India Vlog 32 Happy Holi 2011

Saturday and Sunday, March 19-20, 2011 Happy Holi (Celebration of Spring). This weekend is the vernal equinox: The March equinox will occur on March 20 in 2011, marking the beginning of spring in the northern hemisphere and fall (autumn) in the southern hemisphere from an astronomical viewpoint. The word "equinox" derives from the Latin words meaning "equal night" and refers to the time when the sun crosses the equator. At such times, day and night are everywhere of nearly equal length everywhere in the world. (source: http://www.timeanddate.com/calendar/m...) The Holi festival commemorates the victory of good over evil, brought about by the burning and destruction of the demoness named Holika. This was enabled through unwavering devotion to the Hindu god of preservation, Lord Vishnu. Holi got its name as the "Festival of Colors" from Lord Krishna, a re-incarnation of Lord Vishnu, who liked to play pranks on the village girls by drenching them in water and colors. The festival marks the end of winter and the abundance of the upcoming spring harvest season.