Holi 2023 will be celebrated on March 7 and 8. The first day of the festival, also known as Holika Dahan, involves the lighting of a bonfire to symbolize the victory of good over evil. The second day, which is the main day of the festival, involves the throwing of colored powder and water on each other. Holi celebrations for last couple of years were subdued because of restrictions owing to Covid pandemic. However, this year Holi will be celebrated in India, and other parts of the world, without any regulation. Holi 2023 offers an opportunity to spread love, happiness, and unity, and to celebrate the diversity of humanity. Here're 10 interesting facts to know about the "festival of colours":
1. Holi is a Hindu festival celebrated mainly in India and Nepal, but also in other parts of the world with a significant Hindu population.
2. Holi is also known as the "festival of colors" or the "festival of love" as it symbolizes the victory of good over evil and celebrates the love and unity among people.
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3. Holi is celebrated on the full moon day in the Hindu month of Phalguna, which usually falls in February or March according to the Gregorian calendar.
4. One of the main rituals of Holi is the throwing of colored powder and water on each other, which is called "rangoli" or "gulal". This tradition is believed to have originated from Lord Krishna, who used to play pranks with colors on his beloved Radha and other gopis.
5. In some parts of India, a bonfire is lit on the eve of Holi, which is called "Holika Dahan". This ritual symbolizes the victory of good over evil and commemorates the story of Prahlad and Holika from Hindu mythology.
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6. Holi is also associated with the consumption of traditional sweets and snacks, such as gujiya, mathri, dahi bhalla, and thandai.
7. Holi is not just a Hindu festival; it is celebrated by people of all religions and communities in India and Nepal. It is a time when people come together to forget their differences and celebrate the joy of life.
8. In some parts of India, Holi is celebrated as a two-day festival. The first day is known as "Choti Holi" or "Holika Dahan", while the second day is called "Rangwali Holi" or "Dhulandi".
9. Holi is also celebrated in other parts of the world, such as Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Suriname, and Mauritius, where there is a significant Indian population.
10. Holi has been depicted in many Bollywood movies, such as "Silsila", "Sholay", and "Mohabbatein". It has also been featured in international movies, such as "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" and "Eat Pray Love".
