Festival of Holi in India

Holi is a spring festival celebrated in India. It marks the end of the winter season, the last full moon day of the lunar month of the Hindu Calendar, and falls in the later part of the February or March. Holi is also known as Dhuli, Dhulheti, or Dhulendi in Sanskrit, the ancient Indian tongue. It is mostly celebrated in India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Indian diaspora countries such as Suriname, Malaysia, Guyana, South Africa, Trinidad, United Kingdom, United States, Mauritius, and Fiji.

The festival of Holi commemorates good harvests and a fertile land. It welcomes the arrival of spring with its bountiful harvests and colors. It is also known as the festival of colors. People celebrate the day with a lots of different colors and the occasion blossoms into a festive spirit. The celebration is mostly spraying, painting, and throwing each other with different colors, perfumes, and scented water. They rub each others face with a mix of colors and perfume. The festival is accompanied with music, dances, and other special events. It is also a wonderful time to send greetings to each other both far and wide.

In the eve of the festival, bonfires are lit known as Holika Dahan after which the Hindu prayers and rituals are performed. There is also a legend associated with the festival about Prahlad and Hiranyakashipu. The bonfires were lit in memory of the miraculous escape of Prahlad from a fire to test his faith when Demoness Holika the sister of Hiranyakashipu the demon king, went with him into the fire. Prahlad a staunch devotee of god Vishnu escaped without any injuries because of his strong faith, while Holika was burnt. Holi is also celebrated as the triumph of the good over the evil.

Holi lasts for about 2 days and most people irrespective of their differing social structures either of age, sex, status, caste, rich, or poor participate in this event. It bridges the gap between different people, different regions, and even different faiths. It is a festival when most people celebrate together. Holi has been celebrated since the 7th century in India. Different parts of India celebrate Holi in a slightly different manner, although it is the same.

Have a wonderful and enjoyable Holi