Fagu Purnima or Holi

Holi or Fagu Purnima is the festival of colours.Holi is a symbolic commemmoration of a legend from Hindu Mythology. The story centres around a proud king who resents his son Prahlada worshipping Lord Vishnu. He attempts to kill his son but fails each time. Finally, the king's sister Holika who is said to be immune to burning, sits with the boy in a huge fire. However, the prince Prahlada emerges unscathed, while his aunt burns to death. Holi commemorates this event from mythology, and huge bonfires are burnt on the eve of Holi as its symbolic representation. A very exuberant festival, with dancing, singing, and throwing of paint people celebrate the festival by smearing each other with paint, and throwing coloured powder and dye around in an atmosphere of great good humour.It is a festival which brings in an atmosphere of social merriment. Distinctions of caste, class, age, and gender are suspended during Holi .

Celebrated on March 10th in Hilly Areas & on March 11th in the Terai Region