What Is The Hindu Celebration Holi?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The Hindu festival of Holi started in India but is now celebrated around the world. It is known as

the festival of love, colours and spring

and involves people throwing coloured powder and water at each other. The two-day festival also celebrates the Hindu god Krishna and the legend of Holika and Prahlad.

What is the purpose of Holi celebration?

The Holi festival has a cultural significance among various Hindu traditions of the Indian subcontinent. It is the

festive day to end and rid oneself of past errors, to end conflicts by meeting others

, a day to forget and forgive. People pay or forgive debts, as well as deal anew with those in their lives.

What is Holi and how is it celebrated?

People celebrate Holi

by splashing water and smearing each other with colours

, which is also known as ‘Gulal'. Children enjoy the day by playing with water baloons and water guns. Parties are hosted by people where they dance on popular Holi songs.

Is Holi a Hindu holiday?

Holi is known as one of the Hindu religion's most joyous and colorful

festivals

, heralding the triumph and return of spring. This year's festivities begin on Sunday, March 28, and end on Monday, March 29. This festival is always celebrated in March, which corresponds to the Hindu calendar month of Phalguna.

Why is Holi important to Hinduism?

Here's why we celebrate the festival of colours every year. … An ancient Hindu festival, which later became popular among non-Hindu communities as well, Holi heralds the arrival of spring after winter. It

signifies the victory of good over evil

and is celebrated as a day of spreading happiness and love.

What do we eat on Holi?

  • Thandai. When you think of Holi, thandai will surely cross your mind. …
  • Dahi Bhalle. The perfect blend of curd and spices, this dish is a favourite of every household. …
  • Puran Poli. …
  • Rasmalai. …
  • Badam Phirni. …
  • Coconut Milk Murukku. …
  • Bhang Pakora.

What does Holi symbolize?

Holi represents

the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil

. It is also said to be the enactment of a game the Hindu god Lord Krishna played with his consort Radha and the gopis, or milkmaids.

Why is Holi called the Festival of Colour?

The Holi festival is thought to take its

name from the demon sister Holika

. It's also why the first evening of the festival takes place around a bonfire – it is a celebration of good over evil, light over darkness.

Why do we play colours in Holi?

In ancient times, when people started playing Holi, the colours used by them were made from plants like Neem, Haldi, Bilva, Palash (etc). The playful pouring and throwing of color powders made from these natural sources has a

healing effect on the human body

.

What is the next Hindu festival 2021?

January 2021 Festivals 14 Thursday

Pongal

, Uttarayan , Makar Sankranti
24 Sunday Pausha Putrada Ekadashi 26 Tuesday Pradosh Vrat (S) 28 Thursday Paush Purnima Vrat

Is Holi a religious holiday?

Holi is a

major festival in the Hindu religion

. It is celebrated on the day after the last full moon of the Hindu month of Phalguna.

Who is the God of Holi?

Holi also celebrates the

Hindu god Krishna

and the legend of Holika and Prahlad.

What gods are celebrated during Holi?

The three main myths associated with Holi involve the

Hindu gods Vishnu, Krishna or Shiva

. People in various parts of India focus on different forms of each of these myths. One of the most popular stories concerns Vishnu and his devotee, Prahlada.

What do Gujaratis eat on Holi?

  • Gujiyas. Look what we have here – the star sweet of Holi! …
  • Thandai. A popular Holi staple – thandai! …
  • Gol Gappe / Paani Puri. …
  • Dal Kachori. …
  • Masala Channa with Baked Kachori. …
  • Apple Kheer. …
  • Almond Malai Kulfi. …
  • Baked Namak Para.

What do you wear to Holi festival?

You need a

basic t-shirt, pants or a long dress

that you either bin at the end of the day or wash knowing it will never be white-white again. Or better still, buy an inexpensive ‘Kurta' (pyjama like pants + top) in India.

Maria Kunar
Author
Maria Kunar
Maria is a cultural enthusiast and expert on holiday traditions. With a focus on the cultural significance of celebrations, Maria has written several blogs on the history of holidays and has been featured in various cultural publications. Maria's knowledge of traditions will help you appreciate the meaning behind celebrations.