Sample letter to a friend about how holi is celebrated in India

The season of colors is here upon us and it’s time to celebrate Holi! Holi is celebrated in India with such enthusiasm and joy that it’s a treat for everyone. With the changing of the season and the air filled with the calls of the cuckoo, the mood is jovial and rearing to go. Colorful powders, pichkaris, water-balls and of course some good old songs- perfect recipe for some buoyant atmosphere. A letter to a friend describing how Holi is celebrated in India is always a treat. This is a simple letter to a friend about hoe Holi is celebrated in India. The article addresses the question of properly presenting the greetings to the concerned person. The letter may be modified according to the situation and preference.  

To

ABC

C/0 XYZ

Address of ABC

Subject: Holi celebration in India

Dear ABC,

                                        Your letter is just in hand and it’s such a pleasure to hear from you, as always. Not only is it fun but also informative. You seem to be having a great time with your family. As you had enquired, let me tell you how we celebrate holi with our friends and family.

                                        ‘Holi’ or ‘Phagwah’ is the ‘Festival of Colors’ which is celebrated across the length and breadth of the country by everyone every year. It generally falls after the full moon in the month of Phagun (early March or late February) and is more like the festival of harvest. It stands for the victory of good over evil.           

                                       The festival generally commences on the night of the full moon with bonfires being lit on street corners referred to as Holika Dahan or the burning of Holika. The next day streets are filled with peope across all section of the society, age, sex and background throwing colored powder (gulal/aabir) on friends and families and splashing colored paints/water in pichkaries (long plastic/metallic syringes to throw water). There is color everywhere- pink, yellow, purple, green- you name it, you get it. In the spirit of celebration, people spraying colored water on passers-by and dragging friends to mud pools is a common sight. All is forgotten and nobody really minds on this day.

                                      The colorful powders used were traditionally prepared using flowers, herbs and roots of medicinal plants in order to provide protection against fevers and illness associated with the change of season. But now, with the high cost of living and lack of time in hectic modern life, readymade artificial and synthetic powders are used which can be harmful both to the individual and the environment.

                                        There is also a tradition of getting drunk on this day consuming the intoxicating bhang in various forms such as bhang thandai, bhang laddoos etc. Though it is fun to get a little high, doing things you generally not do while being cautious but care should be taken not to cross the limit and spoil the spirit of celebration. Another specialty of the day is the songs, both traditional and modern.
 

                                     After the fun and frolic of the day, people generally spend the evening visiting relatives and friends and exchange pleasantries and greetings. Elders bless the younger ones while the later spray gulal on the feet of the elders as a mark of respect. Sweets and chocolates are gifted to near and dear ones.                        

                                        I hope I was able to depict a reasonable picture of holi celebration. I have nothing more to add today. Convey my respect to your parents. As always, I would love to hear more from you.

                          

                                                                                   Yours truly

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Your Name

                                                                                    Your Address

                                                                                    

Date:

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