32 Interesting Facts about Holi

The last full moon of the winter season, or Phalgun in India, is when Holi, also recognized as the festival of colors, is celebrated. It is a day of love and laughter when friends and family come together to spend time with their loved ones, smear each other with glual, and have the best time of their lives. Although the basics about the importance of Holi in Indian culture are already well-known around the globe, you will be surprised to know that there is more to this festival than the story of Holika Dahan, Hiranyakashyipu, and Prahlad. Curious? Here are other interesting fun facts about Holi.

Holi Dates
Pahad Region	March 24, 2024
Terai Region	March 25, 2024

1. Holi is a Spring Festival

Holi is celebrated at the beginning of the spring season in India. Therefore, it is also called the “Festival of Colors” or the “Festival of Spring”. The beautiful grown flora and budding of flora symbolize the success of the harvest season in the particular area. 

2. Holi is Called Fagu Purnima in Nepal

Did you know that in Nepal, Holi is known as Fagu Purnima? The reason is that the festival is celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Falgun, typically between February and March. Moreover, since the dates depend on the lunar calendar, the date of Holi also changes accordingly. 

3. The Use of Colors In Holi Is An Ayurveda Teaching

Earlier, the colors used in Holi were made from natural ingredients such as neem leaves, flower petals, turmeric, etc. These organic ingredients provide tons of benefits to our skin while ensuring that they also clean our body thoroughly. But did you know that all the ideas of making colors from leaves, fruits, roots, etc, came from Ayurveda? These colors can either be seen thrown in the form of powder or it is filled in the form of balloons or any other liquid splash. 

Also Read: The Science Behind Holi: A Wonderful Mystery

4. Holi has Different Stories Behind It

Another fascinating fact about the festival of Holi is that there are different stories or different versions of the same story behind its annual observance. The most common among them is the story of the victory of Lord Vishnu over Hiranyakashipu, a demon in one of his forms Narasimha Narayana. 

Apart from this, some people do not focus on the story. Instead, they pray for a good harvest, commemorate the victory of their ancestors, and simply enjoy the day. However, in the end, the motive of all kinds of celebrations follows the same goal of the victory of good over evil.

5. Mathura Celebrates Holi for 10 Days

Located in the Braj region of Uttar Pradesh, India, the city of Mathura is considered the birthplace of Lord Krishna. It celebrates Holi for 10 continuous days, each marked by a unique celebration and ritual. The schedule is marked with unique celebrations such as Laddoo Holi, Chhadi Mar Holi, Huranga Holi, Phoolon Wali Holi, and so on.

Also Read: Types of Holi in Different States of India

6. Holi in Different Countries

It is not only in India that people madly celebrate Holi. For Nepalese, it marks the arrival of spring and hence the celebration. It shows the success of life over cold and dark winters in this country. Among other nations that celebrate Holi are Mauritius, Fiji, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, Pakistan, and the Philippines. This is one of the widley known facts about holi festival in india.

7. Traditional Drink of Holi

Another interesting fact about Holi is that Bhaang is the traditional drink of Holi which is widely consumed in India. It is made by grinding dried cannabis leaves along with a few spices like cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, etc. Once the paste is ready, it is mixed with water, ice, and milk and served with fresh rose petals. Interestingly, consuming bhaang can lead to intoxication.

8. Food of Holi

The traditional food of Holi is Gujjiya. Women, in India, start making gujiyas days before the actual day to serve them to guests. It is made using all-purpose flour and stuffed with a mixture of nuts, sweetened milk solids, and then deep-fried in clarified butter. In different parts of India, malpua or kachoris are also made.  This is one of the coolest facts about holi festival in india.

9. Gadgets of Holi

Interestingly, gulal is not the only thing with which Holi is played in India. People also use water balloons, pichkari, guns, sprays, and a lot of other things to spread the hues of positivity in the air. 

Also Read: Tricks and Tips for a Hassle-Free Holi!

10. Top Holi Songs

The top Holi song in India is the OG Amitabh Bachan’s song ‘Rang Barse Bhige Chunarvaali’ from the movie ‘Silsila.’ The Holi playlist has increased over the years with different songs of Bollywood like ‘Holi Khele Raghuveera,’ ‘Balam Pichkari,’ etc. 

Pro Tip- Important Holi Slang

There is a very famous saying about Holi. When you put colors on others in the weirdest ways then you can just simply say, “Bura na mano, Holi hai,” meaning “Don’t be upset, it’s just Holi.” So get ready for a bomb Holi.

Common Facts to Celebrate Happy Holi 2024

1. The name Holi comes from “Holika,” the sister of the demon king “Hiranyakashyap.”
2. Holi is celebrated as the festival of colours.
3. Many people in modern times play Holi with different things, like eggs and paints.
4. Holi is not celebrated on a fixed date according to the Georgian calendar, it is decided according to the Hindu calendar.
5. Holi is a celebration of the victory of good over evil.
6. Not only Hindus but, Sikh, Jains and Newar Buddhists also celebrate Holi.
7. Thandai is the traditional drink everyone has on Holi
8. People usually apply oil to prevent their skin from getting stained from colours.
9. Holi is a lunar celebration
10. Ayurveda has introduced and influenced the use of natural colours during Holi celebrations.
11. Poems documenting Holi have been found from the 4th century CE.
12. Holi also signifies the end of winter season and the beginning of spring season.

10 Fun Facts About Holi Festival

These are some fun facts about the holi festival in India

1. In Sanskrit texts like Jaimini’s Purva Mimamsa Sutras, and in the 7th century drama “Ratnavali.”, the festival holi is mentioned.
2. The Holika Dahan bonfires is symbolic. It shows the destruction of the evil spirits and is therefore celebrated with music and dance.
3. Holi is a national holiday in India. In countries with a large Hindu population, it is a public holiday.
4. The festival promotes forgiveness and reconciliation among people.
5. Rangwali Holi consist of water fights and throwing colored powders in the streets 
6. Holi is the beginning of the spring season.
7. Regional variations include Kama Dahanam and Rangapanchami. It is celebrated in parts of India.
8. Holi is a festival that has the power to break social barriers. The festival promotes unity across ages and casts.
9. Furthermore, this festival has inspired global colour festivals like Color Run.
10. Apart from Gujiya, sweets like shakkarpaare and drinks like thandai are alsopopular during Holi.

Holi Trivia

Now that you have read the key facts about holi festival in India, it’s time for a trivia. This short trivia will help you understand your knowledge about the holi festival.

1. Which traditional drink is commonly consumed during Holi and often infused with bhang (cannabis)?
A) Lassi
B) Thandai
C) Chaas
D) Jaljeera

2. In which Indian state is the Lathmar Holi, where women playfully hit men with sticks, famously celebrated?
A) Rajasthan
B) Uttar Pradesh
C) Punjab
D) Bihar

3. Holi celebrates the victory of good over evil, symbolized by the burning of which demoness?
A) Surpanakha
B) Holika
C) Putana
D) Simhika

4. The festival of Holi is celebrated on which day of the Hindu lunar calendar?
A) Full Moon of Chaitra
B) New Moon of Kartika
C) Full Moon of Phalguna
D) Amavasya of Magha

5. In which famous Indian city is the Holi with flowers or Phoolon ki Holi celebrated in temples?
A) Mathura
B) Varanasi
C) Udaipur
D) Kolkata

Answer Key:

1	Thandai
2	Uttar Pradesh (UP)
3	Holika
4	Full Moon of Phalguna
5	Mathura

FAQs

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