Holi 2010

Holi is a festival that speaks of trust, love and goodwill. This is probably the reason that all its traditions are also representative of this feeling of brotherhood and the victory of good over evil.

Holi Milans or Baithaks
Many days or sometimes weeks before the actual Holi-day, people sit together and sing Holi songs in Holi milans. Hori are the special type of Holi folk songs which are also sung in these musicals.

Holi Bonfires
Holika Dahan or the lighting of bonfire takes place on the eve of Holi. The day is also popularly called Chhoti Holi or Small Holi.

Songs and Dance
This festival of colours is played in most parts of the country. Apart from the usual tradition of playing with coloured powder and water, Holi also involves fun filled processions of folk songs and dances.

Exchanging Gifts
There is a popular tradition of greeting each other with Holi Gifts like Holi colours and traditional Indian sweets like Gujiya, Gazak, Mathri, Malpuas and Dry fruits on Holi.

Bhang ki Thandai and Sweets
Making and drinking bhang ki thandai (an Indian milk shake) is another very popular custom of Holi. Bhang is made from female cannabis or hemp plant, it can be understood to be a homemade drug. People also mix bhang in sweets and other preparations being offered to guests.


Holi Colours
Abeer and Gulal are the names for Holi colours. These are the traditional and naturally made Holi colours. People also play with coloured water using pichkaris and other squirt guns on Badi Holi or Dhulendi.

This year all of us will be celebrating Holi on 1st March 2010.