Holi

The festival of Colors

Holi is a widely celebrated Hindu spring festival, often called the “festival of colors.” It symbolizes the victory of good over evil and welcomes the arrival of spring while bidding farewell to winter.

Holi falls on the full moon day of the Hindu month Phagun, which in the Gregorian calendar typically falls between late February and March. The celebration begins with Holika Dahan, the lighting of a bonfire to commemorate the burning of the demoness Holika, followed by Holi the next day.

During Holi, people smear each other with colored powders and drench each other with colored water. The festival is also a time to renew bonds of love and trust. Traditional foods include gujiyas, mathris, malpuas, and the festive drink Bhaang Thandai. People exchange greeting cards and gifts, soaking in the joy of the occasion.