HoliHoli The Festival of ColorsThe Festival of Colors

What is Holi? A Springtime festival of color celebrated in India, Nepal, and Pakistan. (Primarily a Hindu tradition) People celebrate Springtime’s new colors with a bonfire the first night, and a colored powder and scented water “food fight” the next day. Brings together all social classes, ages, races, etc. The mood is exciting, and full of joy. This year it will be held on March 8th

Holi Celebrations

Holika- the bonfire before the Holi color celebration Days before the festival people start gathering wood for the lighting of the bonfire called Holika at the major crossroads of the city. This ensures that at the time of the actual celebration a huge pile of wood is collected. Symbolizes the burning of a demon; the fire shows a triumph of good over evil.

Colored Powders Blue Dry Color * The Jacaranda flowers can be dried in the shade and ground to obtain a beautiful blue powder. The flowers bloom in summers. * The blue Hibiscus can be dried and powdered as well Wet Color Crush the berries (fruits) of the Indigo plant and add to water for desired color strength. In some Indigo species the leaves when boiled in water yield a rich blue.

Dhuleti - the day of color Thousands of people gather in the streets to cover each other in colored powders and scented water. There is no tradition of holding gulal or abeer ( types of powders) and is meant for pure enjoyment. Many also enjoy the traditional beverage of thandai Thandai is most commonly made of almonds, pistachios, and rose petals steeped in water.

Questions Why do you think Holi is important? Do you have any traditions in your family that relate to color? (weddings, good luck colors, etc?) How does this tradition relate to art? How could we make art out of the traditions of Holi?