On the full moon day of the month of Phalguna (as per the Vikram Samvat calendar of Hindus), which falls in the middle of March (as per the Gregorian calendar),
Holi has its roots in Hindu mythology. According to a legend, a young child named Prahlad who was an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu was punished by his father and asked to sit inside a bonfire. His aunt, a demoness named Holika was given the orders to sit with Prahlad in the bonfire and kill him. Prahlad's devotion to Lord Vishnu saved him but burnt his aunt Holika to ashes. Since then, it has been a tradition to burn a bonfire a night prior to Holi. The festival symbolises the triumph of good over evil, It is also known as the festival of love, where people spread cheer and happiness. As the festival mostly occurs in the month of March, it marks the onset of spring and is celebrated as a thanksgiving for a good spring harvest season
The festivities pick pace from the evening before Holi as people carry out 'Holika Dahan', a ritual performed around a bonfire. The main day, also called 'Rangwali Holi', is when the exuberant celebration of colours begins. From smearing gulaal (traditional coloured powder), sprinkling vibrant flowers to hitting with water balloons, people find diverse ways to celebrate the festival of colours. As this fun affair ends, celebrants get clean and savour festive delicacies like Gujiya, Masala Mathri and Dahi Bhalle.
Though most cities in the country celebrate Holi with absolute fun and gaiety, festivities in Delhi are in a class of their own The air in the city buzzes with joy and vibrancy as everyone gets immersed in the spirit of Holi, Many who stay here choose to celebrate within their neighbourhoods, while others flock to the grand Holi celebrations organised in different parts of the capital. A big rage among tourists are events like the 'Holi India Colour Festival' that promise a delightful Holi experience. With live music, pool parties, engaging activities, colourful rain dance and delicious snacks and drinks, this festival creates some amazing memories to cherish later.