Holi Festival of Colors

Holi, the festival of colors, is a very fun-filled and lively festival observed by the Hindus. Holi  is a  religious festival celebrated by Hindus and Sikhs. It is primarily observed in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and countries with large Indic diaspora populations, such as Suriname, Guyana, South Africa, Trinidad, United Kingdom, United States, Mauritius, and Fiji.

The main day, that is the second day Holi is also known as Dhuli Vandana in Sanskrit and also Dhulheti, Dhulandi or Dhulendi, is celebrated by people throwing coloured powder and coloured water at each other. Bonfires are lit the day before, also known as Holika Dahan (burning of Holika) or Chhoti Holi (little Holi).
The festivities of Holi know no bounds. Wherever there are Indians, the festival is celebrated with much fanfare. People virtually play with colors and bonfire is lit to mark the victory of good over bad. Sweets and greetings are exchanged on this occasion. Holi Festival 2011 around the world will also be celebrated with same fervor and enthusiasm.

Holi food traditions contain preparation of various food items in the families. Food items that are prepared of this occasion are papri, gujjia, and kanji ke vade. Different types of snack items such as dahi badas, puran poli, mathri and malpuas are served to the guests. Meat dishes such as kofta curry are also prepared on this occasion. Holi food traditions also include sandesh, payash and saffron milk. At the night of Holi, intoxicating bhang is prepared and consumed along with sweet laddoos. In some cases, bhang is consumed along with thandai and pakoras.
Holi is celebrated at the end of the winter season on the last full moon day of the lunar month.Holi Celebration around the World takes different forms.

Romance on your holidays

Holidays are a perfect time to romance with your special person. It can be a national or a festive holiday. You just need a reason to be together. Once you make a program, how will you romance on your holidays? It is easy. However, remember your budget also plays an important role while going for a Romantic Holidays.

Watching a movie, taking a stroll hand in hand, enjoying a show, sitting on the edge of a lake and fishing are quite common. Small deeds oftentimes speak more than words. Few people just love to be in each others’ company for long hours without making a lot of hue and cry about their relationship. Others prefer to enjoy it in a grand way.

If you want a silent holiday in each others’ company, set off for the woods, carry snack packets, chocolates, coffee or fresh juice and pack in your car. You can sit along the meandering stream and listen to some country music or slow numbers. Enjoy the chirping of the birds, rustle of leaves and noise of breaking twigs beneath your feet.

On the other hand, if you want to remain in the city to enjoy your holiday, you have several options too. Book a table at a restaurant and enjoy a hearty meal. If it is a festive holiday you are enjoying (Christmas, Halloween, and Thanksgiving), you can tour around the city to watch lighting displays and decoration. On these occasions the public places are decorated and there are food stalls nearby. You can try out different dishes. If you are close to a village, oftentimes, the tribe residing in the villages has local cuisine of their own.

On Halloween, dress up in one of the Halloween costumes and enjoy a party with your friends, either in a club or at home.

If you are close to a beach holiday destinations, there are recreational activities that you both can enjoy. It can be parasailing, going for a banana ride, water skiing, and the like. So, gear up for a romantic Valentine's Day holiday   and spend quality time with your spouse.