How would you react if you visualized a crowd of people with happy faces and clothes splattered with purple, yellow, red, and other colors in the middle of a mild spring day? If you guessed “Holi,” then you are on the dot. Holi (pronounced “holy”) is also called the Festival of Colors. In Indian culture, it is a celebration of the triumph of good over evil and also the welcoming of spring after a cold, blustery winter.
Holi is an ancient festival, with the first mentions of it dating all the way back to a 4th century poem. It was described in detail in a 7th century Sanskrit play called "Ratnavali," written by the Indian emperor Harsha.
Although a Hindu festival, Holi is celebrated by Indians across the country and is a great equalizer. Children can douse elders with water, women splash men with color and the rules of caste and creed are briefly forgotten with everyone taking part. The evenings are spent visiting friends and family.
A national holiday, it takes place on the last full moon day of the Hindu lunisolar calendar month, which is usually March. This year's national holiday falls on Friday, March 2.
It is a grand celebration of color! If you would like to know more about the subject, Betty Edwards wrote a book on color. You can read about it or order here from Amazon Color: A Course in Mastering the Art of Mixing Colors.
Wishing everyone around the world a Happy Holi Day!