Holi Phagwa is a holiday on the first day after the full moon of the Hindu month of Chaitra, when Hindus usher in the new year. During the festival, people wish each other 'Subh Holi', Happy New Year. One day before the celebration of Holi, the Holika, a pyre, is prepared, the pandit (priest) deciding the exact time. Participants in the festival dance and sing Chautal (traditional singing). During the Holi festival, people throw colourful powder at each other, thus powdering each other. Because everyone is coloured by the powder, differences between religion or origin disappear. Social boundaries between social strata, young and old, rich and poor, fall away. This one day, all people are equal. Cultural richness, joy, mutual respect and tolerance make the Holi celebration unforgettable for the participants every year.
Holi is an umbrella term for a number of activities:
- Vasant Panchemy, the cultural starting signal. In the Netherlands, a djadmaan buys a Rearh (ricinus) plant. The djadmaan commits himself to take care of the plant for 40 days and to bring the plant to the Holika Dahan. During this period the djadmaan lives vegetarian, out of respect for people, nature and animals.
- Holika Dahan: This is the day a hay stack is set on fire, as a sign that good overcomes evil. Hindus and sympathisers of Holi gather to celebrate the dedication according to Hindu scriptures.
- Dhoer Urawe: The ashes of the haystack are thrown up by a pandit the day after a blessing, after which the Holi festival begins.
- Holi Festival (Holi Phagwa) and Holi procession: The festival is preceded by a float with music and a long procession of people celebrating Holi.
- Bhurwa Mangar: Rituals and customs that are important at Holi are deliberately discussed as well as what can be done next year.
- Chautal, each part is marked by music, dance and singing.