Facts about Holi

The word Holi is derived from the word 'Holika', who was the demonic sister of King Hiranyakashipu and was burned to death with the help of Vishnu. Holi Facts

The festival celebrates the triumph of good over evil and is celebrated on the following day after Holika was burned in a bonfire. Holi Facts

Holi marks the passing of winter and beginning of spring and is celebrated each year after the full moon in March, the first day of the new season on the astronomical calendar. Holi Facts

In India, Holi is celebrated in some form across all the 28 states of India. The date of the holiday may vary between states. Holi Facts

Known as Phagwah, Holi is a public holiday in the South American countries of Guyana and Suriname. Holi Facts

The festival begins on the night before Holi. Bonfires are lit and people gather around the fire to watch it while eating their favourite food items. Holi Facts

The second day of the festival known as 'Rangwali Holi' is the famous day when people throw coloured powder at each other. Holi Facts

For Holi, all castes, social divisions and religious barriers are forgotten, as people celebrate the religious festival together regardless of cultural and religious differences. Holi Facts

During the festival, people are heard saying 'Bura na mano, Holi hai!' which means 'do not mind, it’s Holi', which acts as a way of avoiding any responsibility for any pranks played on Holi. Holi Facts

Participants in the festivities are advised to moisturise their skin well before taking part so the gulal - coloured powder - can be easily removed and does not stain the skin. Holi Facts

Doljatra is essentially the same festival as Holi, but has added emphasis as it is the last festival of the Bengali year. Holi Facts