होली(Holi)

Holi is celebrated on the full moon day (Purnima) of the Hindu month of Phalguna, which falls in late February or early March in the Gregorian calendar. The main color-throwing celebration (Rangwali Holi) takes place the day after the Holika Dahan bonfire.

Holi, known as the Festival of Colors or the Festival of Love, is a Hindu spring festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil and the arrival of spring. It is associated with the legend of Prahlada and Holika, and also with the playful love story of Krishna and Radha.

Holi is primarily celebrated in India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. Hindu diaspora communities also celebrate it in Singapore, Malaysia, United Kingdom, and the United States. In recent years, color run events inspired by Holi have become popular worldwide.

Holi is a public holiday in India and Nepal. The date of the public holiday may vary by state in India, with some states observing one day and others two. It is not a public holiday in countries with Hindu diaspora populations such as the UK or US.

Holi traditions begin with Holika Dahan, a bonfire on the eve of the festival, symbolizing the burning of the demoness Holika. The next day, people celebrate by throwing colored powder (gulal) and water at each other, singing, dancing, and sharing sweets such as gujiya and thandai.