The Hindu celebration of Holi, which falls this year on 28 March, is a spring festival, in which people give thanks for the first harvest of the year or pray for a good harvest to come. It is also associated with the story of Prince Prahlada and the demon Holika, in which good triumphs over evil. The tradition of throwing coloured water and powder at people stems from the story of Shri Krishna throwing powder over Princess Rahda, whom he loved. (For an eight-page pullout on Holi, see Nursery World, 3 February 2000.) Easter
Easter, the most important of Christian celebrations, commemorates the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ. Although a Christian festival, some of its symbolism, such as bunnies and chicks, originate in pagan spring festivals. (For an eight-page pullout on Easter, see Nursery World,2 March 2000.) * For back copies of Nursery World, tel: 020 7782 3045.
