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“Celebrate the Colors of Life: A Guide to Enjoying the Festival of Holi”

Holi is a Hindu festival celebrated throughout India and Nepal, that celebrates the victory of good over evil.  It is also known as the Festival of colours because people throw coloured powder at each other during the celebration.  It signifies the victory of good over evil, the arrival of spring, the end of winter and for many a time to meet others, play and laugh, forget and forgive.  Holi is a two-day event, and it usually falls in March or April.

Ways to celebrate Holi

  • Play with colours: One of the most popular ways to celebrate Holi is by playing with colours. People gather in public places and smear each other with dry powder paints or coloured water using water guns or balloons,
  • Make a bonfire: A bonfire is lit on the eve of Holi, signifying the burning of evil spirits. On Holi people gather around the bonfire, sing and dance. The bonfire is also a symbol of new beginnings.
  • Eat traditional foods: Another way to celebrate Holi is by eating traditional foods.  Some popular dishes include Gujiya (a sweet dumpling filled with coconut, nuts and dried fruits), malpua (a fried pancake), thandai (a milk-based drink flavoured with spices) and bhang (a marijuana-infused drink). 
  • Shop for new clothes: Many people use Holi as an excuse to buy new clothes.

Traditional Holi foods

  • Gujiya: These are fried pastries that are filled with a sweet mixture of nuts and dried fruits.  They’re a favourite dessert during Holi celebrations.
  • Puranpoli: This is a type of flatbread that’s stuffed with a sweet filling made from mashed lentils, sugar and cardamom powder.  It’s often served with ghee or yoghurt on the side.
  • Bhang Ki pakodi: These are deep-fried fritters that are made with a batter that includes bhang (cannabis leaves).  They are said to be particularly popular among young people celebrating Holi!
  • Malpua: These pancakes are soaked in syrup or honey before being served. They’re often garnished with chopped nuts or dried fruits.
  • Dahi Vada: A classic Holi dish, these fried dough balls are soaked in yoghurt and topped with tamarind chutney, green chilli pepper, and coriander leaves.

If you are planning to celebrate Holi this year, here are some tips on how to make the most of the festival:

  1. Get your hands on some good quality colour powder. This will ensure that your Holi experience is more enjoyable and vibrant. Avoid using synthetic colours – synthetic colours can be very harmful to your skin and eyes.  If you must use them, make sure to do a patch test first and wear gloves and goggles to protect yourself.
  2. Plan ahead and make sure you have all the supplies you need for the festival such as water guns, balloons and coloured powder.
  3. If possible, try to visit a place where Holi is being celebrated prior to an actual festival day. This will give you a better idea of what to expect and how to participate in the festivities.
  4. On the day of Holi, wear clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty or stained with colour.  White clothes are especially popular during Holi since they show off the colours well.
  5. Be prepared for a lot of physical activity.  Holi is a very lively and energetic festival, so be ready to dance, run around, and play games with your friends and family.
  6. Don’t forget to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, as you will likely sweat a lot while participating in Holi activities.

 

Get ready to splash some colourful gues and indulge in the vibrant festivities of Holi.  This festival of colours is not just about smearing each other’s faces with brightly coloured powders but also exchanging heartfelt wishes.  With Holi around the corner, are you running out of creative ways to greet your loved ones?  Worry not because we have got you covered! Here are some unique and exciting ways to wish your family and friends on the day of Holi.  So let’s dive into this kaleidoscope of ideas that will add more cheer and charm to your celebrations!

Wishing with flowers

Holi is a festival of colours and flowers are the perfect way to add an extra bit of colour and happiness to the occasion.  There are many ways to use flowers to wish someone a happy Holi, whether it is giving a bouquet or spray-painting blossoms on their doorstep.  Here are some ideas to get you started.

  • Give a bouquet of brightly coloured flowers – roses, tulips and lilies all make a good choice.
  • Make a flower crown or garland to wear during the festivities.
  • Decorate your friend’s or family member’s home with fresh flowers.
  • Fill water balloons with flower petals instead of water for a fun twist on the traditional game.

Wishing with sweets

Holi, the festival of colours is one of the most popular and widely celebrated festivals in India.  It is a spring festival and is celebrated all over the country.  The most common way to wish someone on Holi is by giving them, sweets.  Sweets are an integral part of Indian culture and are often given as gifts on special occasions.  They are also exchanged between friends and family as a gesture of goodwill.

Wishing with colours

Wishing with colours is one of the most popular ways to celebrate Holi.  People of all ages can enjoy taking part in his festive tradition. To wish someone a Happy Holi, simply splash them with colour powder or water.  You can also use a spray bottle to lightly mist them with colour.

Wishing with love.

When you wish someone a Happy Holi, you are conveying your love and best wishes for their happiness.  There are many ways to do this, but some of the most common ways to wish someone a Happy Holi are by sending them a card or an e-card, giving them a hug, or writing them a heartfelt note.  

No matter how you choose to express your wishes, the most important thing is that your intentions come from a place of love. So take a moment to think about what you truly want for the person you are wishing Happy Holi to, and let those beautiful feelings guide your words and actions.

Wishing with gratitude

When it comes to wishing someone on the day of the Holi festival, there are a few key things to keep in mind.  First and foremost, it’s important to be grateful for what you have.  This holiday is all about celebrating the good in life, so take a moment to think about everything that’s going right for you.  From there, you can formulate your wishes for others.

It’s also important to be specific when you wish someone a Happy Holi.  Generic well-wishes are nice, but they don’t really capture the spirit of the holiday. Instead, try to focus on what this person means to you and what you’d like to see for them in the coming year.  For example, if your friend is going through a tough time, you might wish them strength and courage.  Or if someone you love is embarking on a new adventure, you might wish them success and happiness.

Whatever your specific wishes may be, make sure they come from a place of genuine care and concern.  The people who mean the most to you will be able to feel that energy, and it will make your words all the more powerful.  So take your time, choose your words wisely, and enjoy wishing everyone a Happy Holi! 

 

 

 

 

 

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