Holi is a Hindu holiday that usually falls at the end of February or beginning of March and is celebrated with much gaiety. The holiday marks significant events in Hindu mythology where good triumphed over evil, as well as celebrates the beginning of Spring. 

Holi is a time of lightheartedness and fun. The night before Holi is the evening of bonfires. People get together and make bonfires, dance, and sing. The bonfires commemorate the burning of wicked Holika, a figure in Hindu mythology.

The next morning is the "festival of colors" where kids and adults alike throw colored powder on each other, play pranks, and have fun. Families and friends exchanges sweets and enjoy the day. Traditionally herbal powders made from neem, tumeric, and bilva were used, which signified the importance of their medicinal properties in warding of sickness during the change of seasons.

The best way to understand Holi is to see it for yourself, as captured in this wonderful video by Incredible India (www.incredibleindia.org).