Holi is an Indian festival filled with fun and laughter when all separation between classes, ages, genders is abandoned. It is also known as the Festival of Colour. Holi is seen by some as the Hindu festival that is nearest in spirit to St. Valentine's Day, as it is often seen as the great cupid festival as people are dancing in the streets. During the evening of the full moon bonfires are lit in the streets to purify the air of any evil spirits and the following day people take to the streets to have fun. Everything dusty bright coloured paint is blown all over as they are seized by pretty women to dance along the roads and the air is filled with song and the beating of drums.

Holi was originally a spring festival of fertility and harvest. Now it also marks some Hindu legends, which provide some of the ingredients for the celebrations. It was first referred to in the 7th century Sanskrit drama known a Ratnaval.

When is Holi Celebrated

It is officially celebrated on the day after the full moon during the month of Phalunga. Being a lunar calendar this falls between February and March each year. This year it falls today. 

It is also the Sikh festival of Hola Mohalla celebrating health and freedom. It originated from historical army demonstrations reminding followers of the importance of courage and preparedness. Hola Mahalla begins on the first day of the lunar month of Chet in the Nanakshahi calendar and is usually around the same time as the Hindu festival of Holli. 

Guru Gobind Singh started this festival as a day for Sikhs to practise their military exercises and hold mock battles. Today, Sikhs celebrate by watching and partaking in martial arts parades, led by the nishan sahibs of the Gurdwaras. These are followed by poetry readings and music.