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India the land of diversity and festivals has several festivals in its annual calendar. Holi festival is celebrated as a festival of colors, which falls in the month of March. Just when the spring warms up families and youths start preparing for Holi. Prominently celebrated in the northern India, it is one day when youths cuts loose. Youths color each others faces with dry color. Holi is full of colors and fun and sweets. Mythology behind Holi Holi festival is originally celebrated to celebrate the good harvest and fertility of land. However, every festival in India is based on a mythological story. Similarly, an interesting story is associated with Holi as well. The story is centered on an arrogant King who resents his son Prahalad who is was a follower of Hindu god Vishnu. He tries to kill his son but fails inspite after several attempts. Thus the king's sister Holika converts herself into fire and sits on Prahalad. But Prahalad emerges out of the fire unscented, while Holika burns to death. Thus to commemorate the victory of Prahalad, which also signifies the victory of good over evil a huge bon fire is burnt on the eve of Holi. Similarly the festival is also celebrated to remember the eternal love of Lord Krishna and Radhika. Thus, Holi is a big celebration in Mathura and Vrindavan. The festival is celebrated over 16 days in both the cities. Along with the usual fun with colored powder and water, Holi at Mathura and Vrindavan is accompanied by folk songs, and dances. Normally the celebration comes to end by late afternoon and every one collects at the river bath tub. After a noisy afternoon generally a silent is spread all across India by the evening. A symbol of integration and secularism On the day of Holi individuals from all castes come together and enjoy the sprit of Holi. It is one day when every one forgets all castes and creed and enjoys together. Holi thus is also a symbol of colorful Indian culture, which integrates secularly on this day. The spirit of Holi is captured in many poems and has added flair of fun and enjoyment to many Hindi movies as well.
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