Crafty Ways to Celebrate Holi With Kids

The Hindu festival of Holi, celebrated throughout India, is also known as the "Festival of Color" because of the tradition of throwing colored powder. It is more than it seems on the surface, though. Throwing the colored powder is symbolic of forgiveness and is a way to welcome spring. Celebrate it with your kids this year to help them learn about different cultures.

Some Indian regions say the tradition is based on folklore that Lord Krishna, a major deity in Hinduism, was a prankster with children. To throw your own celebration, you can buy festival colors here, or make your own.

You can make your own Holi powder by combining a cup of cornstarch, a few drops of gel food coloring and 1/3 cup water. Mix, and allow to dry. Note: Store-bought powder is more vibrant.

Often times during Holi, festival-goers bring a pichkari or a water gun. Adding water to the colored powder really makes for a fun, colorful mess. Don't forget the goggles!