Holi, The Festival Of Colours

1 March 2010

TransIndus tours for Holi, the Festival of Colours:

Northern Highlights

Holi, the liveliest of all Hindu festivals, marks the end of the winter and heralds the beginning of the spring with the rekindling of the spirit of life. Celebrated predominantly in the North, on the first full moon of Phalgun (March), it is a festival of fun when all is forgiven and is a time for the soul to break free.

The night before full moon, communities gather around huge bonfires to sign and dance and burn residual debris of winter.

Singing and dancing continues into the next day when coloured powders are thrown over everyone in merriment. People, young and old are drenched in colour.

Different communities celebrate Holi slightly differently. In and around Mathura - the birthplace of Lord Krishna, Holi celebrations last a full week and end in the famous Rang Gulal Festival with exuberant processions, songs and music.

The Sikh community celebrates a special festival Hola Mohalla on the day after Holi, with displays of ancient martial arts and mock battles.

Especially famous is the Lathmaar Holi of Barsana and Nandgaon.