Do the preparation task first. Then read the article and do the exercise.
Preparation
What is Holi and why is it celebrated?
Holi is an ancient Hindu festival that originated in India and Nepal and is now celebrated in many places around the world. The date changes each year depending on the full moon, but it is held some time between the end of February and the middle of March, and lasts a night and a day. It also represents the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil. An important part of the celebration is forgiving anyone who has upset you and repairing any broken relationships. Holi is sometimes called the festival of colours.
What happens on Holika Dahan?
The festivities start the night before Holi, which is called Holika Dahan. People build bonfires which represent good winning over evil and the end of winter. They perform rituals around the fire. In ancient stories, Holika was a devil whom the God Vishnu destroyed through fire. People start collecting wood for the bonfires several days before so that they can build really big fires.
What happens on Rangwali Holi?
The next day is called Rangwali Holi. In the morning everyone goes into the streets and people throw coloured powders and water at each other. Some people use water guns and water balloons. After a few hours everyone is soaking wet and covered in a rainbow of different colours. Many people prepare themselves by putting oil on their skin and hair to make it easier to remove the colour afterwards. In the evening people put on clean clothes, go and visit their friends and family and exchange sweets and other delicious food.
Why do people throw colours?
Some people say that the colours are a way of celebrating the many colours of the flowers in springtime. But in the area around Mathura and Vrindavan the people also tell a story about the god Krishna. Krishna was passionately in love with a girl called Radha but he was worried that she would not love him because their skins were different colours. He didn't need to worry because Radha let him paint her face the same colour as his to show that she loved him. It is said that lovers nowadays often paint their faces the same colour during Holi to remember this story.
There is a spirit of togetherness and equality during the Holi festival as people from all backgrounds and walks of life celebrate and have fun together.
I thought holi was a festival but have another means so It’s a religious ceremony but everyone can enjoy this especial day
good
Holi is a religious celebration celebrated by Hindus and as I am of different faith I don't celebrate it but I enjoy watching celebrating specifically when they're dancing to up beat music on the street while throwing colorful powders at each other.
I've known this festival because it's very popular where I come from, bu i didn't know the roots of it. Now I'll be conscious what's going on on and why when it will be held in my neighbourhood.
Have you ever celebrated Holi?
when I was a child. I enjoyed too much with my family and friends. I never play Holi for 5 to 6year because of personal issues. I hate the color, I'm allergic to color and I don't like to play this whole festival.
This article "Holi" shows information about the Holi festival and the traditions that go with it.
I find this article interesting because in my opinion it's very helpful for a lot of people. It is also out-standing, because It is not loaded with information, but shows the key things that everyone who plans on attending this festival or simply just wants to get informed about it, should know and understand. I like the way it is written because it informs people about the culture and it emphasizes the importance of this festival for Indians and Nepalis and their society.
Overall, I would recommend this article to people because it's very genuine and helpful.
I haven't had a chance to join in a Holi festival. It's quite a cultural event of Hindus, a meaningful occasion let people stay closer, share happiness and forgiveness. Hope to join in a Holi festival one time in life
No, I never celebrate Holi, even for first time I heard in Indian culture have like this day. In Bulgaria we have the same "Forgiveness Day" it been last Saturday, we celebrate with big fire and younger people want forgiveness from older one. We eat egg and children should gram with mouth and some of older people keep upper tied with red thread and we eat halva. But we don`t have colouring show..