Holi (pronunciation: /ˈhoʊliː/; Sanskrit: होली Holī) is a spring festival in Nepal^[4] and India, also known as the festival of colours or the festival of sharing love.^[5][6] Holi is a two day festival which starts on the Purnima (Full Moon day) falling in the Bikram Sambat Hindu Calendar^[7]month of Falgun which falls somewhere between end of February and Mid of March in the Gregorian Calendar. The first day is known as Holika Dahan or Chhoti Holi while the second day is known as Rangwali Holi, Dhuleti, Dhulandi or Dhulivandan.^[8]

It is an ancient Hindu religious festival which has become popular with non-Hindus in many parts of South Asia, as well as people of other communities outside Asia.^[9]

It is primarily observed in India, Nepal, and other regions of the world with significant populations of Hindus or people of Indian originand Nepalese diaspora. In recent years the festival has spread to parts of Europe and North America as a spring celebration of love, frolic, and colours.^[10][11][12]