Holi in India ― Date, History, and Details
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Let's dive deeper into learning more about the history of Holi in India and why people celebrate or observe it.
History of Holi in India and How to Celebrate/ Observe It
Holi is a spring Hindu festival celebrated throughout India and Nepal. It is also known as the “festival of colors” or the “festival of love”. The Holi festival signifies the victory of good over evil, the arrival of spring, end of winter, and for many a festive day to meet others, play and laugh, forget and forgive, and repair broken relationships.
The first evening is known as Holika Dahan (burning of Holika) or Choti Holi and the following day as Holi, Rangwali Holi, Dhuleti, Dhulandi, or Phagwah. Holi is an ancient Hindu religious festival which has become popular with non-Hindus in many parts of South Asia, as well as people of other communities outside Asia.
The Holi festival is traditionally celebrated on the full moon day in the Hindu month of Phalguna (early March). This year, Holi will be celebrated on Monday, March 9. The festival has a two-day celebration, with the first day known as Holika Dahan and the second as Rangwali Holi.
On Holika Dahan, people gather around bonfires, offer prayers and sing devotional songs. The next morning, people smear each other with colors and drench each other with water. They also exchange sweets and hug each other to celebrate the spirit of Holi.