Holi is a festival celebrated by people who belong to the Hindu religion. It takes place in March. It marks the start of spring and is sometimes known as the Festival of Colour. It celebrates good winning over evil. It was first celebrated in Northern India and Nepal but is now celebrated around the world.
Holi is a very colourful festival. Photos courtesy of midiman (@flickr.com) - granted under creative commons licence - attribution Everyone chases each other with dry powder paint and coloured water. Some people carry water guns and water balloons filled with coloured water, ready for a water fight. People sing, dance and have fun together, no matter who they are.
Bonfires are lit and grains thrown on. Bonfires remind people that the winter days are coming to an end and warmth and light are coming. Children and babies are often carried around the bonfires. This is because Hindus believe that this will protect them and keep them safe. Watch a video of children celebrating Holi here.
Krishna is a Hindu god. When he was a mischievous young boy, Krishna is said to have thrown coloured water over the local milkmaids as a joke! This is why Hindu people throw paint at each other during Holi. Krishna
Prahlada was a prince. He was known for worshiping the Hindu god, Vishnu. His aunt Holika tried to hurt him but because she was evil and Prahlad was good, her plan failed. Holika and Prince Prahlada
