Holi, the festival of colors that marks the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil, falls on March 17 this year — a Saturday, which means the weekend timing offers the rare gift of celebration without the shadow of Monday morning.

For those new to the festival or celebrating in the diaspora, Holi has two primary components: Holika Dahan, the bonfire lit the evening before, which symbolizes the burning of the demoness Holika and the victory of devotion over arrogance; and Rangwali Holi, the color play that takes over the following morning and afternoon.

The color celebration begins early, ideally before the day gets too warm. Participants armed with pichkaris — water guns — and bags of colored powder descend on streets, parks, and each other. The traditional colors were made from flowers and natural dyes; most commercially available colors today are synthetic and wash out easily, though quality varies and it's worth choosing non-toxic varieties, particularly for children.

A few practical notes for the uninitiated: wear white, because the colors show spectacularly and the clothes will be ruined regardless. Apply oil to your hair and skin before playing — it makes the color far easier to remove afterward. Keep your phone either protected in a waterproof case or left somewhere safe.

The food is as important as the colors. Gujiya, the sweet fried pastry filled with khoya and dried fruits, is the non-negotiable Holi sweet. Thandai — chilled spiced milk, sometimes with bhang — is the traditional drink.

Happy Holi. May the colors be vivid and the company good.