The earliest textual reference to the celebration of Holi is found in the 7th Century Sanskrit Drama Ratnavali.
The origin of the modern Holi festival has been traced to ancient Bengal.It was a Gaudiya Caishnav Festival, in accordance to Vaishnaviya Tantra. People went to Krishna Temples, applied Red Colour to the Icon and then distributed the Red Coloured Powder or Abir(a dye available in synthetic or natural form) along with Malpua Prasad(an Indian Pancake served as a Dessert or Snack) to family and friends. Red signified the colour of passion and Lord Krishna is the king of desires. The ritual signified that all our desires should be diverted for the attainment of Krishna and for the well being of society.
Holi also known as the Festival of Colours, is celebrated at the end of the winter season on the last full moon day of the Lunar Month Phalguna which usually falls in the later part of February or March.
Lord Vishnu came in the form of a Narasimha (who is half-man and half-lion) and killed Hiranyakashipu(who had been granted a boon by Brahma, which made it almost impossible for him to be killed. The boon was due to his long penance, after which he had demanded that he not be killed "during day or night; inside the home or outside, not on earth or in the sky; neither by a man nor an animal; neither by astra nor by shastra) at dusk -which was neither day nor night, on the steps of the porch of his house - which was neither inside the house nor outside, by restraining him on his lap - which is neither in the sky nor on the earth and mauling him with his claws - which are neither astra nor shastra)
Holi also known as the Festival of Colours, is celebrated in India,Nepal and in countries with population following Hinduism - Fiji,Guyana,Malaysia,Mauritius,South Africa,Suriname,Trinidad,UK,USA
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