Creative Travel I A family story since 1977

Holi

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Holi is a colourful and happy Hindu holiday celebrated primarily in North India on the last full moon of the lunar month of Phalguna at the end of the winter season. It falls in either late February or early March. It is also known as the Festival of Colours.

Holi celebrates spring, fertility, good harvests, and the return of bright colours after the drabness of winter. There are records in Sanskrit of Hindus celebrating Holi as far back as the 7th Century but there are some records of a celebration called Holikotsav around 300 B.C. Many temples across the country have paintings that are hundreds of years old, or even older, depicting Holi celebrations.

There are many stories of the origin of Holi. Some involve the demon King Hiranyakashyap and his sister, Holika, and son, Prahlad. Other legends associated with the festival include the legend of Shiva and Kaamadeva and those of Ogress Dhundhi and Pootana. All the stories show the triumph of good over evil, which is another special aspect of this festival. It is celebrated in the morning with coloured paints being thrown – it is great fun to join in, wear clothes you don’t mind being ruined, jump in and as the locals say ‘play Holi.’