Holi Is a Spring Festival Celebrated Mainly in India, Nepal, and Other Areas with Significant Hindu Populations

It Begins with the Holika Bonfire the Night before, Which Is Celebrated with Singing and Dancing

The Legend of the Bonfire Involves an Evil Demon, Named Holika, Who Tried to Trick Her Nephew into Burning Alive on a Pyre

Through Some Divine Intervention, the Nephew Was Saved, and Holika Was Burned

The Story Signifies the Triumph of Good over Evil

People Gather in Public Spaces and Run around, Chase Each Other, and Dance While Throwing Handfuls of Colored Dry Powder and Dyed Water at One Another

Holi Powders in Bright Colors Can Be Found for Sale at Various Shops across the Country

Traditionally, These Powders Were Made with Herbs and Natural Ingredients, Though Today Many of Them Are Synthetic

It's Common for Complete Strangers to Get Involved in a Color Fight

After Getting Covered in Colors All Day, People Then Go Home, Clean Up, and Visit Friends and Family

Other Practices and Traditions Will Vary from Region to Region

Holi Festivals Usually Include Music and Drumming, as Well as Special Holi Treats

Aside from Being a Lot of Fun, Holi Holds a Lot of Symbolism

It's Celebrated at the End of Winter, on the Last Full Moon Day of the Lunar Month Phalgun, Which Typically Falls in March

Holi Is Mostly a Celebration of Spring, Celebrating the Fresh Colors of the Season. For Many, It's Seen as the Start of the New Year

Like Many New Year Celebrations, It's Also a Holiday about Renewal, and Sees Many People Working to Repair Relationships...

Resolve Problems of the Past Year, and Rid Themselves of Negative Emotional Baggage