Holi - Hinduism

- Is the festival which marks the coming of spring. It is held in March or April. There are
processions and people light bonfires and cover each other with colored water and
powders.
- Happens every spring and it means festival of the colours. It is also known as the festival
of love.
- On this one day the full moon day of the Hindu month of Phalguna societal rankings
such as gender, age, and status are merry together, and everyone is fair game to be doused
with color.
- Celebrates love and relationships between Rdha and Krishna
- A prince named Prahlad who was devoted to Lord Vishnu. His father, King
Hiranyakashipu, was a cruel and arrogant ruler. He wanted everyone to worship him
instead of the gods. When Prahlad refused to obey him, the king’s sister, Holika tried to
burn Prahlad alive. But then, Lord Vishnu saved Prahlad and Holika turned into ashes.
This reminds us that good always triumphs evil.
- Krishna who is a Hindu god and has blue skin. Krishna fell in love with Radha, a maid,
who’s skin is fair. Krishna was worried that the difference in their skin colour would be a
problem. To solve this problem he asked Radha to paint her face any colour she wanted
so he would feel less self-conscious and people wouldn’t judge them together. This made
their love more acceptable and started the tradition of painting and throwing chalk on
loved ones.
- People clean their homes and decorate with colourful flowers like marigolds, jasmine and
chrysanthemums. They buy bright powders called “gulal” and water guns.
- Legends found in the Vedas
- This ancient tradition marks the end of winter and honors the triumph of good over evil.
Throw colorful powder called gulal, eat sweets, and dance to traditional folk music.
- Typically celebrated in March marking the arrival of spring
- It symbolizes the victory of good over evil and the end of winter
- Known for its vibrant colours which are thrown on friends and family with paint and
chalk
 - There's a traditional sweet called gujiya, which is a sweet dumpling filled with nuts and
sugar.
- Thandai is a traditional drink made with milk, nuts and spices.

Storybook
Intro
- Welcome to Holi! My name is Hassan and this March I celebrated Holi. Today I would
like to tell you about my favourite Festival, Holi. Holi is a Hindu holiday filled with
vibrant colours and is celebrated by people in India and all around the world. The word
Holi means ‘The Festival of Colours’. Some even call it ‘The Festival of Love’. It is
usually celebrated in March or the Phalguna month in the Hindu Calender on the first full
moon.
Origins
- There are many legends of the Origin of Holi. One being that there was a prince named
Prahlad who was devoted to Lord Vishnu. His father, King Hiranyakashipu, was a cruel
and arrogant ruler. He wanted everyone to worship him instead of the gods. When
Prahlad refused to obey him, the king’s sister, Holika tried to burn Prahlad alive. But
then, Lord Vishnu saved Prahlad and Holika turned into ashes. This reminds us that good
always triumphs evil.
- My favourite Story is about Krishna who is a Hindu god and has blue skin. Krishna fell in
love with Radha, a maid, who’s skin is fair. Krishna was worried that the difference in
their skin colour would be a problem. To solve this problem he asked Radha to paint her
face any colour she wanted so he would feel less self-conscious and people wouldn’t
judge them together. This made their love more acceptable and started the tradition of
painting and throwing chalk on loved ones.
Preparing
- Before the festival, people clean their homes and decorate with colourful flowers like
marigolds, jasmine and chrysanthemums. They buy bright powders called “gulal” and
water guns.
Celebrating
 - On the day of Holi, people gather to celebrate. They sing and dance to lively music.
People throw colourful powders and spray water on eachother. It’s a day of joy among
loved ones.
Sweets
- During Holi, people enjoy special sweets. My favourite is the “gujiya” , a sweet
dumpling filled with nuts and sugar. There is also “thandai”, a drink made with milk, nuts
and spices. These treats are shared with friends and family as a symbol of togetherness.
Religious beliefs
- Holi is deeply rooted in Hindu legends found in the Vedas and holds significant religious
importance. It is celebrated as a symbol of good over evil and the arrival of spring, a
season of renewal and rebirth.
Love and Happiness
- Holi is not just about playing with colours and making a mess with friends; it’s also about
spreading love and happiness. Holi teaches us to let go of negativity and celebrate the
beauty of life.
Fun Facts
- In some parts of India like the city of Mathura, people celebrate with a tradition called
“Lathmar Holi” where women playfully hit men with sticks.
Conclusion
- Holi is about spreading love, kindness and happiness wherever we go. Just like the
colours of Holi brightens up our world with colours, let’s use this Hindu tradition as a
lesson to spread positivity and love. Happy Holi!
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Vice President for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: Indiana University.” Diversity at IU,

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