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Holi
Festival Significance
Holi celebrates the victory of good over evil — the burning of demoness Holika and the devotion of Prahlad. The next day, Rangwali Holi, is the festival of colors celebrating the divine love of Radha and Krishna.
Rituals
Day 1 (Holika Dahan): Light the bonfire during Pradosh Kaal after sunset. Perform parikrama. Day 2 (Rangwali Holi): Play with colors and water, eat gujiya and thandai, dance to folk music.
In Varanasi
Varanasi's Holi is legendary. The celebration starts a week early with Rang Bhari Ekadashi at Kashi Vishwanath. Holika Dahan bonfires are lit at every ghat. The next day, the entire city erupts in colors, with special celebrations at Manikarnika and Assi Ghats. Thandai with bhang is the signature drink.