The festival of Holi is the celebration of colors in our lives. The
festival has different aspects to its celebration. Like it is a
celebration of good over evil, a carnival of colors, a community
festival, a secular festival and a tradition of ancient spring rites.
The main celebration takes place on the full moon day of Phalguna. The
real essence behind its celebration is the community flavors of it that
bridges the social gap. People of all religion and caste color each
other with gulal and other form of dyes. They also visit homes,
distribute sweets and greet each other. Men, women, adult and children
all take part in dances and other cultural programs. It's the time of
the year when roadside stalls throughout the country bear tables covered
with bags of colorful powder, called gulal. Holi, is the exuberant
festival of color.
The Hindu calendar uses lunar months, and Phalguna typically runs from
the latter half of February through the first half of March. The crops
have been harvested, so farmers have more free time and some money to
celebrate the end of winter. With Holi, this celebration is an ecstatic
burst of color. In the past, the color came from flowers that blossom
only during the festival. Now, however, the powder is often created
artificially. On the eve of Holi, bonfires are burn at many street
corners. Everybody celebrates Holi in a festive mood. It is that time of
the year when everyone forgets everything and takes part in the
celebration of colors. Holi is celebrated in all parts of the country
from north to south and from east to west with the same enthusiasm and
joy. Holi, is a spring festival it is celebrated in the month of March.
Though the festival originated in the northern part of India, Holi has
assumed a national flavor over the ages. Despite being a Hindu festival,
it is now celebrated in a secular spirit. The entire nation takes part
irrespective of race, culture and ethnic background. It is the spirit of
Holi, which binds them together. People from different strata comes
together to enjoy the colors of life.
