Has anyone traveled to India for the Festival of Holi? When is it? Is it celebrated in all parts of India? I learned about Holi from the movie Outsourced (here's a trailer: http://www.outsourcedthemovie.com/clips-videos.php), what the movie showed was that it was a celebration of color, and people were throwing this colored dust in the air everywhere. That against the already colorful background of India looked irresistible to me and I want to experience it.

I'm planning to go with my friends but still have to check with my schedule.

Here's what Wiki says: Holi (Hindi: होली) or Phagwah (Bhojpuri) is a popular, Hindu spring festival, observed in North India and Nepal, also called the Festival of Colours. In West Bengal, it is known as Dolyatra (Doljatra) or Boshonto Utshob ("spring festival").

On the first day, bonfires are lit at night to signify burning Holika.

On the second day, known as Dhulandi, people spend the day throwing coloured powder and water at each other. The spring season, during which the weather changes, is believed to cause viral fever and cold. Thus, the playful throwing of the coloured powders has a medicinal significance: the colours are traditionally made of Neem, Kumkum, Haldi, Bilva, and other medicinal herbs prescribed by Āyurvedic doctors. A special drink called thandai is prepared, sometimes containing bhang (Cannabis sativa). People invite each other to their houses for feasts and celebrations later in the evening.

Rangapanchami occurs a few days later on a Panchami (fifth day of the full moon), marking the end of festivities involving colours.

Holi takes place over two days in the later part of February or early March. As per the Hindu calendar, it falls on the Phalgun Purnima (or Pooranmashi, Full Moon). (In 2007, Holi was celebrated on 3 March, the burning of Holika was on 4 March and the Dhulendi on 5 March.)

Funny, when I saw the scene in Outsourced of Holi I thought "that must be the most toxic awful thing, I wonder what that powder is made of". I guess it's not toxic after all. If I'd known that bhang was involved I woulda been there years ago. Are you planning to go in 2008?

Have been to India during the Holi celebrations and let me tell you provided you can mix well with the locals this is one festival thats destined to unfold lots of fun. Well we cant participate whole heartedly if we keep thinking about the toxic colors if the locales dont develop any problems lets keep this in the back of our minds. I have enjoyed the color festival and the get together that usually takes place simultaneously its a great feeling for sure.

I have traveled to India and seen the festival HOLI. It is a festival of Water, red TIKA, splashing everyone with water, drinking BHANG and enjoying so much. I think SHIVA RATRI is one day earlier or maybe 2 before holi?

This is the festival of love and affection.If any on has enimity with other this special day they come with colour and be frnds...
This day ppl throw mud/water/colour on other with blieve that this is d day when i throw mud/colour/water on u ...u be happy instead of being angry....

If you really wana enjoy this festival visit any of remote village of north India you can find only there the real picture of this festival...