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Holi, the great Indian festival, is the most colorful festival of the Hindus.
It is an annual festival celebrated on the day after the full moon in the month
of Phalguna according to the Hindu calendar. Holi ranks as a festival of colors,
fun, joy and gaiety for people of all ages. This festival brings new hope for
all the people as it is to celebrate good harvest and fertility of the land and
the very end of our cool seasons, and greets the advent of spring. In Holi
people throw colored powders known as Gulal and water at each other and make
merry.
According to a legend from Hindu mythology, an arrogant king Hirayan Kashyapu
, who attempt to kill his son Prahalad, a devotee of lord Vishnu, but fails each
time. Finally he asked her sister Holika, who had a boon to brave fire without
hurt to kill him. She agreed to enter the fire with Prahlad in her lap but got
burnt herself. That's why bonfire are lit, making both the end of winter and the
death of evil.
In most of the regions, Holi is celebrated over two days. First is the night
before the full moon when all the people gathered and light bonfires, on the
cross roads, as the symbol of the destruction of the evil. The next morning is
called Dulendi, as on this occupicious day families and friends get together for
lots of merry making. People of all ages have fun throwing colored water on each
other using Pichkaries. Singing and dancing add to the gaiety of the occation.
Holi is the only festival which spread smiles and color all over.
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