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Holi, also known as the Festival of Colors, is considered one of the most important festivals in India, as well as in many countries with Hindu communities.
The Holi festival is celebrated on the full moon day in March every year. This year, Holi falls on March 8th. Besides being known as the festival of colors, Holi is also called the festival of love or the spring festival. Many South Asian communities, including India, Pakistan, Nepal, and around the world, celebrate this festival.
Holi is the Hindu Spring Festival in India and Nepal, also known as the Festival of Colors or the Festival of Sharing Love.
Millions of Hindus in India and around the world celebrated Holi to mark the beginning of spring, hoping for a bountiful harvest and commemorating the victory of good over evil.
Holi is typically divided into two days, called Jalanewali Holi and Rangwali Holi. Usually, Jalanewali Holi is the day friends and family gather after sunset, light bonfires, and even throw grains, popcorn, and chickpeas into the fire as part of the ritual. Rangwali Holi is the second day, where people throw colored powder and water. The festival is based on Hindu legend and holds great cultural significance for the people of India. They see Holi as a symbol of new beginnings and a time for mending relationships and starting anew.
This is one of the important festivals in India, as well as in many countries with Hindu communities.
Some regions in India hold very large festivals. People dance, sing, and prepare lavish feasts with traditional dishes. Schools are also closed, and children and adults spend the whole day participating in the festivities. Some cities, such as Vrindavan and Mathura in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, hold very grand festivals. In the days leading up to the festival, the streets are filled with stalls selling colored powder, toy guns, and other festival-related items.
Traditionally, these colors are blended from natural plant extracts such as saffron, sandalwood, and rose, making them easy to wash off.
About two days before the festival begins, people usually start selling colored powders in central markets. Traditionally, these colors are mixed from natural plant ingredients such as saffron, sandalwood, and rose, so they can be easily washed off.
The day before the festival, people begin the festivities with a small parade around the market. Besides the statues of the gods carried on horse-drawn carts, the parade includes many beautifully dressed people in colorful costumes. In the evening, everywhere from small alleys to main streets, people draw circles with colored powder, pile up firewood and flowers to burn, and begin dancing, singing, and gathering.
These colors are blended from natural plant extracts.
Before entering the Holi festival, everyone holds dry colored powder or balls containing colored liquid to throw and spray at others. By the end of the morning, everyone looks like a colorful painting. And that is why Holi is also known as the festival of colors.
People gather in groups, singing and dancing to the sounds of drums and dholak. Whenever the "battle" of colors pauses, everyone shares a meal of gujiya, mathri, malpuas, and other traditional dishes. Bhang, a drink made from local herbs, is also an integral part of the Holi festival.
After a day of playing with colors, everyone takes a shower and puts on new clothes to welcome friends and relatives who come to visit.
This year's Holi festival is being held on March 8th.
Each color of powder used in the Holi festival has a different meaning. Red symbolizes love and fertility, green marks new beginnings, yellow is considered the color of happiness and peace. Blue is the color of calmness, pink signifies good health, orange is a sign of courage, and purple brings peace and wisdom. People generally avoid using white and black powder, as white is mainly used in funerals, and black is associated with negativity and darkness.
The festival is based on Hindu legend and holds great cultural significance for the people of India.
The Holi festival is considered a ritual with many cultural and religious elements. There are two traditional rituals before officially entering the festival.
First, preparations begin for the Holika pyre. In the days leading up to the festival, people start gathering wood and other flammable materials for the bonfire in parks, community centers, areas near the temple, and other open spaces. On the pyre is an effigy representing Holika, who tricked Prahalad into the fire. Inside the house, women prepare traditional festival dishes such as gujiya, mathri, malpuas, and many other delicious foods for the occasion.
Secondly, there is Holika Dahan. On the eve of the festival, usually at or after sunset, people gather together and light pyres. This ritual is called Holika Dahan. The ceremony symbolizes the victory of good over evil. People sing and dance joyfully around the bonfire.
Some regions in India hold very large festivals. People dance, sing, and prepare lavish feasts with traditional dishes. Schools close as children and adults spend the whole day participating in the festivities.
Holi is celebrated throughout New Delhi and other parts of India such as West Bengal, Mathura, and Vrindavan, but it is especially popular in New Delhi.
What are some things to keep in mind when participating in the Holi Festival?
You should wear white clothes and flip-flops to the festival so you can move around comfortably. Additionally, to prevent the dye powder from sticking to your hair, you can apply a layer of coconut oil. Adding a bandana will make you stand out from the crowd.
Don't forget to apply moisturizer to your skin before going outside, and wear sunglasses to protect your eyes. You should also leave valuables in your hotel room; if you need to take them with you, be careful when taking them out.
Each colored powder at the Holi festival has a different meaning.
Electronic devices such as phones and cameras should be placed in nylon bags or specialized protective bags to prevent damage from powder and water (as some locals like to splash water on you).
Holi isn't a mass event where thousands of people throw paint at one location; instead, people celebrate scattered throughout the smaller streets, so you'll have to put in the effort to find it.
Visitors should avoid getting colored powder in their eyes, nose, and mouth. Applying oil to the skin can help prevent the color from sticking too tightly.
If you are female, you should wear modest clothing that is not tight-fitting or revealing to sensitive areas, as this will help avoid attracting attention. You should avoid foods and drinks containing bhang (an edible cannabis derivative originating from the Indian subcontinent, often found in drinks at major festivals), especially if you are not familiar with it. When using it, make sure you maintain self-control and know when to stop.
The best time to return to your hotel to rest is in the afternoon. Some hotels and tour operators organize Holi festivals, which can be a way to enjoy the festival in a safe and reliable environment.
