Holi, also known as the “Festival of Colors,” is a Hindu festival that celebrates love and new life; it marks the end of winter in India and welcomes the spring season. Some families hold religious ceremonies, but for many Holi is more a time for fun. It's a colorful festival, with dancing, singing, and throwing of powder paint and colored water.
How is Holi celebrated in India?
In India, celebrating the colorful festival of Holi involves several rituals.
A few days prior to the festival, people collect wood and other flammable things for the pyre. An effigy of Holika is placed on top of the pyre to be burned as per the legend.
The first day of the festival is celebrated as Holika Dahan. After sunset, people gather around the pyre, perform puja (prayers) and then light it. People even sing and dance around the pyre, as it symbolizes the triumph of good over evil.
The second day of Holi is called Rangwali Holi. It is a day of celebration and fun. People visit their friends and relatives to wish them well and to exchange sweets. People also put colors on each other’s faces. You might even find groups of people with musical instruments, dancing and singing their way from one place to another.
How does PetSmart's very own Neer celebrate Holi with his family?
"It is purely a day of fun! We spend most of the day smearing colored powder all over each and every member of the family, guests, and anyone whether old or young. We also throw colored water at each other. We visit with relatives and friends to wish each other well and share blessings. Delicious dishes are prepared for the evening parties wherein we have family dance. We gather to enjoy food and dance like crazy. The second half of the day is spent mostly taking the color off our clothes and bodies and sleeping all day long. We look like aliens for days as we still have multicolored bodies. Below are a few pictures of me and my family celebrating Holi."
Watch the video below to view our Happy Holi message.