“Indians Worldwide Mark Holi, the Festival of Colors, from Home and Abroad”
The vibrant festival of Holi commemorates the advent of spring and the triumph of good over evil. Occurring on the last full-moon day of the lunar month, Holi is characterized by the playful smearing of bright colors on friends and family, alongside fervent prayers.
Rooted in Hindu mythology, Holi draws inspiration from the legend of Holika, a female demon who attempted to kill her nephew Prahlad for his devotion to the god Vishnu. However, Prahlad miraculously survives a fiery ordeal, while Holika perishes in the flames.
The eve of Holi is marked by the lighting of bonfires, symbolizing the eradication of negativity to pave the way for goodness. In places like a village near Gandhinagar, Gujarat, monumental bonfires are ignited, using up to 200 tons of wood.
As one of India’s most anticipated festivals, millions of people journey to their hometowns and villages in anticipation of Holi. Colorful processions traverse various regions, with participants dancing, singing, and partaking in grand feasts.
Holi is celebrated with great enthusiasm across India, with schools closed and a public holiday observed. Both children and adults delight in playful water fights, dousing each other with colored water from water pistols.
The jubilant festivities of Holi extend beyond India’s borders, with neighboring Nepal joining in the exuberant celebrations.