Time - February end or early March
The colourful festival of Holi is celebrated on Phalgun Purnima which comes in February end or early March. Holi festival has an ancient origin and celebrates the triumph of good over bad. The colourful festival bridges the social gap and renews sweet relationships. On this day, people hug and wish each other Happy Holi.
The night before full moon, crowds of people gather together and light huge bonfires to burn the residual dried leaves and twigs of the winter. People throw coloured powders at each other and make merry. People, young and old are drenched with colours being poured from atop the houses, bursting balloons, or long pistons. Singing and dancing add to the gaiety of the occasion.
In Anandpur Sahib, Sikhs celebrate a special festivalHola Mohalla on the day after Holi. The display of ancient martial arts and mock battles, are part of this unique Sikh festival.
The Holi celebrations in Mathura and the small towns of Braj Bhoomi - the land of Sri Krishna, are spectacular. The Rang Gulal Festival is celebrated for over a week with exuberant processions, songs and music.
Holi celebration begins with lighting up of bonfire on the Holi eve. Numerous legends & stories associated with Holi celebration makes the festival more exuberant and vivid. The Festival of Colour is one of most exuberant Hindu festivals, with people marking the end of winter by throwing coloured water and powder at one another. It gets quite mad! The festival is celebrated with the most fervour throughout northern India, although it can seen to a lesser extent in other areas of the country.
