Holi is a popular Hindu festival originating from the Indian subcontinent. It is celebrated mainly in India and Nepal. Over time, however, it has also spread from the Indian subcontinent to other parts of Asia and parts of the western world. Holi is popularly known as the Indian „Festival of Spring“, the „Festival of Colours“ or the „Festival of Love“. The festival signifies the arrival of spring, the end of winter and the blossoming of love. It is a festive day to meet others, to dance and laugh, to forget and forgive, and to mend broken relationships. The festival also celebrates the beginning of a good spring harvest. It lasts one night and one day and begins on the evening of Purnima (full moon day), which falls in the Vikram Samvat calendar around the beginning to middle of March in the Gregorian calendar. The first evening is known as Holika Dahan (the burning of the demon Holika) and the following day as Holi.
