'Bura Na Mano Holi Hai', the punchline itself defines the lively spirit of the festival of Holi. Having an ancient origin, the Holi festival celebrates the triumph of 'good' over 'evil'. One of the important Hindu festival, Holi is mainly celebrated in North India. Besides, Holi is also celebrated with much funfare in the states of West Bengal, Orissa and other parts of West and South India. In West Bengal, Holi is also known as Dolyatra (Doljatra) or Boshonto Utsav (Spring festival).

Also called the festival of colours, Holi is celebrated on Phalgun Purnima which generally comes by February end or early March. Celebration of Holi begins with lighting up of bonfire on the eve of Holi to signify burning the demoness Holika, sister of demon king Hiranyakashipu. On the festival day, known as Dhulendi, people throw coloured water, smear 'gulal' and 'abeer' on each other's faces and cheer themselves by saying 'Bura na maano Holi hai.' A special holi drink called 'thandai' is also savoured by the people that sometimes containing Bhang (Cannabis sativa).

A colourful festival, Holi bridges the social gap and strengthens the relationship among people and family members. In the evening, people visit houses of friends and relatives, hug each other, exchange good wishes and Holi gift with each other.

Don't wait, just plan a trip to India this Holi and became a part of fun-filled activities and create the emotional bonds with others. Surely, you will remember the colourful festival and its interesting celebrations for long time.

Legends Associated with Holi
Literally the word Holi means burning and a number of legends are associated to explain the meaning of the word. Among the various legends, the most prominent is associated with demon king Hiranyakashyap. As per legend, the demon king wanted everyone in his kingdom to worship only him. But the king's own son Prahalad who was a devotee of Lord Narayana, became the great disappointment for him.

Hiranyakashyap asked his sister, Holika who had a boon to standby fire without any damage, to enter a blazing fire with his son Prahlad in her lap. But, her boon did not worked and she was engulfed by the fire, but Prahlad was saved by the god. Hence, the festival of Holi marks the triumph of good over evil and also the victory of ardent devotion.

Another legend of Holi is associated with Lord Krishna as he started the tradition of celebrating the festival by smearing colour on his beloved Radha and others. With the time, the applying colour during Holi became a tradition and it still followed.

Legends of Shiva and Kaamadeva, Orgress Dhundhi and Pootana are also associated with the festival of Holi. All the legends associated with Holi mark the victory of good over evil.

Holi Celebrations
Since time immemorial Holi is being celebrated in India, but the popularity of festival celebrations rising with every passing year. Celebrations of Holi kicks off with the burning of Holika on the cross-roads of towns and villages. Festival of Holi includes lot of fun-filled activity and bonhomie. Celebrations of Holi takes place with great pomp and enthusiasm all over the country.

In fact, no other festival in the country offers so much liberty to people like Holi to reach the epitome of fun and enjoyment. Differences among the people are drowned in the coloured waters and people smear Abir (coloured powdered) on each other's face. Tradition of bhang is also an important part of Holi celebrations and people do funny activities after taking bhang. After taking bhang, people dance with the rhythm of dholak (drum) and sing traditional folk songs.

Children usually enjoy the festival for two to three days and throw water filled balloons at passerby. Besides, the children also drench others by pichkaris from far and loudly enchant 'Bura Na Mano Holi Hai.' Savouring mouth-watery dishes is an important part of holi celebrations. People savour delectable dishes like Malpuas, Mathri, Puran Poli, Gujiya, Dahi badas and glasses full of thandai. After the invigorating day, evenings of the Holi are celebrated in dignified manner and people visit friends and relatives. People exchange sweets, hug each other and convey good wishes for the festival.

In some states of the country, people follow the tradition of breaking the pot full of buttermilk, hanged high on the streets or cross-roads. Young men in group made the human pyramid to break the pot and eventually get success. Meanwhile the women throw buckets of colour water on the boys and sing folk songs as well. However, at Mathura and Barsana Holi celebrations continue for a week and major temples organise a Holi bash on every day. People enjoy the every moment of the one week long festival to the zenith.

Holi Date in 2008
22nd March