Holi

What happens

Holi marks the full moon of the month of Phalguna and the end of winter. Before factory powders, its colours came from flowers. The orange blossoms of the palash tree were soaked overnight to make a saffron-coloured water. In Vrindavan and the other towns of Braj, where Krishna is said to have played Holi, the celebration runs for more than a week. A few days before the main day, priests at the Banke Bihari temple shower worshippers with petals of marigold and rose for a short time. This is Phoolon ki Holi, Holi of flowers.

The flowers

Flame of the forestPalash or tesu, the old source of the orange colour.Aztec marigoldMarigold petals, thrown in Phoolon ki Holi.RoseRose petals are showered on worshippers in Vrindavan.

More flowers and customs of Holi

Decoration Pichhwai Large painted cloths showing Krishna, hung in temples for worship and festivals 🇮🇳 India · Art or design Decoration Chowk poorana Folk floor and wall art made with flour, clay and rice in northern India 🇮🇳 India · Carpet or floor pattern