The Hindu Festival of Holi begins on March 8

Holi, also known as the “Festival of Colors,” is a Hindu festival celebrated worldwide. The annual festival, which usually takes place in late February or early March, has a rich history and tradition that spans centuries.

The origins of Holi can be traced back to ancient Hindu mythology. According to legend, the festival commemorates the victory of good over evil, symbolized by the story of Prahlada and his evil father, King Hiranyakashipu. Prahlada, a devotee of Lord Vishnu, refused to worship his father and was saved from death by Vishnu, who appeared as a half-man, half-lion creature called Narasimha. The festival is also associated with the god Krishna, who is said to have played Holi with his friends and followers.

Holi is traditionally celebrated by throwing colored powder, or gulal, at each other, spraying water, and throwing water balloons. The colors represent life’s different emotions and moods, and the festival is seen as a time to let go of past grievances and start anew.

The festival has spread beyond its Hindu roots and is now celebrated worldwide by people of all religions and cultures. In India, where Holi is a national holiday, the festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and is a time for people to come together and enjoy each other’s company. In recent years, Holi has gained popularity in other countries, particularly in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, where Indian communities have introduced the festival to their non-Indian friends and neighbors.

The Holi festival has also been adopted by various communities around the world, who have adapted the celebrations to their own cultures and traditions. In Nepal, for example, the festival is called “Fagu Purnima” and is celebrated by throwing colored water at each other. In Trinidad and Tobago, Holi is known as “Phagwa” and is celebrated with singing, dancing, and throwing colored powder.

Food is also an important part of Holi celebrations. Special sweets and savory dishes are prepared for the occasion, including the popular gujiya, a sweet dumpling filled with a mixture of sweetened khoya (dried whole milk), nuts, and dried fruits. Traditional Holi foods include mathri, a crunchy snack made from flour and spices, and thandai, a sweet and creamy drink made from milk, nuts, and spices.

The festival of Holi has become a symbol of unity and diversity and a celebration of the human spirit. As the world becomes more connected, the festival has gained new meaning and significance and has become a way for people of all backgrounds to come together and celebrate the joy of life.

Sources:

• “Holi: Festival of Colours,” BBC, February 26, 2010.
• “What is Holi and How is it Celebrated?” The Indian Express, March 21, 2019.