The Indian sky is changing - the March winds have started blowing in which indicates an end to the winter in most parts of India. A very popular festival, Holi is on its way and it is a time for celebrations. Holi is the festival that carries India and its people into the bright days of summer. This year (2008) HOLI is scheduled on 22nd March 2008.

Holi is one of the most important festivals of India, Holi festival is the sign of happiness simultaneously among all. Holi is celebrated with great enthusiasm and gaiety among all age and all section of people. A feeling of plenty is in the air with crops being cut, and the farmer enjoying a bountiful of harvest. 'Holi' falls on the full moon, in the month of Phalgun which spans the end of February and the beginning of March on the Gregorian calendar.

Holi celebration begins with lighting up of bonfire on the Holi eve. Numerous legends & stories associated with Holi celebration makes the festival more exuberant and vivid. People rub 'gulal' and 'abeer' on each others' faces and cheer up saying, "bura na maano Holi hai" means please do not feel it bad. Today is Holi, the festival of colors which encourages the feeling of brotherhood in society. This festival signifies the victory of good over evil, of devotion surpassing ambition. Holi also gives a wonderful chance to send blessings and love to dear ones wrapped in a special Holi gift.

Holi festival may be celebrated with various names and people of different states might be following different traditions. But, what makes Holi so unique and special is the spirit of it which remains the same throughout the country and even across the globe, wherever it is celebrated.

Great excitement can be seen in people on the next day when it is actually the time for the play of colors. Shops and offices remain closed for the day and people get all the time to get crazy and whacky. Bright colors of gulal and abeer fill the air and people take turns in pouring color water over each other. Children take special delight in spraying colors on one another with their pichkaris and throwing water balloons and passers by. Women and senior citizen form groups called tolis and move in colonies - applying colors and exchanging greetings. Songs, dance on the rhythm of dholak and mouthwatering Holi delicacies are the other highlights of the day.