World’s Largest Holi Festival, world record in Spanish Fork, Utah

May 4, 2024

Spanish Fork, Utah, United States--Holi, commonly known as the “festival of colors” or “festival of love,” a spring festival often associated with Hinduism, welcomes the spring season and represents good defeating evil; the Festival of Colors USA, organized by the Krishna Temple, drew about 40,000 people, thus setting the world record for being the World’s Largest Holi Festival, according to the WORLD RECORD ACADEMY.

"The Holi in Spanish Fork, Utah continues year after year to successfully defend its title as the biggest event of its kind in The United States. Several years ago, the Wall Street Journal did an article in which they mentioned the worldwide phenomenon of Color Festivals and Color Runs started in Spanish Fork, Utah. With that in mind, we have a big reputation to uphold," the Explore Utah Valley says.

"That’s not as hard as you might think when you consider the backdrop of a unique Rajasthani Style temple building and surrounding beautiful mountains. Another thing that contributes to the event's popularity is the youthful and pious population.
Given that the Spanish Fork Festival is a high-energy dance, music, and yoga event, centered on the glorification of God, it’s the perfect venue to let off some steam in a good and exuberant way.

"Besides the hourly color throws, other fun activities at the festival this year will include mantra bands like Ananda Groove, Shakti Tribe, Mikey Pauker, & NamRock, & The Butter Thief. There will be lots of upbeat soundtracks and interactive dancing led by Malini Taneja, Aakansha Maheshvara, and Sarika Dey of Bollypop, as well as Fitness Workouts led by the dance leaders from BollyX Utah."

"Tips for attending the Festival of Colors:

Register in advance and purchase your chalk online! To save money and reduce the length of the lines, it’s best to pre-register at www.festivalofcolorsusa.com. Pre-registrants pick up their colors when they check in at the gate and do not have to stand in a separate line for them.
Always remember, Admission is FREE for children 12 and under.
Don't take any strollers, and be mindful if you are bringing children to keep them away from the middle of the crowds for their safety. Especially keep young children out of the middle as the dust clouds can be a bit much.
Bring a scarf or some type of cover to protect your nose and mouth or buy a bandana at the online store.
Sunglasses are great to help protect your eyes from the chalk
Remember there are a lot of people who want to have a great experience, too--so be mindful of that and don't be fussy about tight spaces & traffic. There will be a large crowd!
Wear clothes that you are okay with getting ruined.
Always avoid throwing colors into the eyes or mouth.
This is a drug, alcohol, meat, and cigarette-free event.
Be ready for a lot of fun & an experience of a lifetime!"

(Source: Explore Utah Valley)

"In India, Holi announces the arrival of spring and the passing of winter. The festival breathes an atmosphere of social merriment. People bury their hatchets with a warm embrace and throw their worries to the wind," the official website says.

"Every nook and corner presents a colorful sight. Young and old alike are covered with colors (red, green, yellow, blue, black and silver). People in small groups are seen singing, dancing and throwing colors on each other.

"Though liquid colors are used in India (where it’s warm) we prohibit them, as we don’t want anyone to catch cold on account of the festival. Dry is better for photographs as well."

"Utah’s Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple in Spanish Fork received praise this week for its upcoming Holi festival celebration, which The Indian Times called “the world’s biggest Holi” festival," the Deseret News says.

"Holi, commonly known as the “festival of colors” or “festival of love,” is a spring festival often associated with Hinduism, according to CNN. The holiday welcomes the spring season and represents good defeating evil.

"According to Caru Das Adikari, spokesman for Festival of Colors USA, which runs the Krishna Temple event, said last year’s Holi festival drew between 35,000 and 40,000 people over two days. This year’s event, which runs from March 25 to 26, could see even higher numbers."

"India is like many countries rolled into one. In modern India, the traditional lines of culture, cuisine, dress, and language have blurred especially in its diverse cities. The colored powder version of Holi is today celebrated all over: on college campuses, temple grounds and street corners. And now, it’s gained some footing in the United States as well" the usindiamonitor.com says.

"I finally got to see Holi in Spanish Fork in March with our friends the Gokarns. It was everything they said it would be and more. Such a well organized event, with paid parking spaces close to the temple, security, crossing guards, traffic police, and safe walking for kids and adults alike. Vendors were selling scarfs, colored powders, Indian snacks, and masks for the festivities.

"We entered and merged with the huge crowd. Thousands of people were dancing merrily, music was projected by DJs singing along with the bands, little kids rode on mom and dad’s shoulders right in the middle of beautiful surroundings, while the white temple on the hill top glowed in the soft shadows cast by the sun."