What Is Holi and How Is It Celebrated

When you think of Holi, you think of the Hindu holiday that includes a lot of singing and dancing and most likely a lot of throwing of colored powder somewhere outdoors. This vibrant celebration normally happens around March at the end of winter, on the last full moon in the lunar month of Phalguna. Holi is not only celebrated in India, but also in different countries all over the world with large Indian and Hindu communities. Let’s not forget that this Festival of Colors has different regional names:

• Hindi: होली (Holi)
• Marathi: होळी (Holi)
• Punjabi: ਹੋਲੀ (Holi)
• Telugu: హోళి (Holi)
• Bengali: বসন্ত উৎসব (Spring Festival)

What is Holi

Holi goes by different names like Festival of Colors, Festival of Love, and Festival of Spring. This joyous Hindu spring festival marks the end of a long winter and honors the victory of good over evil. It lasts for one night and one day, beginning on the evening of Purnima.

The first night is called "Holika Dahan," during which people gather in front of a bonfire wishing for the destruction of inner demons. The following day is known as “Rangwali Holi,” the day people throw and cover each other in colored powder.

The Story of Holika Dahan

In Hindu mythology, a wicked king named Hiranyakashipu insisted everyone worship him as a deity. However, his son Prahlada, a devotee of Lord Vishnu, refused. The king tried to kill his son many times. Finally, he turned to his sister Holika, who was fire-resistant. She tricked Prahlada into joining her on a pyre, but Holika burned to death while Prahlada was saved by Lord Vishnu.

Holi Colors

• Blue: Symbolizes serenity and divinity.
• Red: Symbolizes love and fertility.
• Orange: Symbolizes strength and courage.
• Green: Symbolizes new beginnings and nature.
• Yellow: Symbolizes happiness.