Holi

Holi (Holī) — "the festival of colours," one of the most widely observed Hindu festivals. It falls on Purnima of the month Phalguna (February-March). Tradition connects it with the story of the devotee Prahlada and the demoness Holika, with the love story of Krishna and Radha, and with the arrival of spring.

Place in the system

The festival of Holi falls on Purnima of the month Phalguna — the full moon that marks the arrival of spring.

Classical mythology connects Holi with the story of Prahlada and Holika: the demon Hiranyakashipu's sister, Holika, tried to burn the devotee of Vishnu, Prahlada, in a fire, but burned herself instead, while Prahlada remained unharmed — hence the rite of Holika Dahan. A separate story is the eternal love of Krishna and Radha. Both themes are united by the motif of light and devotion triumphing over darkness and evil.

Holi is not one day but two: the first day is Holika Dahan (the burning of Holika's effigy), the second is Holi proper (Rangwali Holi), the day of playing with colours. In a number of regions the celebration stretches on longer.

Practical meaning

Holi is a favourable time for renewal, forgiveness, and release from old grievances. Tradition holds this festival to be one of the most joyful of the year: for its duration ordinary social conventions loosen — play with colours, jokes, freedom from everyday hierarchy.

The Holi background works through joy. It is a day on which the world turns over: yesterday's hierarchies vanish, and everyone becomes equal before the coloured powder.

In Indian folk practice Holi is one of the most widely celebrated and joyful festivals. People go out into the streets, cover each other in coloured powder, and douse each other with water from hoses and buckets.

In daily practice

Holi is a day of joy and renewal. If you have the chance, this day suits laughing, joking, spending time with friends and family.

Holi also suits forgiveness: forgive old grievances, make peace with those you have been at odds with.

Holi also suits symbolic renewal: tidy the home, throw out what is no longer needed, start something new.

How much this day is yours is refined by Tara Bala. Holi sets a background of joy and renewal, and the personal layer shows how far it matches your life today.