Holi is the most popular Hindu holiday, especially among children. Occurring in early spring, it is a holiday dedicated to going outside and having fun. Some of the activities on Holi include a large bonfire, singing, dancing, and playing games. Lots of food is prepared especially sweets. Some of the things associated with Holi are bright colors, beating drums, a sweet known as Puranpoli, the god Krishna, and Kamam - the god of pleasure.

The Holi celebration may last as long as 3 to 10 days depending on where the festival is held. In some parts of India, Holi is known as the Swing Festival, because images of the gods are placed on swings.

For a week before Holi, young boys will go from house to house collecting firewood, scrap paper, broken furniture, worn out baskets, or anything else that will burn. The wood is piled up to make a large community bonfire. The night before Holi, the fire is started. Everyone gathers around the fire, dances, and sings. Humorous songs about the god Krishna’s adventures are some of the favorites at the Holi bonfire.

The next morning everyone marks their forehead with ashes from the bonfire to bring luck for the rest of the year. The rest of the day is dedicated to fun and games. One prank children play on Holi, is to spray an unsuspecting passerby with colored water or powder.

The name Holi is derived from a female demon or ogress named Holika. Legend has it that Holika would come down into the villages each spring and snatch the children away. One year, the people of the villages gathered together to stop her. They disoriented the ogress with noise from horns and drums, then burned her in a bonfire. She never returned to bother them again. The holiday Holi is said to commemorate the victory of good over evil that day.

See Also

Holiday Catalogue

Hindu Observances