Today is the festival of Holi, a festival that marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring. Holi is predominantly celebrated in Northern India and is a symbolic reminder of a legend from Hindu mythology. This holiday has become the time to be outside, spend time with family and friends, and welcome the new season. CitySaheli gives you some history on Holi and some fantastic events where you can celebrate the holiday this year.
The legend is, there was a king who tried to punish his son for believing in Lord Vishnu. He asked his sister Hollika, who was immune from fire, to kill his son. When Holika tried to burn the king’s son, she burned and died instead. She asked the king’s son for forgiveness and he forgave her by saying that she would be remembered every year onwards.
The festival is also associated with the immortal love of Krishna and Radha. Since Lord Krishna was known to be a prankster, he would throw dyed colors all over Radha. Holi celebrates the eternal love between Radha and Krishna.
Today, families and friends celebrate Holi by gathering and throwing colored powders and water balloons at each other to celebrate the beginning of the Spring season. The holiday has also become very popular in Bollywood movies, where many beautiful songs and dances performed, like the one below.
If you are looking for some great ways to celebrate this Holi with your loved ones, check out these upcoming events.
March 6th, 7:00pm-10:00pm
Holi Hungama!
Holi Hungama! Parvesh Jai is the spotlight designer is ready to showcase their collection exclusively with NetIP-NY!
For more information click here.
March 7th, 12:00pm
Holi Parade and Festival
Paghwah celebration in North America in Richmond Hill Queens. The parade can draw up to 25,000 people. Smokey Oval Park afterward where people will be, yes, coloring one another. Again this year, dye and powder are only allowed in the Smoky Oval Park on the concrete and, not in the parade, so it sounds possible to be an observer without getting color thrown on you, if you prefer.
March 13th, 12:00pm
Rang Barse on Peking Ship
IN Group brings you – RANG BARSE, the festival of colors on Peking
(a 377 ft ship docked at the South Street Seaport).
Come enjoy The HOLI celebration amidst joyful dancing on Indian music, snacks and of course the traditional “rang”
Admission:$30 until March 1st; $40 after. Group specials available.
For more information click here.
