Holi is popularly known as the festival of colors across the world, it signifies the victory of good over evil, and the festival indicates the arrival of spring bringing an end to winter. It repairs broken relationships with colors love and joy.
The festival lasts for two days starting on the full moon day “Purnima” falling in the Hindu Calendar month of Falgun, which falls between the end of February and mid-March.
The first day is known as Holika Dahan (Choti Holi) and the second day as Rangwali Holi, Dhuleti, Dhulandi or Dhulivandan.
The celebrations begin night before Holi with a bonfire where people gather, and pray that their internal evil should be destroyed as the bonfire starts. The following morning is celebrated as Rangwali Holi.
Significance:
Holi gets us close to our religion and our heritage as it is essentially the celebration of various legends associated with the festival.
The legend of Prahlad and Hiranyakshyap.
According to the legend, there was a powerful demon king, Hiranyakshyap, a self-claimed god, who demanded worships from everybody.
But his own son, Prahlad was a devotee of Lord Vishnu, which kept pinching Hiranyakshyap.
In order to get rid of his son, Hiranyakshyap requested his sister, Holika to enter pile of fire with Prahlad in her lap, as she had a boon to enter fire unscathed. But due to Prahlad’s extreme devotion towards Lord Vishnu, he was unaffected by the blazing fire, while Holika paid a price for her sinister desire. The tradition of burning Holika or the 'Holika Dahan' comes mainly from this legend.
Social Significance:
This Festival helps to bring the society together and strengthen the secular fabric of our country. The festival is also largely celebrated by people from different religions as everybody likes to be a part of such a colorful and joyous festival.
The India Association is organizing an event to celebrate the festival on 12th March 2017 in Arizona at South Mountain Park 10919 S Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85042, 10:00 a.m. onwards.
Interested people can contact the “President on (480) 703-2000” or visit their website
On 19th March ‘Goshala of Arizona’ is organizing event celebrating the festival at Kiwanis Park 6111 S All America Way, Tempe, AZ 85283 from 11 a.m. onwards.
Interested people can contact Ameet Nainani on (732) 910-7111 or visit their website
3nd Annual Holi - Festival Of Colors - For Booths & sponsorships call Apurva 480-359-7492 or Satish 602-492-6023 .
Tons of Dance and Fun Activities with.
-Expected 2k plus in attendance
- Colors
- Rock with DJ ISAAC & DJ SEAN
- Get drenched in AZ's Unique 'RAIN DANCE'
- Live Food Counters
- Tap your feet with DHOL by AZ's best
Participants traditionally throw bright, vibrant powders at friends and strangers alike as they celebrate the arrival of spring, and allow each other a momentary freedom -- a chance to drop their inhibitions and simply play and dance in COLORS & RAIN.
Entry Fee - $8.00
AMandeep
