In this spring festival people run throughout the streets smearing each other with brightly hued powders and colored water. This is observed by Indians without regard to caste. Huge bonfires are built on the eve of Holi. Because there is no one universally accepted Hindu calendar, this holiday may be celebrated on a different date in some parts of India, but it always falls in February or March. It is a celebration of nature s rebirth.
Every household spreads a special cover with symbols for the seven good angels on it.
These symbols are sprouts, wheat germ, apples, hyacinth, fruit of the jujube, garlic and sumac heralding life, rebirth, health, happiness, prosperity, joy and beauty. A fish bowl is also customary representing the end of the astrological year, and wild rue is burned to drive away evil and bring about a happy New Year. Note that in the Southern Hemisphere it is the beginning of autumn. New Year s Day. Astronomically fixed to commence the year.