Holi is a popular ancient Hindu festival, also known as the “festival of colors”. The festival marks the victory of good over evil. It originated and is mostly celebrated in India, but has also spread to other regions of Asia and parts of the Western world through the migration from the Indian subcontinent.
It shows the arrival of spring and the end of winter. It is celebrated in March, according to the Hindu calendar in the month of Phalguna, it always falls on Purnima or the day of the full moon. It’s a two-day festival. The first day on the full moon is Holika Dahan when a bonfire is lit for a puja. The bonfire is meant to burn away all the bad thoughts and evil spirits. The next day after the full moon is all about the festival of colors.
This year 2021, the festival of Holi will be celebrated on Sunday, 28 March, and Monday, 29 March.
Why has the Holi festival become famous in foreign countries?
Holi Festival is popularly observed in India and Nepal, but in recent years, it has gain popularity to a large extent in many communities all across the globe because of most Indians living there.
Although, the festival of colors discover its influence and beginning in South Asian culture, now it has become popular across the world. Abroad, People gathered and organized Holi events with great enthusiasm across the U.S., the U.K., and some other places.
The Indian festivals help to connect future generations to their culture. The South Asian Community features dance performances and short plays on the story behind Holi and Holika Dahan. Celebrating as a community helps parents to show their children what the festival stands for.
There are many Hindu populations in the United States, especially in large metropolitan areas. Besides the religious significance of the festival, some cultures have adopted it in the United States for shows or drama and entertainment. The Festival of Holi observance is also be found in Boston, New York, Houston, and unexpectedly in Spanish Fork, Utah.
Holi has become India’s most joyous festival by throwing colored powder and water balloons. The group of International travels selling tours to the country usually place photos of Colorful Holi celebrations.
Nonetheless, in some Holi events, people faced disapproval of cultural provisions. They even ignore the nature of some events and color marathons organized in the U.S. and Europe. They charge organizers of accepting the powder color used in Holi by rejecting the religious importance of the festival and turn it into other brassy parties.
