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| Holi 2023 Festival. |
This year, Holi (pronounced “ho-LEE”) is on Wednesday, March 8. Here’s what to know about the holiday:
As the festival of Holi approaches in 2023, people all over India are preparing to celebrate this colorful and joyous occasion. Holi is a Hindu festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil, and the arrival of spring. It is a time for people to come together, play with colors, and enjoy traditional sweets and snacks.
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| Many schools remain closed to mark the festival |
The festival is typically celebrated over two days. On the first day, known as Holika Dahan, people gather around a bonfire to symbolize the burning of the demon Holika, who according to Hindu mythology, tried to kill the god Prahlad. The second day is known as Rangwali Holi, and is the day when people play with colors and water.
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| People in Vrindavan city throw flower petals to celebrate Holi |
Preparations for Holi begin weeks in advance, as people stock up on colorful powders, water balloons, and other festive items. Many homes are also decorated with bright colors and flowers, creating a festive atmosphere throughout the country.
On the morning of Rangwali Holi, people gather in public spaces and begin to throw colored powders at each other. Water guns, water balloons, and hoses are also used to drench people in color and water. The streets are filled with people of all ages, dancing and singing to the beat of drums and other traditional instruments.
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| Many shops sell colourful water pistols and powdered colours |
During the day, people also visit friends and family to exchange greetings and gifts, and to enjoy traditional foods like gujiya, mathri, and dahi bhalla. Many people also indulge in bhang, a traditional drink made from cannabis leaves and milk, which is known to have intoxicating effects.
In addition to the traditional celebrations, many cities also organize Holi festivals that attract tourists from all over the world. These festivals feature live music, food stalls, and other attractions, and are a great way for people to experience the festive atmosphere of Holi in a safe and controlled environment.
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| People spend the day with their loved ones and hold festive meals |
While Holi is primarily a Hindu festival, it is celebrated by people of all religions and backgrounds in India. It is a time for people to come together and celebrate the arrival of spring, forget their differences and embrace the spirit of joy and unity.
However, it is important to note that the festival is not without its controversies. In recent years, there have been concerns about the environmental impact of Holi, as well as the safety of the colors and other materials used during the celebrations. There have also been reports of sexual harassment and violence against women during the festival, which has led to calls for greater awareness and accountability.
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| Groups of friends gather in the street and throw water and colour on each other |
To address these concerns, many organizations and individuals are taking steps to promote safe and responsible celebrations of Holi. This includes using eco-friendly colors, educating people about the importance of consent and respect, and creating safe spaces for women and other marginalized groups.
Overall, Holi remains a beloved and deeply meaningful festival for people all over India. It is a time to celebrate the beauty and diversity of the country and embrace the spirit of joy and unity that the festival represents.
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