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Holi
[ hoh-lee ]
noun
- the Hindu spring festival.
Holi
/ ˈhɒˌliː /
noun
- a Hindu spring festival, celebrated for two to five days, commemorating Krishna's dalliance with the cowgirls. Bonfires are lit and coloured powder and water thrown over celebrants
Word History and Origins
Origin of Holi1
Word History and Origins
Origin of Holi1
Example Sentences
Millions of Indians are celebrating Holi, known as the festival of colours, at home and abroad.
Holi is based on the Hindu legend of Holika, a female demon, who tries to kill her nephew Prahlad because he worships the Hindu god Vishnu.
As part of the festivities, bonfires are lit the evening before Holi in the belief that they will destroy the bad so that good can triumph.
As it's one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India, millions of people travel to their hometowns and villages in the days leading up to Holi.
Holi, widely known as the Hindu festival of colors, is a joyful annual celebration at the advent of spring with cultural and religious significance.
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More About Holi
What is Holi?
Holi is a two-day Hindu spring festival that’s primarily celebrated in India. It’s especially known for festive street celebrations in which people cover each other with colored powder.
Holi is pronounced the same as the word holy.
It’s sometimes known as the Festival of Colors.
When is Holi?
In 2024, Holi takes place on March 24 and March 25. In 2025, Holi takes place on March 13 and 14.
Holi begins on the day of the full moon in the month of Phalgun on the Hindu calendar. This means that it can fall in February or March.
Where does Holi come from?
The first records of the word Holi in English come from the early 1900s. It comes from the Sanskrit word Holikā, the name of a demon whose story is important to the festival.
Holi is an ancient festival whose traditions have been shaped by many stories from Hindu scriptures. The bonfires that are lit on the first night of Holi are often associated with the story of the victory of the god Vishnu over the demon Hiranyakashipu and his sister Holika, which is seen as a triumph of good over evil.
The Holi tradition of festivalgoers merrily covering each other with colored powder is thought to be based on the story of the god Krishna painting the skin of Radha, the milkmaid who becomes his consort.
What are some terms that often get used in discussing Holi?
How is Holi discussed in real life?
Holi is popularly associated with the colorful street celebrations involving the festive throwing of colored powder.
Celebrated Holi with my family and friends! #HappyHoli pic.twitter.com/a7QHquUt97
— Danish Kaneria (@DanishKaneria61) March 10, 2020
Throwback to the time when @ZacksJerryRig and I celebrated Holi together. pic.twitter.com/D9FS77dTFb
— Sheik Yerbouti (@samosa__mimosa) February 6, 2021
Karyakartas of @ABVPMumbai celebrated Holi with National Organising Secretary Shri @SunilAmbekarM ji at ABVP Central Office in Mumbai today. pic.twitter.com/r1WDdzC6mO
— ABVP (@ABVPVoice) March 21, 2019
Try using Holi!
True or False?
Holi takes place in the Hindu month of Phalgun.
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