Holi is the most colourful festival also known as the Festival of Colours. It is an ancient Hindu religious harvest festival for the spring season. And now, the Festival of Colours has become popular with non-Hindus in many parts of South Asia and around the world.

On the night before Holi, families gather, sing and dance around a bonfire. An effigy of Holika is burned to recall the triumph of Prahlad and the burning of his evil sister, which symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and of sensual values over spiritual ones.

The festival kicks into high gear the next morning with the "play of colours". It is free for all carnival of colours, where everyone plays, chases and colours each other with dry powder and coloured water. The colours of Holi celebrate the coming of spring with all its beautiful colours and vibrant life. Songs, dance on the rhythm of dholak and mouthwatering Holi delicacies are the other highlights of the day.

Holi celebrations aren't restricted to India. People celebrate the festival all over the world, including in the Vancouver area, where the Vedic Hindu Cultural Society of B.C. is hosting a Holi celebration at the Lakshmi Narayan Mandir in Surrey. UTSAV Indian Students Association also organizes the Holi Colour Wars event on March 22nd.

Are you getting set for one of the most colourful experiences?

March 7, 2014
Posted By Amber Liu