Holi: The Festival of Colors

Happy Holi!

It’s the Festival of Colors, a holiday celebrating spring in the Hindu faith tradition.

Traditionally, Holi is celebrated for many days, but the main rituals are observed for two days. The first day often includes a bonfire, and the second day is when people play with colors made of a flower name Tesu. Festival special food is prepared and shared with family and friends.

Vineet Goel, a member of the Community Inclusion Advisory Committee, shares his experience with the annual observance.

There are many stories behind Holi, he points out. “As legend says, once the earth was ruled by a demon king, but his own son was the last person on the earth believing in Dharma [religious duty]. So, dharma rises from the last person, and that’s was the reason for celebration.” Vineet also notes that the god Krishna used to play with his friends as a greeting for spring.

Holi is a growing celebration across the United States.

The Dublin Link pedestrian bridge will be lit rainbow the evening of March 24, 2024, to celebrate.