Holi-Festival of Colors, Tradition, Significance, Dates

What is Holi?

Holi is an ancient Hindu festival which brings the feeling of unity and love. It is a festival of colors where people put colors on each other and celebrate with love and eat delicious food.

Holi marks the start of spring season, also people enjoy the season and make new friends.

Holi celebrates the eternal love of god Radha Krishna.

Cultural Significance of Holi

On this day of Holi people of all culture join together and enjoy together. The festival holds a lot of cultural significance in Indian Subcontinent.

Even those who are living in foreign countries, they also celebrate this festival. People forget any past rivalry and conflicts, and forgive each other on this day.

How is Holi celebrated?

There are two days of Holi celebrations, and it start on the night before the main Holi which is called Holika Dahan.

In Holika Dahan, a bonfire is arranged and people do rituals around it and pray all the evils get destroyed by the Holika. Holika was the sister of Demon Hiranyakashipu. The next day of Holika Dahan is the main Holi.

People celebrate this by applying colors on each other. They use guns filled with colored waters, water filled balloons to put on each other. They eat chat, pakodas, have drinks and lots of food of their taste to celebrate this festival.

What to Avoid in Holi?

Holi is a festival of colors and joy, but it is important to celebrate it safely and respectfully. Here are some things you should not do during Holi:

1. Do not use chemical-based colors: Chemical-based colors can harm your skin and cause allergies. Always use natural colors like turmeric, beetroot, henna, etc.
2. Do not throw colors on strangers without their consent: Some people may not want to participate in the festivities, so it is important to respect their boundaries.
3. Do not throw colors on animals: Animals have sensitive skin and can be easily frightened by the colors and loud noises. Keep them away from the celebrations.
4. Do not drink and drive: Celebrating Holi with alcohol is common, but it is important to avoid drinking and driving. It can cause accidents and harm yourself and others.
5. Do not litter: Holi generates a lot of waste in the form of plastic bags, water bottles, etc. Be responsible and dispose of the waste properly.
6. Do not forget to hydrate: Playing with colors and water can cause dehydration. Drink plenty of water and fluids to keep yourself hydrated.

Remember to celebrate Holi with respect and care for others and the environment.

Holi Dates

Holi falls on different dates every year as it depends on Hindu Calendar. In 2023, the date of Holi is 8 March 2023.