Holi Festival 2011

Holi, the festival of colors, is a very fun-filled and lively festival observed by the Hindus. The occasion is celebrated mainly in India, Sri Lanka and Nepal. Even

in countries with significant Indian diaspora such as South Africa, United States, United Kingdom, Trinidad, Mauritius and Fiji, the occasion is celebrated in a big way. This is the festival which brings in unparallel enjoyment, dance, music, play and of course colors.Generally, this festival falls in the month of March or April. It welcomes the spring season and seeks the blessings of the Gods to for fertility & for better harvest of the land. Holi Festival 2011 will be held on 20th March.

Holi Celebration around the World

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 Celebration in India

Holi or Holika, aka holikotsava is indeed a popular festival in India, observed across the entire breadth and length of the country. People from different strata of the society take part in this grand celebration.

• In North India

In many parts of North India, the occasion is celebrated with great gusto for many days. In the cities of Mathura and Vrindavana, where Lord Krishna spent his childhood, Holi is celebrated for sixteen days. Celebrations in these two cities are marked by worshipping of the Lord Krishna and special offerings. In the village of Barsana, where Radha””the console of Lord Krishna””hailed from, Holi is celebrated in a traditional way. Men from the Nandagaon village””where the Lord Krishna belonged to””visit Barsana to celebrate the occasion with the women here. Instead of gulal, sticks are used to play during this festival. In some other parts of North India, grand human pyramids are formed to break the pot of buttermilk hung high.


• In Western India

In some Western Indian states such as Gujarat and Maharashtra, Holi is essentially a celebration of colors. People drenched in colors flock to the streets in large numbers and take part in the festivity.


• In East India

In Eastern Indian state of West Bengal, the festival is known as Dol (Swing) Yatra. On the day of Holi, the idols of Lord Krishna and his console Radha are placed on swings. Devotees swing the idols and seek the blessings of the God. Aside from these, other features of Holi include colors, songs, dance, sweets and greetings. Like every year, Holi Festival 2011 in North India will be observed with same kind of vigor and enthusiasm.


• Holi in other parts of the world

Holi is purely an Indian festival. Gradually, the festival is growing in popularity in many other parts of the world. In fact, in many other parts of the world where there is significant presence of the people of Indian origin, the occasion is celebrated with much fervor.

Last Updated on 28/01/2011