Celebrating Holi, " the Festival of Colours"

Holi , the Festival of Colours, is a popular Hindu spring festival observed in India, Suriname, Guyana, Trinidad, the U.K and Nepal. Bengal, it is known as Dolyatra (Doljatra) or Boshonto Utsav ("spring festival") and in Bihar as “Phagawa”.

The main day, Holi, also known as Dhulheti, Dhulandi or Dhulendi, is celebrated by people throwing coloured powder and coloured water at each other. Bonfires are lit the day before, also known as Holika Dahan (death of Holika) or Chhoti Holi (little Holi). The bonfires are lit in memory of the miraculous escape that young Prahlad had when Demoness Holika, sister of Hiranyakashipu, carried him into the fire. Holika was burnt but Prahld , a staunch devotee of Lord Vishnu, escaped without any injuries due to his unshakable devotion. Holika dahan referred to as Kama Dahanam in Andhra Pradesh.

Holi is celebrated on the full moon day in the month of Phalugna or Falguna (Phalgun Purnima), which usually falls in the later part of February or March.