Repost from National Geographic
Holi is a festival celebrated by Hindus around the world. It marks the beginning of spring, and is usually celebrated at the end of February or early March. Participants in a Holi festival often throw brightly colored powder and scented water at each other. Holi is a major festival in the Hindu religion. It is celebrated on the day after the last full moon of the Hindu month of Phalguna. Phalguna falls between late February and early March in Western calendars. Holi usually marks the happy transition from harsh, dark winter to brighter, warmer springtime. Holi celebrates the Hindu story of Prahlada. Prahlada was a prince dedicated to the worship of Vishnu, a major Hindu god. Prahlada's father and aunt opposed his religious faith, and as punishment made him sit in the middle of a raging bonfire. Vishnu protected Prahlada, and the prince did not burn. Bonfires remain a part of Holi rituals today. However, the most striking aspect of the festival is the spraying of brightly colored powders and water in enormous public celebrations. The colors mark both Prahlada's flickering bonfire and the bright colors associated with spring. The "Festival of Colors" is also a time for Hindus to relax social codes. Barriers between rich and poor, men and women, young and old are broken down by Holi's bright colors. A familiar saying is bura na mano, Holi hai—don't be offended, it's Holi!
1 Comment
9/27/2019 11:01:56 am
This festival is one of the best in your country. My wife and I went there for a vacation last year, and we absolutely loved it. We had so much fun knowing the people and your culture there. We really hope that we can go back there again this year. We have saved up a lot of money, and we are planning on heading there for the same festival. I just hope that nothing bad or unfortunate happens before then.
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