Happy holi 2014

*Holi celebrations in India
*Holi related food and savouries
*Different Customary Celebrations
*Make your own Holi Colors this season

1. H o l i C e l e b r a t i o n s The Holi festival commemorates the victory of good over evil, brought about by the burning and destruction of the demoness named Holika in bonefire also known as “ Holika Dahan ” Holi got its name as the "Festival of Colors" from Lord Krishna, a reincarnation of Lord Vishnu, who liked to play pranks on the village girls by drenching them in water and colors.

2. Different Cultures- Different Customs 1.Barsana: Holi with Sticks The women of Barsana village near Mathura in Uttar Pradesh beat up men from neighboring Nandgaon village with sticks, in what's known as Lathmar Holi celebrations. 2 . Mathura and Vrindavan : Traditional Holi T he temple towns of Mathura and Vrindavan holds a renowned show in the week before Holi.The five day celebrations at Shri Banke Bihari Mandir are also legendary. 3. Delhi: Modern Holi Holi Cow festival is a festival of color, music and madness, it's is held a short distance outside the city. The environment is safe, and non-toxic colors are provided, along with bhang lassis , street food, and sprinklers to get everyone in the mood. Both DJs and bands perform.

3. 4 .Shantiniketan, West Bengal: Cultural Holi The celebration of Holi as Vasanta Utsav attracts numerous foreign tourists. Students of Vishwa Bharti University dress up in spring colors and put on a huge cultural program for visitors, including dances to Tagore's songs. This is followed by the usual throwing of colors. 5 . Purulia , West Bengal: Folk Holi A three day folk festival takes place in the Purulia district of West Bengal. This includes the remarkable Chau dance, Darbari Jhumur , Natua dance, and songs of West Bengal's wandering Baul musicians. What makes the festival special is that it's organized by villagers and accomodation is provided in tents. Different Cultures- Different Customs

4. Tips for skin and hair care on Holi Wearing full length clothes is the best way to dodge colors. Apply copious amount of almond oil, olive oil, cold cream or moisturizer on all exposed body parts. Post celebration, apply a generous amount of tea tree oil, for it has healing properties. It works best for the skin and prevents chemical accumulation For Skin:

5. Oiling your hair is the key before playing Holi. Nothing works better than a head massage with warm olive oil. Rinse off your hair with mild shampoo immediately. Hair conditioning is must after shampoo. Apply a pack of olive oil and honey after shampooing. You can even go for a scalp and anti-dandruff hair toner. If rash or allergy persists, take any anti-histamine tablet. For Hair:

6. Mouthwatering Holi Delicacies Gujiya Thandai Dahi Bhalla Bhang Moong Dal Ladoo Aloo Puri Masala Mathri

7. Peals of red pomegranate boiled in water or crushed dry red rose petals

8. Herbal yellow colour Crushed dry marigold flower petals or turmeric powder mixed in water

9. Herbal Blue Colour Berries of indigo plant or crushed dry Jacaranda flower

10. Beetroot grated and soaked in water or Peeled onion soaked in water.

11. Fine paste of mint or spinach or dry mehendi powder