Holi, the festival of color is a traditional Hindu holiday that celebrates the beginning of spring, peace and love and the victory of good over evil. But when is Holi 2018?
The annual Festival of Colors is celebrated across India with different customs and ceremonies to welcome the arrival of spring, which is a symbol of renewal and new life. Millions of people throughout India, Nepal and other parts of the world celebrate Holi with music and colorful powder.
Although Holi is traditionally a Hindu festival, many consider it to be a universal celebration because of what it the holiday represents. It’s generally celebrated in India, Nepal and South Asia, but other countries around the world have adopted the special day that represents life and love. Holi celebrations also take place in Europe, the U.K. and the United States.
When is Holi 2018?
Every year, Holi festival celebrations begin on the last full moon of the Hindu lunar month Phalguna, which means the exact date of Holi can fall on anywhere between late February and early March.
This year, Holi will begin on Thursday evening, March 1. and the festivities will continue through Friday evening, March 2.
The first celebration begins on the eve of Holi with Holika Dahan. In many traditions, a bonfire is set to celebrate the death of Holika, or the devil. In earlier times, people would contribute a piece of wood for the bonfire. These days, cow dung is also used to fuel the Holi bonfires
It celebrates the death of the devil or evil. People set bonfires to do away with evil.
Holika Dahan
The morning after is a celebration for everyone to enjoy. People gather outside and spray each other with colored powder (gulal) and water. Revelers fill the streets and dance to music. The colored powder represents the colorfulness of the spring season and the rebirth of flowers and fruits.
The celebration signifies the triumph over evil. The entire festival is recognized as a time for friends and family to get together and enjoy themselves.
