Holi Celebrations

Holi is one of the major festivals of Hinduism celebrated with lot of joy and verve throught India.Holi starts with holi Pooja that is done a day before Holi.This day is called as 'Holika Dahan'.Holika Dahan preparations begin almost 40 days before the festival. People start gathering woods on the important crossroads of the city.On the day of Holika Dahan, an effigy of Holika and Prahlad is placed on the huge heap of woods. Effigy of Holika is made of combustible material while Prahlad's effigy is made of non-combustible material.On the eve of Holi, the heap is set alight and the people chant Rakshoghna Mantras of the Rig Veda to cast away the evil spirits.Once this pooja is done its time to play Holi Holi is a festival in which people have their enthusiasm at their peak as no other festival provides you so much liberty as Holi... It is on this day people forget all their enemity and difference of all type is drowned in the colours of Holi and people enjoy playing colours with each other.Although Holi is celebrated in India from many years but its popularity seems to grow with every passing year.Children in particular enjoy this festivalas they throw colors,water filled baloons on every passerby and if he opposes then they have only one dialogue to say"Bura na mano holi hai" which results in a sweet smile on irritated face...This is a lovely festival to enjoy...In the midst of these colouring games are savoured the mouth watering holi specialities like gujiya, malpuas, mathri, puran poli, dahi badas etc..After playing colors people take bath and dress themselves in new dresses and visit their friends and relatives..On this day many communities organise meets which they call it as "Holi Milan Samahroh"..All in all people enjoy every moment of this festival