Holi (Hindi), or Phagwa (Bhojpuri), also called the Festival of Colors, is a famous Hindu spring festival experiential in India, Guyana, and Nepal. In West Bengal, it is known as Dolyatra (Doljatra) or Boshonto Utsav (spring festival).

On the first day, burning of the demoness Holika, Hiranyakashipu's sister, in a enormous bonfires at night. It is also know as Kama dahanam in Andhra Pradesh.

On the second day, known as Dhulhendi, people use the day throwing colored powder and water to friends and neighbor. The spring season, when the weather changes, they believe to cause viral fever and cold. Thus, the playful throwing of the colored powders has a medicinal significance: the colors are traditionally made of Neem, Kumkum, Haldi, Bilva, and other medicinal herbs prearranged by Ayurvedic doctors. A special drink called thandai is prepared, sometimes containing bhang (Cannabis sativa).

Rangapanchami occurs a few days later on a Panchami (fifth day of the full moon), mark the end of festivities connecting colours.

Holi takes place over two days in a while of February or March. As per the Hindu calendar, it falls on the Phalgun Purnima (or Pooranmashi, Full Moon), which will take place on March 22 in 2008. On the first day (22 March 2008 CE), symbolic burning of evil takes place, while the fun part of playing with colors takes place on the second day.