Celebrated on the Phalgun month of the Hindu
calendar, the festival of colors - Holi- is the time to have unlimited
fun with the loved ones. On the occasion, people in India smear color on
each other's face, splash water by using pichkaris and balloons,
exchange wishes by hugging each other. Tilak is applied on the forehead
of everyone who visits the homes, during Holi. Mouth watering sweets
such as 'Gujia' are relished on, while people take immense pleasure in
drinking 'thandai' (a cold drink made with almonds, spices, chilled milk
and sugar) mixed with bhang, bhang pakoras and vadas made of bhang.
Though Holi is purely an Indian festival, it is gradually appealing to
the international populace as well. The splendor and charisma of the
festival is such that it is celebrated far beyond the boundaries of the
country. The secular character of Holi is established by the fact that
people residing in different parts of the world soak themselves in the
colors of Holi. Indians have spread to the different corners of the
globe, contributing to the fact that Holi festival is celebrated widely.
This festival knows no bars, no boundaries. The gusto, with which it is
celebrated, is simply worth seeing.
The festival of Holi abroad provides people an opportunity to mingle
with each other, thereby improving their ties and bonds. The Indians
settled abroad are even more eager to celebrate the festival, as it
reminds them of their motherland and their loved ones. Like India, they
also exchange sweets and greet each other. The spirit of festivity binds
them to their roots. A break from the hum drum of daily life, Holi
provides an opportunity to soak them in the colors of harmony and
rejuvenate the memories of the celebrations of the festival back home.
Know more about celebrations of Holi festival around the world, through
the following lines.
Holi Festival Around The World
Holi In USA
Holi festival is celebrated with ardor in the countries like USA. A
sizeable population of Indians can be found in the USA, which tells us
the reason why the festival is observed with such gaiety there. In USA,
religious organizations and societies take the responsibility of
organizing the festival. Musical programs and meets are conducted to
fill the air with the spirit of India. New York is completely dabbled by
the colorful waters. Holi is marked by parades and attended by Indians,
rejoicing, playing with colors in the midst.
Holi In UK
In UK, the revelry of Holi is seen profoundly at places with a large
congregation of Indians. The British city of Leicester is particularly
known for its love for celebrating Indian festivals. The enthusiasm
reaches its peak on the occasion of Holi. The joyous festival is marked
with social gatherings and exchange of sweets. People enjoy the day by
smearing colors on each other and playing with water, just as it is done
back home, in India. People apply tilak on each other's forehead to
welcome and hug each other to wish.
Holi In South Africa
The Indians settled in South Africa have made it a point to keep the
tradition of celebrating Holi alive in South Africa, the southernmost
country of the continent of Africa. The Indians in South Africa play
with colors, on the occasion of Holi. They sing songs, which is one of
the prominent parts of the celebrations. People exchange gifts and greet
each other. The evenings are spent in meeting friends and acquaintance
living in different parts of the country.
The festival of Holi is celebrated with fun and
fervor around the world. Find about the celebrations of Holi festival
around the world, in the article.