1. Diwali- Festival of Lights

This pan Indian festival, famous for lighting up our
lives, Diwali is joyously celebrated globally now. Sending a
powerful message of the triumph of good over evil, the festival is celebrated
in every nook and corner of the country. People enjoy the festival of lights by
beginning the day with an auspicious pooja, followed by welcoming the night
with new traditional clothes, sweets and glowing deeyas. The houses are
decorated with garlands of electric lights and colourful rangolis. Ignite the
light of brotherhood and goodness in you being through the festival of Diwali.

2. Holi- Festival of Colors

The Pandora box of wholesome fun and good natured pranks
characterise the atmosphere in the colourful festival of Holi. This
festival is also slowly gaining popularity in the global sphere. Holi is
celebrated by throwing and applying colours on each other, in myriad hues of
jubilance. The festival is even played by throwing and splashing water on each
other, via a friendly weaponry of water guns and water balloons. Immerse
yourself in the pinks, greens and reds of Holi, and forget all your blues for
this day.

3.Christmas sees the prevalence of these caps and reindeer headgear
decorating the heads of civilians. Many people decorate Christmas trees in
their homes with colourful stars and hanging balls.

The birth of Jesus Christ is celebrated with ecstatic merriment
and wonderful joy, throughout India. The warm smell of walnut cakes can be
inhaled in every household. As if captivated by a confetti of Santa caps,

4. Dussehra- Vijayadasami

The culmination of the 9 days of Navrati, end in the 10th day of Dussehra.
The key attraction of this festival is the burning down of the effigies of
Ravan and his two brothers, symbolic of when Lord Rama destroys Ravan in the
epic tale of Ramayana. The effigies are filled with firecrackers, resulting in
a cacophony of loud sounds as the entire- almost 100 feet high- structure
breaks down. This is followed by even loud cheers from the crowd, that
celebrate the symbolic feat. At some places, the days following up to Dussehra
are marked by portraying the entire Ramayana through street plays called
Ramlila.

5.Durga Puja- Durgotsava or Navaratri

A festival celebrating the
powerful Goddess Durga, Durga Puja is a
major festival for the Bengalis in India. The colourful and high energy
festival is celebrated by decorating huge pandals, in the middle of which a
heavily decorated idol of Goddess Durga sits. The festival is marked by a lot
of dancing, singing and wholesome enjoyment. Celebrations of Durga Puja in
Kolkata is a can’t-miss sight, it is really a lifetime opportunity to witness a
festival in the heart of its existence.

6. Janmashtmi- Birth of Lord Krishna

The revered Hindu God, Lord Krishna’s birthday, is celebrated as Janmashtmi prominently
in North India. However, the main festivities take place in Vrindavan and
Mathura, the birth place of Krishna. Here, the temples are filled with throngs
of people, fasting on this auspicious day and waiting for the temple priest to
reveal the Krishna idol at the exact time of his birth. Elsewhere, the festival
is celebrated with much gusto, with programs in the local community dedicated
to the life stories of Krishna, depicted in an artistic manner.

7.
Ganesh Chaturthi- Vinayaka Chathurti

Prominently celebrated in the state of Maharashtra, the festival
of Ganesh
Chaturthi is the exemplar of a culturally charged environment.
The festival spans over a period of 10 days, the last of which is marked with
the maximum amount of revelry. Humungous idols of Lord Ganesha are carried to
the sea shore for the procession of Visarjan, immersing the idol inside the
water body. The walk from one’s home to the sea shore is filled with a rich
amount of dancing and singing.

8. Eid-Ul-Fitr- Marks the End of Ramadan

Eid-Ul-Fitr is a major festival for
Muslims in India. The festival is marked by people visiting the mosque for an
auspicious prayer, wearing new clothes and preparing delicacies like sewainyan
to be savoured. Children are given idi, a small token of money as a gift and
relatives exchange sweets and gifts with each other. It is a festival that
celebrates brotherhood among humanity.

9. Onam- Harvest Festival of Kerala

An important festival of Kerala, the festival of Onam is
a very colourful affair. People celebrate by decorating their house with
various floral arrangements and woman wear the gorgeous white and golden border
sarees. The festival is marked by Kathakali dances and theatrical plays of
artist dressed as tigers and hunters.

10. Raksha Bandhan- Rakhi or “Bond of Protection”

Raksha
Bandhan is a festival celebrating the eternal bond of
brothers and sisters. In this festival, sisters tie an auspicious thread to the
brother’s wrist, as a symbol of protection, that the brother bestows on her. In
return, the sister receives varieties of gifts and goodies from her brother.
People dress up in fine clothes and eat traditional sweets during this festival.

11. Pongal- Tamil Harvest Festival

A harvest festival, Pongal is a

popular festival in south India. The festival is celebrated in a traditional
costume, through dances, bonfires and songs of celebration. People even
decorate their homes with beautiful rangolis, using coloured rice and power
petals, symbolising the nurturing harvest produced by the farmers.

12. Gurupurab- Anniversary of A Guru’s Birth or
Death

Celebrating the birth anniversaries of the Sikh Gurus, Gurupurab is
an important festival for the Sikh community. Gurdwaras are lit up in a spark
of love and humanity. Kadha prashad, a sweet and holy dish is served at langars
and people even burst crackers in the night to celebrate Gurgupurab.

13. Maha Shivratri- The Great Night of Shiva

Shivratri, translating to the night of Shiva is a Hindu festival
dedicated to the destroyer, Lord Shiva. In this festival, people visit Shiva
temples and pray and chant auspicious hymns. Some people even fast the entire
day to show their devotion to the Almighty. Maha Shivratri is
marked by devotees flocking Shiva temples and revelling in the radiant aura of
the great Shiva.

14. Hemis- Birth of Padmasambhava

It
is an important two-day festival in the lovely landscape of Ladakh. Hemis festival
is marked by a plethora of activities, including traditional dancing in
traditional costumes, that attract many tourists from all over the world. It is
celebrated to mark the birth anniversary of the founder of Tibet Tantric
Buddhism.

15.
Lodhi- Punjabi
Folk Festival

Aharvest festival of North India, Lodhi is a
lively festival celebrated with warmth and harmony. The festival is meant to
celebrate the winter harvest in January. It is enjoyed around a warm bonfire at
night, where people eat popcorns and peanuts, basking in the fire and the love
for each other in this glorious festival.

Celebrate the
various hues of India through the prism of festivals by
celebrating each of these- with full enthusiasm and jubilance

Best Holi Wishes, Messages, Quotes, Status and Images to send to your dear ones on festival of colours

Holee Ek Praacheen Hindoo Dhaarmik Tyohaar Hai Jo Dakshin Eshiya Ke Kaee Hisson Mein Gair-Hinduon Ke Saath-Saath Eshiya Ke Baahar Any Samudaayon Ke Logon Ke Lie Lokapriy Ho Gaya Hai

Gulaal, pichkaari, sweets and celebration-Holi is one of the biggest festivals and one we all look forward to. Be it kids or the adults, everyone looks forward to the Holi festivity-the festival of colours. Considered to be the second biggest festival after Diwali, this year, the festival will be celebrated on March 10, which is a Tuesday.
Holi is the time which ushers the welcoming of the spring season and ends the winter blues. Historically, it holds a lot of importance. From folklores to songs, you can find a lot of mentions of this festival. Many believe that the festival marks the celebration of good over evil. Holika Dahan, held a day before Holi resonates with the fact that evil cannot hold for a long time
Bhaarat Aur Nepaal Ke Alaava, Tyohaar Jamaika, Sooreenaam, Guyaana, Trinidaad Aur Tobaigo, Dakshin Aphreeka, Maleshiya, Yoonaited Kingadam, Sanyukt Raajy Amerika, Kanaada, Moreeshas Aur Jaise Deshon Mein Bhaarateey Upamahaadveep Pravaasee Dvaara Manaaya Jaata Hai. Phijee. Haal Ke Varshon Mein Yah Tyohaar Prem Aur Ullaas Aur Rangon Ke Utsav Ke Roop Mein Yoorop Aur Uttaree Amerika Ke Kuchh Hisson Mein Phail Gaya Hai.

Holee Kee Raat Holee Se Ek Din Pahale Holika Dahan Ke Saath Shuroo Hotee Hai, Jahaan Log Ikattha Hote Hain, alaav ke saamane dhaarmik anushthaan karate hain, aur praarthana karate hain ki unakee aantarik buraee ko nasht kar diya jae, jis tarah se holika, raakshas raaja hiranyakashipu kee bahan, agni mein maare gae the . agalee subah ko rangavaalee holee ke roop mein manaaya jaata hai - rangon ka mukt tyohaar, jahaan log ek-doosare ko rangon se saraabor karate hain aur ek-doosare ko mithaee khilaate hain. paanee kee bandooken aur paanee se bhare gubbaare ek doosare ko khelane aur rangane ke lie bhee upayog kie jaate hain. koee bhee aur har koee nishpaksh khel, dost ya ajanabee, ameer ya gareeb, aadamee ya aurat, bachche aur bujurg hain. rangon ke saath sangharsh aur ladaee sadakon, khule paarkon, mandiron aur imaaraton ke baahar hotee hai. samooh dram aur any sangeet vaadyayantr le jaate hain, ek sthaan se doosare sthaan par jaate hain, gaate hain aur nrty karate hain. log parivaar, doston aur dushmanon se milane jaate hain aur ek doosare par rang-birange paudar phenkate hain, hansate hain aur gapashap karate hain, phir holee ke vyanjanon, bhojan aur pey ko saajha karate hain kuchh prathaagat pey mein bhaang (bhaang se banee) shaamil hai, jo nasheelee hai. shaam ke samay, sabere Uthane Ke Baad, Log Kapade Pahanate hain aur doston aur parivaar se milane jaate hain

Hindoo Bhagavaan Vishnu

Aur Unake Anuyaayee Prahlaad Ke Sammaan Mein Rangon Ke

Tyohaar Ke Roop Mein kyon manaaya jaata hai, yah samajhaane ke lie ek prateekaatmak

kinvadantee hai. raaja hiranyakashyap, bhaagavat puraan ke adhyaay 7 mein pae gae ek

pauraanik katha ke anusaar,] raakshasee asuron ke raaja the, aur unhonne ek aisa varadaan

arjit kiya, jisane unhen paanch vishesh shaktiyaan pradaan keen: unhen na to koee insaan

maar sakata tha aur na hee koee insaan ek jaanavar, na to ghar ke andar aur na hee baahar,

na to din mein aur na hee raat mein, na to estra (prakshepy hathiyaar) aur na hee kisee

shaastr (haath mein hathiyaar), aur na hee jameen par aur na hee paanee ya hava mein.

hiranyakashyap ghamandee ho gaya, usane socha ki vah bhagavaan tha, aur usane sabhee se

keval usee kee pooja karane kee maang kee.

Hiranyakashyapu Ka Apana Putr, Prahlaad, Haalaanki, Asahamat Tha. Vah Vishnu Ke Prati Samarpit Rahe. Isase hiranyakashyap ka bhesh badal gaya. usane prahlaad ko kroor dand diya, jisamen se kisee ne bhee us ladake ko prabhaavit nahin kiya aur jo usane

socha tha ki vah sahee tha. ant mein, holika, prahlaad kee dusht chaachee, ne use apane saath ek chita par baitha diya. holika ne ek labaada pahana hua tha jisase vah aag se chotil ho gaee thee, jabaki prahlaad nahin the. jaise-jaise aag badhatee gaee, vaise-vaise lata ne holika se udaan bharee aur prahlaad ko gher liya, jo holika ke jalane se bach gaya. hindoo maanyataon mein dharm ko punarsthaapit karane ke lie avataar ke roop mein prakat hone vaale devata vishnu ne narasinh ka roop dhaaran kiya - aadha maanav aur aadha sher, shaam ko (jab yah na to din tha aur na hee raat mein), hiranyakashyap ko ek daravaaje par le gaya (jo na to ghar ke andar tha) na to baahar), use apanee god mein rakha (jo na to bhoomi, paanee aur na hee hava thee), aur phir apane sher ke panje ke saath raaja ko maar daala aur maar daala (jo na to haath mein hathiyaar the aur na hee lonch kiya gaya hathiyaar tha.

Holika Dahan Aur Holee Buraee Par Achchhaee Kee Prateekaatmak Jeet Ke Utsav Ka Prateek Hai, Hiranyakashyap Par Prahlaad Kee Aag, Aur Us Aag Kee

hinduon ke lie holee ek mahatvapoorn vasant tyohaar hai, bhaarat aur nepaal mein

 any deshon mein kshetreey chhuttiyon ke saath raashtreey avakaash. bahut se hinduon aur

kuchh gair-hinduon ke lie, yah ek chanchal saanskrtik ghatana hai aur doston ya ajanabiyon

 par ghul-mil kar paanee phenkane ka bahaana hai. yah bhaarateey upamahaadveep mein

bhee vyaapak roop se manaaya jaata hai. holee ko sardiyon ke ant mein manaaya jaata hai,

 hindoo poornima-saur kailendar maah ke antim poornima ke din, vasant rtu ko chihnit karate

 hue, tithi chandr chakr ke saath badalatee hai. tithi aamataur par maarch mein aatee hai, lekin

kabhee-kabhee der se. gregoriyan kailendar ka pharavaree.

holee ke snaiks aur drink, rangon se khelate hain post vaam: namakeen snaiks, madhy: gujiya
(ek bharavaan raip), sahee: thandaee (baadaam aadhaarit thanda pey) jisamen kabhee-kabhee
"bhaang" ka nasha hota hai. tyohaar ke kaee uddeshy hain; sabase pramukhata se, yah vasant
kee shuruaat ka jashn manaata hai. 17 veen shataabdee ke saahity mein, yah ek aise tyohaar
ke roop mein pahachaana gaya, jisane krshi ko manaaya, achchhee vasant kee phasal aur
upajaoo bhoomi kee smrti kee. hinduon ka maanana hai ki yah vasant ke prachur rangon ka
aanand lene aur sardiyon ko vidaee dene ka samay hai. kaee hinduon ke lie, holee ke tyohaar
nae saal kee shuruaat ke saath-saath toote hue rishton ko khatm karane aur naveeneekrt
karane, sangharshon ko khatm karane aur ateet se sanchit bhaavanaatmak ashuddhiyon se
khud ko door karane ke avasar ke roop mein chihnit karate hain. isaka ek dhaarmik uddeshy
bhee hai, jo prateekaatmak roop se holika kee katha dvaara darshaaya gaya hai. holee se ek
raat pahale holika dahan (holika jalaana) ya chhotee holee ke roop mein jaane jaane vaale
samaaroh mein alaav jalae jaate hain. log aag ke paas ikattha hote hain, gaate hain aur nrty
karate hain. agale din, holee, jise sanskrt mein dhoolee ke roop mein bhee jaana jaata hai,
ya dhulahatee, dhulandee ya dhulendee manaee jaatee hai.

bhaarat ke uttaree hisson mein, bachche aur yuva ek doosare par rangeen paudar samaadhaan
(gulaal) chhidakate hain, hansate hain aur jashn manaate hain, jabaki vayask ek doosare ke
chehare par sookhe rang ka paudar (abeer) maarate hain. gharon mein aane vaale logon ko
pahale rangon se chidhaaya jaata hai, phir holee vyanjanon (jaise pooranapolee, dahee-gudiya
aur gujhiya), mithaiyon aur pey ke saath parosa jaata hai. rangon se khelane ke baad, aur
saphaee karane ke baad, log snaan karate hain, saaph kapade pahanate hain, aur doston aur
parivaar se milate hain holika dahan kee tarah, bhaarat ke kuchh hisson mein kaamana dahan manaaya jaata hai.
in bhaagon mein rangon ke tyohaar ko rangapanchamee kaha jaata hai, aur poornima
(poornima) ke baad paanchaven din hota hai.

Largely celebrated in the northern part of the country, the festival of colours and love falls a day after the full moon. While a pious Holika bonfire is lit a day before the actual celebration, people come together to celebrate the victory of good over evil and splash colours of happiness around each other. No matter how you wish to celebrate, the feelings are all the same. Some splash around water pichkaaris, some use balloons, some use natural gulaal and flowers.
Holi usually marks the welcoming of spring, fertility, harvest and bright colours in the world after the dullness of winter. Culturally, people also say that Holi is the day when people bid goodbye to their problems, animosities and some even say that the biggest enemies and foes turn into friends on this blessed day by applying gulaal on each other's faces. Hence, the celebration and tradition is called 'Holi Milan'.

Happy Holi 2020: Wishes, Messages and Quotes
1. “Best wishes to you and your family for a Holi filled with sweet moments and memories to cherish for long. Happy Holi my dear”

2. “Holi is an apt time to celebrate the colours of our beautiful relationship. Happy Holi”

3. “Let’s throw out the colours in the air, and renew our love with a bit of romantic colour. Happy Holi”

4. “This 2020 Holi may bring lots and lots of colourful seasons and days in your life filled with plenty of happiness and love. Wish you a very Happy Holi”

5. “It’s the time to unwind, de-stress and to make a bond with sweets, thandai and colours. Happy Holi”

6. May God gift you all the colours of life, colours of joy, colours of happiness, colours of friendship, colours of love and all other colours you want to paint your life in.
Happy Holi.

7. Play more, drink less,
enjoy more, think less.
Have a cheerful Holi!

8. Water balloons, water pistols, amazing songs, and delicious gujias are the main ingredients for a perfect Holi.
Have a Happy Holi!

9. Rang ho ya gulaal, maaro pichkari or laa do fuhaar.
Nacho or jhumo, masti se khelo.
Have a colourful and joyous Holi!!

10. Every day needs to be colourful, but seldom it is.
So, stock yourself for a whole year!
Happy Holi!

11. Happy Holi from mine to yours. Hope you have a colourful day and a colourful life with all kind of right twists in the colour.

12. Hope God paints the canvas of your life with beautiful colours.
Happy Holi to you and Family!!

13. Even though I am far away from you on the happy occasion of Holi, all my thoughts and good wishes are with you.
Have a wonderful Holi.

14. Let's make a bonfire of our pride, negativity, and envy this Holi and bring in a fresh start.
Happy Holi!

15. Let's burn what's evil, depressing and sad with Holika and welcome the new beginnings with open arms.
Happy Holi!

16. “You are the colour of my life, and you are the reason for my smile. I make the colourful dream just for you. And send you colourful wishes on Holi.” ― Happy Holi

17. The grandeur of color and sweetness of sweets; may you have a brilliant Holi!

18. “Holi is the time to celebrate the most beautiful feeling called love. Let’s take a dip in the water of love.” ― Happy Holi

19. “it’s time for masti & lots of colours.
Here’s to the fun & Celebrations
that may last throughout the year.”

20. Burn your ego, expectations and everything in the fire of Holi and enjoy the festival. Happy Holi!

21. Dipped in hues of love and trust has come the festival of Holi.

22. Let the child hidden inside you, come out this Holi & play with the colours of love and happiness all around.” ― Happy Holi

23. “Take out the evil from you and digest the colour of peace in yourself this Holi, to spread the colour of love everywhere.” ― Happy Holi 2020

24. “Play safe, eat healthily and stay cheerful. This is my wish for you. Happy Holi my dear friend”

25. “Break the ice, renew your old relationships & connect yourself with the colors of joy & happiness forever.” ― Happy Holi

26. "Let the colours of Holi bring cheer and happiness to your life.Red gulal being prosperity and yellow being health." - Happy Holi

27. "Neela, peela, hara, gulaabi yeh sab to ek bahaana hain
hame to tumse milne aana hai
Es Holi pe unhe rangne jaana hain..
Dil ne ek baar phir humara kahna mana hain."

28. "We wish your health, prosperity and business achievements at this prismic colour eve.
Happy Holi to you and your family"

29. "Khaa key gujiya,
pee key bhaang,
laaga ke thoda thoda sa rang,
baja ke dholak aur mridang,
khele holi hum tere sang.
HAPPY HOLI"

30. "Sending you wishes in the colors of rainbow.
May they shower love, happiness and joy upon you!"

31. "Thank you for bringing out the best colors in me. Thanks for being my sunshine, dear. Happy Holi, I love you so much."

32. "On this auspicious occasion of Holi, I Hope the canvas of your life gets painted with the cutest colors of happiness." - Happy Holi!

33. "Our relationship is the best because I care for you and you care for me. But all credit goes to you for making everything so easy. Thanks for being so reliable and wishing you a happy Holi!"

34. "On this beautiful festival of vibrancy and colours,
let’s reiterate our commitment to each other
by sharing all the different shades of life.
Happy Holi"

35. "Wishing you and your family success, happiness and prosperity this Holi and always! Have a colourful and joyous Holi!"

Happy Holi 2020: Images

History of Holi

There is a lot of evidence in historical texts which denote how important this festival is. There are many cultural stories surrounding the origin of Holi. History tells us celebration’s name is named after Holika, the sister of a demon king, Hiranyakashipu. This demon king was immortalised and hence, no power in the world could kill him in any way.However, when Hiranyakashipu understood his superpower of never dyeing, he turned evil and started destroying everyone around this. On this knowledge, his son Prahlad decided to kill him. But, the demon king got to know his son’s intentions of killing him and told his sister, Holika to kill Prahlad instead.

On the day which now marks as Holi, Holika was meant to wear a cloak and throw Prahlad in the bonfire. But, when Holika reached the fire, the cloak flew away from her shoulders and went on Prahlad and protected him instead, burning Holika to ashes. Therefore, holi is popularly known as the win of good over evil. Some stories also circle around the legends Shiva, Kamadeva, Pootana and Dhundhi.

The festival is usually celebrated in a grand manner in the region of Mathura and Vrindavan, to honour, cherish and remember the holy love and union of Radha and Krishna.

While it is a celebration when family and friends come along, if you can't celebrate the festival of colours with your loved ones this year, here are some sample wishes, greetings you can share with them. You can share these lovely messages on social media and spread the cheer.