Holi - The Festival of Colours

"Holi", or "Holli", is a spring festival celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs and others. In West Bengal of India it is known as "Dolyatra" or "Basanta-Utsav" (spring festival). The most celebrated "Holi" is that of the "Braj" region, in places connected to Lord Krishna: Mathura, Vrindavan, Nandagaon, and Barsana. These places have become tourist destinations during the sixteen days festive season of "Holi".

The main day, "Holi", also known as "Dhuli Vandana" in Sanskrit, also "Dhulheti", "Dhulandi" or "Dhulendi", is celebrated by people throwing coloured powder and coloured water at each other. Bonfires are lit the day before, also known as "Holika Dahan" (burning of "Holika") or "Chhoti Holi" (little "Holi"). The bonfires are lit in memory of the miraculous escape that young "Prahlad" accomplished when Demoness "Holika", sister of "Hiranyakashipu", carried him into the fire. "Holika" was burnt but "Prahlad", a staunch devotee of god Vishnu, escaped without any injuries due to his unshakable devotion. "Holika Dahan" is referred to as "Kama Dahanam" in South India.

"Holi" is celebrated at the end of the winter season on the last full moon day of the lunar month "Phalguna" (February/March).