Holi, the festival of colors is again round this year. Holi is one of the most important festivals of India and after the festival of Diwali it is second most important festival for Hindus. Though many legends attached with the festival of Holi, it is widely believed that Holi is celebrated since 3000 years in the beginning of spring season in commemoration of the divine love of Radha for Hindu Lord Krishna . In present India, this festival is celebrated all across India irrespective religion. The festival is celebrated with festival with much passion, and let go all prejudice, creed and discrimination.

Holi (also called the festival of colors) has become the most celebrated festival around the world by Indian diaspora and local with much reverence. It is most likely that you can find Holi celebration near to your location.

In India, it is common to see people out to celebrating Holi with color powders and water based colors. People could be seen rub colored powder on each other’s forehead or face and then hug each other, irrespective of being friend or foe. In some parts of the country, there are some special traditions of playing Holi, the famous being Lathmar Holi of Mathura. If you are traveling India during this time and decide to go out, don’t forget to put your casual dress because you’d not be able to resist playing with colors with people and people may throw some colors on you as one must not mind it on Holi, as we say on Holi, बुरा ना मनो, होली है! (Bura na mano Holi hai! – Don’t mind, it’s Holi!)

After playing with colors, people go to their neighbors or relatives to give them मिठाई (Mithai – traditional sweets). After that, the family members dine together.