Holi, one of the popular festivals of India, is celebrated on Phãlguni (Mar-Apr) Purnima (full moon), signaling the end of winter and the onset of spring. More popular in Northern India, this ancient festival celebrates the triumph of good over evil. Holi is the beginning of a new year for some, and a harvest festival for some others.

Houses are cleaned as in spring cleaning and fire wood is collected for days. Bonfires are lit on many street corners on phãlguni purnima night—the eve of Holi. As the night wears off, some bring in the ambers of this pyre to rekindle their domestic fires; while others bring home the ashes for good luck. Enthusiasts dance to the rhythms of dhol (drums), sing devotional and folk songs, and go around the fire rejoicing the demise of legendary evil Holika, Pootana, or Dhundhubi, or the destruction and rebirth of Kãma the god of love and spring. The legend of Holika is by far the most popular:

The arrogant evil king Hiranyakašipu ordered everyone to worship him. But his pious son Prahlãda refused to do so. After several failed attempts, the enraged Hiranyakasipu, asked his evil sister Holika to put an end to Prahlãda. Prahlãda being immune to fire, she put him on her lap and engulfed herself with fire. Lord Nãrãyana came to Prahlãda’s rescue and burned her instead. On Holi, a flammable effigy of Holika is attached to a fire proof pole (Prahlãda) and dropped into the bonfire to watch Holika (evil) burn.

The day after purnima comes dhulendi—the tradition of applying vibrant color as an expression of love and affection—the most popular part, making Holi the most colorful festival of India. Ancient murals and paintings show Šri Krishna, Radha and other gopis smear gulãl (color) as a symbol of their divine love for each other. In places like Mathura, where Šri Krishna had lived, celebrations start days early and last until rang-panchami-fifth (color) day after purnima. Images of Šri Krishna and Radha are taken around on a chariot in joyous celebration.

Today’s eager participants vie to be the first to apply color (powder or water) on others until they are fully covered, drenched and become unrecognizable. Out of respect, youngsters color only the feet of elders. Fun filled pranks are played on each other; and any negativity is quickly diffused by saying “burã na mãno, Holi hai!” (Don’t take offense, its Holi!). Groups form human pyramids with the person on the top contending to be the first to break the high hung pot with his head. This practice is the re-enactment of the lore of child Šri Krishna stealing butter from His neighbors’ high hung pots.

Originally, these colors that could enter through pores were extracted from plants with ãyurvedic benefits. The heat generated from the bonfires help remove harmful bacteria in the air. After an inactive winter, these activities wake up the body, mind and spirit. Along with the day’s activities, feasts are cooked and traditional sweets and drinks like thandai are exchanged with friends and foes alike - “even enemies are friends on Holi.” This is the time to forge new friendships and renew old ones. The usual social divides like gender, age and status are set aside and everyone mingles freely without malice; which helps ‘burn’ the impurities in our hearts, and bringing harmony among all.

May the joyous spirit of the festival of colors pervade our hearts and homes.