The festival of colours

A colourful celebration

Holi is the Hindu festival that welcomes the Spring and celebrates the new life and energy of the season. Although Holi has religious roots, not much religious activity is involved in its celebration.

Holi is the most energetic Indian festival, filled with fun and good humour; even the strict rules of separation between castes are abandoned.

Holi is also called 'The Festival of Colours', and people celebrate the festival by smearing each other with paint, and throwing coloured powder and dye around in an atmosphere of great good humour.

Holi is seen by some as the Hindu festival that is nearest in spirit to St. valentines day. 

Holi in Brief

• A spring festival, usually celebrated in March
• Holi also celebrates krishna, and the legend of Holika and Prahalad
• Holi is particularly celebrated in North India
• Although Holi has religious roots there are few religious things to do
• Distinctions of caste, class, age, and gender are suspended during Holi
• A very exuberant festival, with dancing, singing, and throwing of paint
• Holi features gender rivalry, with contests between men and women, and public flirting
• Bonfires are lit during Holi, and food offerings are roasted
• The festival is officially celebrated on the day after full moon during the month of Phalunga, which falls in February-March