Holi

This baudhik was conducted at Satsang Shakha on 3/4/12.

Slok for this week. Today – We will start with Gayatri Mantra.
Om bhur bhuvah svah
tát savitúr váren(i)yam
bhárgo devásya dhimahi
dhíyo yó nah pracodáyat
Today’s baudhik is on Festival of Holi.

Does anyone know know when is Holi this year?
March 7th 2012

Is there any other names of Holi ?
 Phagun, Festival of Colors, Pooranmashi

How do we celerbrate Holi and why do we celebrate Holi?
Hindu celebrate Holi by doing fire and offering prayers and Pradakshina (Going around fire). 

Celebration of Holi was started in very ancient time.
 There is an old story about Prahalad.   Story is that Prahald escaped miraculously from fire when,  Demoness Holika, sister of Hiranyakashipu carried him into the fire.
 Holika was burnt but Prahald, a good devotee of God Vishnu, escaped without any injuries. 
Holi is celebrated around globe by Hindus at the end of Winter season on the last full moon day of lunar month Phagun (Which is Purnima of Hindu Lunar Calendar of Month of Phalgun).
 The most important ritual people do on this occasion is to attend public bonfire on the day of Holi . (then throwing colored and scented water to each other)
 The bonfire is lit near midnight as the moon rises.

Significance:
Ask kids why do we celebrate ?
What do we eat?  I was born and raised in Ahmedabad so I know we eat dates, Dhani (mini popcorn) and coconuts.  Do you know what your family eat on occasion of Holi ? Please share.
Related figures with Holi
1)  Hirayankashipu – Boon by Brahama.
2)  Prahalad – Great devotee of Lord Vishnu. 
3)  Holika – A sister of Hiranyakashipu had boon not to be burnt in fire. Holika sat with Prahalad in fire. Prahalad came out unhurt and Holika tuned into ashes. 

What is second day of Holi?
Dhuleti – Second day of Holi is celebrated in most part of India. People sprinkle Gulal and Water
at each other and then people invite each other to their house for feasts and celebrations.
Holi also brings renewed hope for economy.
It is festival to celebrate Good harvest and fertility of Land.
 New seasonal crop comes home during spring.  It is also festival of farmers as they hope for new crops can bring them good business.