Holi

Holi is a festival of colors, one of the popular festival of Hindu religion. It is warmly celebrated in India.

Holi is a very popular festival of India and sub-continents. It is mainly celebrated in Indian and Nepal. Holi is also known as festival of color or festival of love. It is celebrated in spring. It has a very interesting history and has spiritual importance for Hindus. It is originally a Hindu festival but very popular in non-Hindu community also. It is a popular festival in India, Nepal, USA, Russia, Mauritius, Britain and other countries where people of Indians origin live. Holi is celebrated in Falgun Purnima according to Hindu calendar which comes in February end or early March.

History

Holi is a very ancient Hindu festival with its cultural rituals. It is described in Puranas, and other historical and mythical books. Holi celebration starts with Holika bonfire, one night before Holi when people gather, sing and dance. The next morning is celebrated as Holi. People participate in group activities; play with each other with colors, dry powders, colored water filled balloons etc.

Significance

There is a very interesting history behind why Holi is celebrated as a festival of colors. The word “Holi” is defined from the word Holika, the evil sister of demon king Hiranyakashipu. The king Hiranyakashipu was very arrogant and demanded that everyone only worship him. Prahlad, the king’s own son opposed him. So the king ordered her evil sister Holika to light him fire. Holika was also a special power that she can’t be injured by fire. Holika tricked Prahlad into sitting on fire with her. As the fire spread, Holika burned and Prahlad survived. To celebrate this happiness people apply ashes to their forehead and play with colored powder.