Holi always falls on the full moon that occurs during Phalguna, a month in the Hindu calendar that corresponds with late February and early March in the Gregorian calendar. The eve of the festival, Holika Dahan, is when the customary puja and bonfire is held, and the following day — Purn...
This year’s holidayfalls on March 8, but in some parts of India, communities begin the festivities by lighting bonfires the night before in a celebration known as Holika Dahan, or Choti Holi. Once the bonfires have gone out, some Hindus smear the ashes on their bodies as apurifying ritual...