Happy Holi 2017: Women celebrate Holi at the Krishna temple in Nandgaon, Uttar Pradesh
Holi, the popular Hindu "Festival of Colours" will be celebrated this year on Monday, March 13.
Holika Dahan precedes the festival and will be marked on the night of Sunday, March 12. That is when people gather their friends and relatives around a bonfire. It is also known as
Chhoti Holi.
Rang Panchami is celebrated a day later. That is when people play with
gulal or colours.
Holi is a traditional Hindu festival which essentially symbolises the victory of good over evil. The festival also marks the beginning of spring.
Happy Holi 2017: On the night before Holi, people light a bonfire and gather around it
On
Chhoti Holi, people light up a bonfire in the evening and gather around it. The fire is meant to signify the destruction of evil - the burning of Holika - a Hindu mythological character and the triumph of good as symbolised by Prahlad. Some suggest the fire also depicts that winter is now over and is symbolic of the hot, summer days ahead.
Happy Holi 2017: On Holi, the Hindu "Festival of Colours," people apply "gulal" on each other
On
Holi or
Dhulandi, people apply
gulal on each other. While many choose to use dry, herbal, powdered colour to play
Holi, others use water guns (traditionally known as
pichkaris) or throw balloons filled with water at each other and, sometimes, even unsuspecting strangers.
Gujiyas, native to Rajasthan, are a festive favourite for all foodies.
Thandai, an almond-flavoured concoction with a natural cooling effect, is a staple drink during Holi.
Happy Holi 2017: Traditional mouth-watering sweets like gujiyas, laddoos and refreshing thandai are festival favourites
However you chose to celebrate
Holi this year, remember to be safe and respectful of others. Happy Holi!