Holi

What it's about

100

What is Holi also known as?

Festival of Colors

200

What does Holi celebrate?

spring, love, and the triumph of good over evil

How to celebrate

100

What is the colorful powder called that is thrown around in the festival?

extra: What do the colors red, blue, and green represent?

gulal

extra: red = love; blue = the Hindu god Krishna; green = new beginnings

200

What are common sweets eaten during the festival?

rasmalai

gulab jamun

jalebi

Fun Facts

100

What color do we wear on Holi?

White

200

How long has Holi been celebrates?

for centuries, with literary documentation dating back to the 4th century CE

Legends

100

Which divine couple's love story represents Holi?

Radha and Krishna

200

What is the legend of good vs evil that is associated with Holi?

• Hiranyakashipu, a powerful demon king, was extremely arrogant and demanded worship from everyone, including his own son, Prahlad, who was a devotee of Lord Vishnu
• To stop Prahlad from worshipping Vishnu, Hiranyakashipu plotted with his sister, Holika, who had a boon that protected her from fire. 
• They tried to burn Prahlad alive, but Prahlad was unharmed, while Holika perished in the flames.