Families and communities get together to paint each other’s faces with a colored powder called “Gulaal.” While some people prefer to lovingly put a speck of color on each other’s cheeks, many decide to get down and dirty and take it to the streets.īright colors of Gulaal fill the air and people take turns spritzing each other with colored water. It is also the festival of love as it celebrates the love between deity Krishna and his beloved Radha. The second (and more fun) day of Holi is celebrated by (literally) “playing with colors.” Large bonfires are arranged in communities where people gather up to share the warmth and metaphorically “burn their evils” in the fire. The first day is the religious one that represents the victory of good over evil (a prominent theme in many Indian festivals – yes, we rinse and repeat). Holi is typically a two-day long festival. As the cold recedes and leaves begin to sprout, this festival marks the spirit of letting go of the old (and cold!) and looking forward to new beginnings. Holi marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring in much of India (wish that was true for New York!). I am a sucker for festivities, but one of my favorite holidays is the Indian festival of colors called “Holi.” Holi is one of the major festivals across the country and is significant for many reasons.
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