Holi is an ancient Hindu Festival of India. Holi also known as Holika-Utsav has mentions in stone incriptions, on ancient temple walls, ancient Indian scriptures and dramas. Old edition of Oxford Dictionary also has a mention regarding Holi with varying phonetically derived spellings like Houly, Hooly, Huli, Hohlee and Hoolee.

Mention in Ancient Indian Scriptures

The information regarding Holi is mentioned in Puranas, Dasakumara Charita, Jaimini's Purvamimamsa Sutras and Kathaka Grhya Sutras. Information regarding Holi celebration is also mentioned in Ratnavali, an Sanskrit Drama of 7th Century and was also mentioned by the great poet Kalidasa during 4th century. Some says that celebration of Holi Festival also existed several centuries before Jesus Christ and some historian also says that Aryans also used to celebrate Holi. Information regarding Holi Festival can be found in Narad Purana and Bhavishya Purana also.

Mention in ancient Sculpture and Paintings

A stone incription found at Ramgarh in Vindhya provience has mention about Holika Utsav (Holi Festival). This stone incription belongs to 300 BC. Temple of Hampi in the capital of Vijay Nagar which was constructed in 16th century also has sculpture on its wall which shows peoples enjoying the festival of Holi. Certain ancient paintings also have reference regarding Holi and Dhuleti.

Mention in Mythological Stories

Many mythological stories related to Holi are also well known. Of which the most famous is the story of Prahlada and his Demon Father Hiranyakashipu. Stories regarding Rang Mahotsav of Vraj (Vrindawan) of Lord Shri Krishna and Radhika are also famous.