Holi

We celebrate Holi to commemorate the escape of the Lord Vishnu's child devotee Prahlad from the clutches of his evil father Hirnakashyup and wicked aunt Holika, who had planned to burn him alive. It is actually the great festival of Hindus, where farmers and rural people can celebrate the prosperity and abundance in life that comes with the harvest season. The festival of colors, Holi is celebrated on the day after the full moon in early March or April every year. Lighting huge bonfires to celebrate the death of Holika and her wicked intentions, a night before and playing colors on the next day are the most recognized forms of Holi celebration in India. It is long associated with the immortal love of Krishna and Radha and is celebrated for over 16 days in the Brij area comprising of Vrindavan and Mathura.

People smear each other's faces with colored powder known as 'Gulal' and 'Abeer' and throw colored water or 'Rang' on each other. Most of the people now-a-days prefer the traditionally prepared natural herbal colors that are not only fragrant but also skin-friendly. People take out processions on streets that feature folk songs and dances. The intoxicating 'Bhaang' (opium) drinks are drunk openly though many people in urban areas now prefer simple 'Thandai', a milk preparation. This Indian festival gives complete freedom to the people for a day to splurge and let go. Brotherhood and camaraderie is the order of the day and one can often see boys playing tricks and dousing women with colored water with their 'pichkaris' and shouting "Bura Na Mano…Holi Hai!" (Don't be angry…It's Holi). People prepare 'Gujhias' and other sweetmeats and visit each other on this day.