What is HOli?
Holi is a Hindu Spring-Time celebration in which the whole community comes together. For millennia, Hindus have gathered in the fields & streets to play with colors (powder).
these beautiful colors are A symbol: that we will be united – not torn apart – by diversity.
HINDUS CELEBRATE HOLI for a few reasons:
RELIGIOUS STORIES & TRADITION
CULTURAL & SOCIAL practices
In the Hindu Tradition
Story of Prahlad and Holika
DOWNLOAD A HANDOUT OF HOLI BELOW
Holi being celebrated at Barsana Dham, Uttar Pradesh, the birthplace of Radha, Shri Krishna's eternal love. Together, Shri Radha and Krishna are also considered the female and male forms of Brahman (the Ultimate Reality / Supreme Being) by many Hindus.
Cultural Celebration
For thousands of years, Hindus have traditionally played Holi with colored powders, pots of buttermilk, and other games centered on the religious stories around Holi.
Holi also marks the start of spring, for many the start of the new year, an occasion for people to enjoy the changing seasons and make new friends.
People have found creative ways to celebrate Holi in the 21st century. In fact, many ‘color runs’ draw inspiration from Holi, though in some way such creative ways erase Holi’s Hindu roots and commercialize a festival that has deeper sacred significance.
Even as the celebrations evolve, the core message of ‘Unity’ will always remain the same. We want to share, celebrate, and respect this beautiful meaning of our Hindu tradition.
