Tuesday, February 15, 2011

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.

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