Holi

Pichkari ki Dhar,Gulal ki bauchar,Apno ka pyar,Yahi hai yaaron holi ka tyohar.Happy Holi !!!Holi Events (2011)

Holi Events (2010)

pictures from 2010 Stanford Holi

pictures from 2009 Stanford Holi

Among India's innumerable festivals, Holi ranks as the most colorful. It heralds the arrival of spring with the promise of good harvests and fertility and commemorates legends from Hindu mythology. Traditionally celebrated on the first day after the full moon in early March, the festival allows for the shedding of inhibitions and caste differences in a rush of spring fever. It is characterized best by the water and gulal, or colored powder, which are thrown upon one another in an exuberant welcome of the season of love.

Bonfires are lit the day before, also known as Holika Dahan (burning of Holika) or Chhoti Holi (little Holi). The bonfires are lit in memory of the miraculous escape that young Prahlad accomplished when Demoness Holika, sister of Hiranyakashipu, carried him into the fire. Holika was burnt but Prahlad, a devotee of god Vishnu, escaped without any injuries due to his devotion.

Holi celebrations are arranged as public events through out the communities. Some of the prominent bay area celebrations in 2010 are available at Holi Events (2010).

Here are some of the pictures from 2009 Stanford Holi which speaks more than just photographs.