Last-minute tips and tricks for throwing a fun Holi party with traditional treats

Holi party is incomplete without festive décor and creative food presentations (Images: The Leela Ambience Gurugram Hotel & Residencies and The Hazelnut Factory)

The festival of Holi is synonymous with indulgence and fun. Food plays a central role in Holi festivities, with rich flavors, aromatic spices, and colorful presentations creating an unforgettable culinary experience. A well-planned Holi celebration involves not just delicious food but also a thoughtful ambience.

Here’s how you can plan a last-minute Holi bash with expert tips.

Healthier ways to make mithais:

Holi is all about vibrant colours, joy, and of course, delicious sweets. For those looking to prepare easy, colorful mithais at home, there are several delightful options. Ankit Sahni, Founder & CEO of The Hazelnut Factory, emphasises, “Thandai Malai Peda is a no-cook treat combining condensed milk, milk powder, and thandai masala, shaped into pedas and naturally coloured with saffron or beetroot. Gulab Coconut Ladoo is a fragrant pink sweet made with desiccated coconut, condensed milk, and rose syrup. Rangoli Barfi is a multi-colored barfi made by dividing the base into sections and coloring each with natural ingredients like turmeric (yellow), beetroot (pink), and spinach (green). Mawa Gujiya with a colorful twist incorporates dried fruit powders such as raspberry or blueberry into the dough or stuffing, enhancing both color and flavor. For a healthier option, Fruit and Nut Katli uses dates, nuts, and natural food colors. Lastly, Kesari Shrikhand, a simple saffron-infused sweet yogurt dish, is vibrant in colour and rich in flavour.”

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While traditional Holi sweets are indulgent, there are ways to make them healthier. Using natural sweeteners like dates, honey, or jaggery can replace refined sugar. Reducing condensed milk and thickening milk naturally can help control sweetness. Incorporating nuts and dried fruits, such as almonds, pistachios, and walnuts, provides good fats and natural sweetness.

Opting for whole grains like whole wheat or ragi instead of refined flour in gujiya and halwa is another nutritious alternative. Additionally, baking sweets like gujiyas, mathris, and ladoos instead of deep-frying offers a lighter yet equally delicious option.

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Modern treats with traditional flavours:

Classic Holi flavours like saffron, thandai, nuts, and khoya can be reimagined in modern creations as well. Chef Abhishek Gupta, Executive Chef at The Leela Ambience Gurugram Hotel & Residencies, shares some useful ideas, “Thandai cupcakes, made with condensed milk for a rich yet simple batter, offers a festive twist to the classic drink. Rose-infused kheer, prepared using fresh rose petals and fragrant rose water, adds a delicate floral note. Chocolate and nut ladoos require just a blend of melted chocolate and crushed nuts, making them an instant delight. A gulab jamun parfait, layered with ice creams and sauces, transforms a traditional favourite into a fuss-free indulgence. For a healthier take, natural sweeteners like jaggery or honey, whole-grain flours, and dried fruits can replace refined ingredients, creating guilt-free festive treats. Classic Holi flavours like saffron, thandai, nuts, and khoya can be reimagined in modern creations—dark chocolate kalakand, boondi ladoo-stuffed gujiyas, or thandai infused with paan. Floral and herbal notes like rose, Saunf (fennel seeds), and blue pea flower add an elegant twist to festive drinks, blending tradition with contemporary flair.”

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Refreshing Holi beverages also offer a fusion of flavors. Thandai Cold Brew blends coffee with thandai syrup for a festive caffeine boost. Saffron & Cardamom Panna Cotta Shots provide a creamy Italian dessert infused with Indian spices. Rose & Basil Lemonade is a cooling drink combining rose syrup, basil seeds, and fresh lemon juice. Gulkand Smoothie blends yogurt, banana, and rose petal jam for a floral twist. Mango Lassi Popsicles freeze classic mango lassi into a fun dessert. Paan Mojito, a twist on the classic mojito, incorporates betel leaf, lime, mint, and soda. Holi Sangria, a colorful punch made with fruit juices, chopped fruits, and a dash of saffron or rose water, can complete the beverage spread.

DIY Holi décor ideas:

A Holi party is incomplete without festive décor and creative food presentations. Using colourful drapes and fabrics like saris or dupattas can create a lively backdrop. Instead of traditional rangoli, arranging flower petals or colorful balloons can add a unique touch. Handmade tassels and paper fans in rainbow hues elevate the festive atmosphere, while small bowls of organic gulal make for a safe and eco-friendly celebration. Adding fairy lights in colorful jars enhances the ambiance, and a DIY water gun corner with pichkaris, balloons, and colorful water buckets adds playful excitement.