Holi: A Festival of Many Colors
On a spring day, a neighborhood may fill with music, laughter, and clouds of bright color. People greet friends and relatives, share sweets, and celebrate Holi. But the colors are only one part of this festival. Holi also has religious stories, regional traditions, and different meanings for the people who observe it.
Fire, stories, and spring
Holi is celebrated by many Hindus in India, Nepal, and communities around the world. It usually takes place in February or March, around the full moon of the Hindu month of Phalguna. The exact dates change from year to year because the Hindu calendar follows the cycles of the moon.
In many communities, the celebration begins with an evening bonfire called Holika Dahan. A well-known story tells of Prahlad, who remained devoted to the god Vishnu despite his father’s orders. Prahlad’s aunt Holika tried to harm him with fire, but Prahlad survived and Holika did not. For many Hindus, the bonfire recalls the victory of good over evil. Stories and customs can differ from place to place.
- devoted:
- Loyal and deeply committed to someone or something.
- regional:
- Related to a particular area or part of a country.
- deity:
- A god or goddess.
- reenactment:
- A performance that acts out an event or tradition.
- rituals:
- Actions performed as part of a religious or traditional practice.
- worshippers:
- People who show respect and devotion to a deity.
- associated:
- Connected with something.
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Preview questions from this passageShowHide
- 1Why do the exact dates of Holi change from year to year?
- 2How does the story of Prahlad help explain the meaning of Holika Dahan for many Hindus?
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About this explanatory article passage for Upper Elementary
“Holi: A Festival of Many Colors” is a explanatory article reading passage about Holi, written for Upper Elementary. It takes about 4 minutes to read (532 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.