Holi is a Hindu festival celebrated in India and abroad that marks the arrival of spring. It is known as the "festival of colors" as people throw colored powders and spray colored water on friends and family. The main rituals are associated with a legend of Krishna and Radha. Holi is celebrated with fervor in India and by Indian communities around the world as a time of joy, love and unity regardless of differences.
2. Holi Celebration
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Celebrated with immense fervor all over India, Holi is
one of the world’s most vibrant festivals.
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Strewn with legends, Holi is mainly observed to mark
the arrival of spring season.
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Coinciding with the Hindu lunar month - Phalgun, it
is acknowledged as a festival of gaiety – featuring
relentless ardor, bliss, and hope among all levels of
people – regardless of caste, creed, and color.
3. Significance of Colors in Celebrating Holi
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Holi is aptly called the ‘Festival of Colors,’ as the main
ritual of its celebration is throwing and smearing
brightly colored powders and water on friends and
family.
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The observance of this incredible ritual is associated
with a beautiful legend pertaining to Lord Krishna
and his soul mate Radha.
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During Holi, it is a spellbinding sight to see streets,
houses, shops and whole neighborhood doused in
fascinating hues of green, yellow, purple, magenta,
and more.
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Applying of colors, in a way, has become an
embodiment of joy, love and unity.
4. Eco Friendly Holi-
This year, celebrate Holi in sync with nature by:
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Replacing commercialized, chemical colors with
home-made natural colors
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Completely avoiding the use of plastic stuffs like
balloons (Use sprinklers as an alternative)
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Minimizing the use of water.
5. Holi Festival around the World
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Holi is celebrated with great enthusiasm and bonhomie across the
globe. Interestingly, Indians settled abroad are keener to revel in Holi
festivities than their Indian counterparts, as it is one of the joyous
occasions that bind them together while taking them back to their
roots.
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In Guyana, South America, Holi is observed as a national holiday –
thanks to its ever-expanding Hindu community that forms more than
30% of the country’s population.
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With a huge majority of Indians, Mauritius is another country where
Holi is celebrated with incredible fanfare.
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Moreover, it is common to see Indians in USA, UK, Surinam, and
South Africa celebrating Holi with amazing gusto and fervor.
6. Eat and Drink During Holi
While it’s true that the focal point of Holi is colors, it’s
never an excuse to relish a range of traditional foods
and drinks that excite your taste buds and elevate your
spirits, as part of the celebration. Here are some Holi
staples.
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Thandai: Flavored with aromatic spices, this sweet,
rich milk refreshment is simply delectable.
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Papri Chaat: This tempting Indian savory snack is
prepared using boiled potatoes, chickpeas, sev,
onions, sauces.
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Puran Poli: A sweet dish in the form of creamy
flatbread is appetizing.
7. Holi Gift Ideas
Being a festival of fun, unity and brotherhood, gift exchange is an indispensable part
of Holi celebration. So be sure to pick a gift that reflects the real essence of the
festival.
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A beautifully wrapped box filled with dry fruits, traditional sweets, or chocolates
will make a great gift to show your love and care towards your loved ones.
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A box containing Holi colors made using natural flowers is sure to bring instant
broad smile on recipient’s face.
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To make your little ones happy, consider gifting Pichkaris or water guns.
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If you’re confused what to gift, a safe choice is to pick a special Holi gift hamper
bundled with colors, sweets, and idols of Lord Krishna and Radha.