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Holi's popularity in North India is due in part to its unique timing in the spring, a few days before the vernal equinox, when the wheat harvest is at its peak of maturity, making Holi the start of a month-long festival that includes the Hindu New Year.

Over the last few decades, the global Hindu diaspora has made this festival popular in Western countries as well, allowing local non-Hindus to participate in the festivities. With its stunning, vibrant visuals and community spirit, it's difficult to resist.

Let us explore the Festival of Colours for a moment so that we can fully honour its spirit of love, celebration, reverence, and community.

The Holi celebration has two parts. The first is the day of the bonfire, “Holika Dahan” (the burning of Holika), also known as “Chhoti Holi”. This offering to the bonfire represents the expulsion of evil from homes. The Holi bonfire is also considered a harvest festival due to its connection to the agricultural season. Farmers pray for a healthy crop and protection from all evil.

On the second day of the festival, also known as "Badi Holi," people of all classes, castes, genders, languages, and creeds come together to play with coloured powder (and coloured water). Colors are considered auspicious on Badi Holi, so the day begins with all members of the family, including pets and house plants, applying 'Tilakam' to the Gods and to each other. Holi is an inclusive celebration - it is believed that no one should be left out of this auspicious festival. Groups of young children commonly go from house to house, playing with members of each family. This emphasizes the festival's role as a tradition in which all past wrongs are forgiven and forgotten.

People dress up in new clothes in the evenings, prepare delicious dishes, and invite their neighbours, friends, and family to dinner. Holi celebrations provide excellent opportunities for people to reconnect with family and friends.

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