What is Holi?
Holi is the festival of colours, celebrated on the full moon of the month of Phalguna. It welcomes spring and celebrates the victory of good over evil. It is one of the most joyful festivals in India and is loved around the world.
Holika Dahan
On the night before Holi, bonfires are lit to recall the story of Prahlad, a devotee of Lord Vishnu who survived the fire, while his evil aunt Holika was burned. People gather around the fire, pray and roast fresh grains.
The day of colours
On Holi morning, people of all ages play with gulal, coloured water and pichkaris, sing and dance to dhol beats, and forgive old quarrels. Gujiya, malpua, dahi vada and thandai are shared everywhere. The Lathmar Holi of Barsana and the celebrations in Mathura and Vrindavan are world-famous.