Welcome Spring the Hindu Way!
Holi is an annual celebration of spring. While having roots in Hindu faith, it's celebration has spread around the world and has taken many different forms.
Traditionally, the festival of Holi begins the night of a full moon in late Februrary or early March. Different areas will hold the festival for different lengths of time. Many secular celebrations of Holi will last a single day. Across India, Holi usually consumes an entire week with celebration. In Mathura, the city where Krishna is believed to have been born, Holi is celebrated for two weeks!
Traditionally, the festival of Holi begins the night of a full moon in late Februrary or early March. Different areas will hold the festival for different lengths of time. Many secular celebrations of Holi will last a single day. Across India, Holi usually consumes an entire week with celebration. In Mathura, the city where Krishna is believed to have been born, Holi is celebrated for two weeks!
Color Craziness
The most recognizable tradition of Holi is the use of colored powder and water to have mock fights against friends and relatives. All ages are expected to join in, so make sure you give as good as you get!
This tradition of colored powder goes back to a story involving Krishna.
It is said that Krishna was jealous of his friend Radha's light skin. When talking with his mother about it, she suggested that Krishna paint Radha.
Taking up his mother's advice, Krishna surprised Radha by throwing colored powder at her.
Holi remembers this playfulness by recreating it every year!
It is said that Krishna was jealous of his friend Radha's light skin. When talking with his mother about it, she suggested that Krishna paint Radha.
Taking up his mother's advice, Krishna surprised Radha by throwing colored powder at her.
Holi remembers this playfulness by recreating it every year!