Playing Holi

On the morning of Holi, Rahul and his friends smear each other with coloured powder, splash water, and enjoy sweets together in the festival of colours.

Meanings in Rahul, Friends, Anita (mother)

Key words and phrases

Holithe Hindu festival of colours celebrated in springHoli is Rahul's favourite festival.

coloured powderbright powder thrown or smeared during HoliThey threw coloured powder at each other.

water balloonsballoons filled with water used for playThe children filled water balloons for Holi.

pichkaria water gun used to spray coloured waterHe got a new pichkari this year.

smearto spread something thickly on a surface, like colour on skinFriends smeared colour on each other's faces.

bonfirea large outdoor fire, lit the night before HoliThey lit a bonfire the night before, called Holika Dahan.

gujiyaa sweet dumpling traditionally made during HoliAnita made fresh gujiya for the festival.

drenchedcompletely wetBy noon, everyone was drenched in colour and water.

forgive and forgetan idea associated with Holi, of letting go of old quarrelsHoli is also about forgiving and forgetting old fights.

festival of coloursa common name for HoliHoli is known as the festival of colours.

gulaldry colour powder used specifically for HoliRahul threw handfuls of gulal into the air.

thandaia festive cold milk drink flavoured with spices and nutsAnita served chilled thandai to all the guests.

Holika Dahanthe ritual bonfire lit on the night before HoliThe whole neighbourhood gathered for Holika Dahan.

splashto throw water so it scatters over someoneFriends splashed water on each other from buckets.

springthe season when Holi is celebratedHoli marks the arrival of spring.

rainbowmany bright colours together, like the Holi crowdThe street looked like a moving rainbow of colours.

playfulfull of fun and light-hearted mischiefThe children were playful and chased each other with colours.

laughterthe sound of joyful laughingThe street was filled with laughter and music.

wash offto remove something, like colour, using waterIt took Rahul an hour to wash off all the colour.

celebrateto observe a special occasion with joyEveryone came together to celebrate Holi.

Useful sentences

Ask Are you ready to play Holi today?
Answer Yes, I've filled my pichkari with coloured water!
Ask Can I smear some colour on your face?
Answer Of course, that's what Holi is all about!
Ask Did you make gujiya this year?
Answer Yes, my mother made a big batch for everyone.
Ask Are you completely drenched already?
Answer Yes, from head to toe!
Ask Did you go to the bonfire last night?
Answer Yes, we sang songs around the Holika Dahan fire.
Ask Can you pass me some gulal for my friends?
Answer Sure, here's a whole bag of gulal.
Ask Would you like some cold thandai?
Answer Yes, please, it's perfect for this hot day.
Ask How long does it take to wash off all this colour?
Answer It usually takes a few good scrubs and some patience.
Ask Why does the whole street look like a rainbow today?
Answer Because everyone is covered in colours from playing Holi!
Ask Will you splash water on me now?
Answer Only if you're ready to get playful too!

Dialogue

RahulHappy Holi! Ready to get colourful?

FriendAbsolutely! I've got my pichkari loaded with colours.

RahulLet's throw some water balloons first!

FriendWatch out, you're going to get drenched!

AnitaCome inside when you're done, I've made fresh gujiya for everyone.

RahulThanks, Mumma! Holi is truly the best festival.

FriendLet's pour some gulal on each other before we go in!

RahulDeal! And after that, we can have some thandai too.

AnitaI've kept a jug of cold thandai ready for both of you.

RahulYou're the best, Mumma. This Holi will be one to remember!

Common mistakes

Saying "put colour" instead of "smear colour" or "apply colour" when describing the Holi tradition.
Saying "I am wet totally" instead of "I am completely drenched" or "I am totally soaked."
Saying "burn the bonfire" instead of "light the bonfire."
Saying "drink thandai water" instead of just "drink thandai," since thandai is already a drink.
Saying "colour is washing" instead of "the colour is washing off" or "I'm washing off the colour."
Saying "Holi comes in spring season" instead of "Holi comes in spring" (avoid the redundant word "season").

Quick quiz

1. What is "Holi" also known as?

2. A water gun used to spray coloured water is called a ___.

3. Complete: "By noon, everyone was ___ in colour and water."

4. What is 'gulal'?

5. What is 'thandai'?

6. What is the ritual bonfire lit the night before Holi called?

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