Come and attend a Holi celebration at the Queens Museum, at the New York City Building on April 28th from 2pm-4pm. This colorful event is presented by the Hindu Temple Society of North America. Holi marks the onset of Spring when the regeneration of Mother Earth also takes place. As the Earth fills the atmosphere with the vibrant colors of the flowers and greenery, so does Holi. Therefore, it is only apt that Earth Day be celebrated along with Holi celebrations.
May the joyous spirit of the Festival of Colors pervade our hearts and homes. Come and enjoy Colorful Multi-Cultural Dances and Music. Performers from different nationalities and cultures will come together to express their joy of the changing season and their gratitude to Mother Earth for Her bounty. This colorful event, which will be a feast for the eyes, ears, and mind, is sure to put everyone in the spirit of spring and friendship.
Free and Open to all!
What is Holi?
- Holi is one of the popular festivals of Northern India
- It is celebrated on the full moon day in March-April, signaling the end of winter and the onset of spring.
- This ancient festival, as with most others, marks the triumph of good over evil.
- Holi is the beginning of a new year for some, and a harvest festival for others.
How is Holi celebrated?
- Houses are cleaned as in spring cleaning. Spring cleaning clears our physical environment as well as our mind.
- Bonfires are lit on many street corners on the eve of Holi, where some dance to the rhythm of dhol (drums), while singing devotional and folk songs. After an inactive winter, these activities wake up the body, mind, and spirit.
- Color is sprinkled on others as an act of friendship. The colors were originally plant-derived and had ãyurvedic benefits.
A sprinkling of Color:
On the next day comes the tradition of applying vibrant color to participants faces and bodies of the festival as an expression of love and affection. This is by far, the most joyful and fun part, making Holi the most colorful festival of India.
This ancient tradition is said to have been initiated by Lord Krishna, Radha and other cowherds who smeared color powder on each other as a symbol of their divine love and affection for each other.
Today, eager participants vie with one another to be the first to apply color (powder and/or liquid) on others until they are fully covered, drenched and become unrecognizable. Out of respect, youngsters color only the feet of elders. Fun filled pranks will be played on each other throughout the festival!