HOLI

Yesterday was the last day of the Hindu calendar year and the celebration of the first day of Holi, the festival of colors. Families gather and place small amounts of colored powder on each other's face wishing each other Happy Holi. Families also visit neighbors and do the same. It is the celebration of the triumph of good over evil, and a celebration of Spring and the first day of the Hindu New Year. It's also the celebration of The Legend of Holika and Prahlad.


The second day of Holi occurs on the first day of the Hindu calendar, is celebrated with great enthusiasm. People take great delight is placing large amounts of colored powder on each other. Some, especially children and young adults throw colored water at each other using large spray guns  or even buckets. Neighbors and friends visit each other placing more and more color on each other as they progress from neighbor to neighbor. Singing, dancing, traditional foods and sweats are shared.
Holi is celebrated this way in the Haldwani region.

Holi celebrations are celebrated differently and on different days in various Indian regions. What remains the same is that it is a joyous occasion that brings people together.  In ancient times it was a time when young women chose their husbands.  Click here to learn more about it.  http://www.holifestival.org/legend-holika-prahlad.html