Holi or Phagwah, as it is known in the Hindi heartland of India, is by and large a spring festival of the Hindus. It is also called the Festival of Colors and is greatly observed both in the areas of North India and Nepal. The most opportune or usual time of this festival is fifteenth day of the Light Half of the Moon, in the Hindu month of Phalguna (March). It is celebrated before the monsoon, the great rainstorms which come each year. However, there are several processes to observe this festival. On the very first day bonfires are lit at nigh to signify the burning of Holika, the legendary evil figure who was destined to kill Prahlada, the son of King Hiranyakashipu, and the great votary of Lord Vishnu. On the second day, which is known as Dhulandi, people are sued to throw colored powder and water at each other. No one misses any chance to squirt colored water and even balloons on their favorite targets! But if anyone wants to perceive the wildness of this observation he or he shall to have to visit the Hindi heartland where people truly go wild in joy! In Bihar and the vicinity you can also find the hojpuri tradition of observing Holi. There people not only sprinkle colored waters but also come out in the streets while singing. Though there are many traditions of observing Holi but this concept of hojpuri ritual gets veneration. Where else you can get a glimpse of this culture where the elders are respected by spreading colors on their feet, the same aged ones are hugged and the younger are loved, all through the favorite color powders! Besides this, the festival happens to be great blessing on the people at large. Since this is the spring season when the weather changes and is believed to cause viral fever and cold. Therefore the good-humored throwing of colored powders has a medicinal significance. The colors are being made from Neem, Kumkum, Haldi, Bilva and other medicinal herbs that are prescribed by the Ayurveda. Again a special drink called thandai, a typical cold drink is prepared. Even in this respect the hojpuri tradition happens to be slightly different, where a peculiar herb called bhang or Cannabis sativa is applied, rendering a spiritual realization among the drinkers.

It should be accepted that this festival brings the religions together and often breaks the barriers of years. Though predominantly a Hindu celebration it both participated and played by persons belonging to other religions also. It is greatly observed by the Sikh community. At the Anadndpur Sahib in Punjab, Holi is known as the Hola Mahalla, and is joined by the members of both the Hindu and Sikh community. However, other than the renowned hojpuri tradition this is also observed with a great deference in the lands of Vrindavan and Mathura, where Lord Krishna had spent his early days and youth. The festival is celebrated here for 16 days at a stretch till the arrival of Rangpanchami, observed in commemoration of the divine love of Radha and Krishna. It is believed in general, that Lord Krishna was himself instrumental in making this festival popular among the ordinary mortals by playing pranks on the gopis, or the female aides of Radha and Krishna.