulds and keep them to freeze.
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9. Apple Kheer
With the all goodness of a Fruity Thadka to a Desi Kheer, this will serve your taste buds with the mellow flavour of soothing Apples and naughty Red Grapes. Again this is the fusion of tradition with modernity! This healthy, refreshing dish with a seasoning of red Grapes and aromatic cinnamon, will delight your guests with its mesmerising flavour and feels.
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These are some delectable recommendations for a happy, kaleidoscopic Holi celebration to spread the message of love, light, and peace while enjoying the celebration of blooming Spring!
Happy Holi, everyone!
FAQs
Q. Which are the best places to celebrate Holi in India?
A. Mathura & Vrindavan, Jaipur, Udaipur, Hampi
Q. How to Protect Your Skin from Harmful Colours?
A. Follow the below techniques to protect your skin from the harmful colors of Holi:
1. Apply Coconut and Mustard Oils
2. Don't Forget Sunscreen
3. Apply Nail Paint
4. Wear Sunglasses
5. Beware of Cuts and Wounds
6. Use Herbal Colours
7. Don't Stay in Wet Clothes
8. Stay Hydrated
