What: Phagwah, or Holi, is the Indo-Caribbean Hindu celebration of the new year. Every spring, the Sunday after the first full moon of the Hindu calendar, Holi kicks off Saturday for two days of prayer and feasting to celebrate an ancient Hindu story of good triumphing over evil.
Holi is even better known as the Festival of Colors, however, as men and woman of all ages playfully toss vibrant gulal powders in every shade at one another, or spray each other with tinted water to celebrate life, love and good luck in the new season.
The city's most famous Holi celebration (and one of the largest in the country) is Richmond Hill's Phagwah Parade.
When: Sunday, March 20, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: Liberty Ave. & 133rd St., Richmond Hill, Queens.
Festival: Music and other cultural performances at Phil Rizutto Park (Smokey Oval Park) after the parade. The celebration is only allowed on the concrete part of the park, not the newly renovated fields. Celebration at Smokey Oval Park ends at 6 p.m.
Note that dye and powder are not allowed on the streets or sidewalks for this year's parade. They are permitted at Smoky Oval Park and at the formation point.
Please be advised, waterproof protectors for cameras are recommended and although most dyes can be washed away from the skin, your clothes are another story. So don't wear your best outfits.
