Holi
The Hindu spring festival at which people throw coloured powder and water on one another.
Also: festival of colours, Dol, Phagwah
Holi falls on the full moon of the month of Phalguna, in February or March. On the evening before, bonfires recall the story of the devotee Prahlada, saved from the fire that burned the demoness Holika. The next day people of all ages go out to smear and drench friends, family and strangers with colour, an exchange that for a few hours sets aside differences of rank. The festival is especially tied to Krishna and the region of Mathura and Vrindavan. It is also celebrated in Nepal, Trinidad, Guyana, Fiji and Mauritius.