Holi

Holi is a popular ancient Hindu festival, also known as the "Festival of Colours". It is celebrated predominantly in India and Nepal, but has also spread to other areas of Asia and parts of the Western world through the diaspora from the Indian subcontinent. Holi celebrates the arrival of spring, the end of winter, and for many, a festive day to meet others, play and laugh, forget and forgive, and repair broken relationships.

Origins and History

The origins of Holi lie in ancient Hindu traditions where Holi was celebrated to thank the gods for the good harvest. The festival has many cultural and traditional significance among various Hindu traditions of the Indian subcontinent. It is the festive day to end and rid oneself of past errors, end conflicts by meeting others, a day to forget and forgive.

Rituals and Customs

Holi celebrations start on the night before Holi with a Holika Dahan where people gather, perform religious rituals in front of the bonfire, and pray that their internal evil be destroyed the way Holika, the sister of the demon king Hiranyakashipu, was killed in the fire. The next morning is celebrated as Rangwali Holi – a free-for-all festival of colours, where participants play, chase and colour each other with dry powder and coloured water.

Significance

Holi is an important spring festival for Hindus, a national holiday in India and Nepal with regional holidays in other countries. To many Hindus and some non-Hindus, it is a playful cultural event and an excuse to throw coloured water at each other, laugh and celebrate. At the same time, it is also a time of reflection, forgiveness and new beginnings.

Holi in Popular Culture

Holi is celebrated in many parts of the world, influenced by Indian culture. In recent years, this festival has also gained popularity among non-Hindus in many parts of South Asia, as well as people of other communities outside Asia.

See Also

• Diwali
• Navaratri
• Raksha Bandhan