Holi

The festival of colours, celebrating the arrival of spring and the triumph of devotion over evil.

तिथी व समय: Purnima (full moon) of the Hindu month of Phalguna, usually falling in March.

महत्व एवं कथा (Significance)

Holi is rooted in the legend of Prahlad, a devoted follower of Lord Vishnu, and his aunt Holika, who had a boon making her immune to fire. Holika's brother, the demon king Hiranyakashyap, tried to have her burn Prahlad alive by having him sit in her lap on a pyre. Because of Prahlad's unwavering devotion, Holika burned instead and Prahlad was unharmed — the eve of Holi, Holika Dahan, commemorates this with bonfires representing the destruction of evil.

The following day, Rangwali Holi, is the joyous, colourful celebration people associate with the festival — throwing coloured powder (gulal) and water at one another. It is also connected to the playful colour-throwing between Lord Krishna and Radha in Vrindavan, and marks the arrival of spring.

पूजा विधि व परंपराएँ (Rituals & Customs)

  • Holika Dahan: lighting a bonfire on the eve of Holi
  • Playing with colours (gulal) and water the next morning
  • Visiting family and friends, sharing sweets like gujiya
  • Traditional drinks such as thandai