बसन आभूषण साज सजाये, लागि रही पहिरावन में, बलमा घर The Holika bonfire in Kumaun is known as Cheer (चीर) which is ceremonically made in a ceremony known as "Cheer Bandhan" (चीर बंधन) fifteen days before Dulhendi. The "Cheer" is basically a bonfire with a green "Paiya" tree branch in the middle. The "Cheer" of every village and mohalla is rigorously guarded as rival mohallas try to steal the others "cheer". The cheer is the centre of the festivities. The Cheer is burnt on the night before Holi and is known as "Cheer Dahan" is symbolic of the victory of the pious Prahlad over his evil father's plans. Dulhendi known as Chharadi (छरड़ी), in Kumaoni (from "Chharad" (छरड़), or natural colours made from flower extracts, ash and water) is celebrated with great gusto much in the same way as all across North India. Principal ingredients of the celebration are Abeer and Gulal, in all possible colours. Next comes squirting of coloured water using pichkaris. Coloured water is prepared using Tesu flowers, which are first gathered from the trees, dried in the sun, and then ground up, and later mixed with water to produce orange-yellow coloured water. Another traditional Holi item now rarely seen is a red powder enclosed in globes of Lakh, which break instantly and cover the party with the powder. The culmination of the holi celebrations takes place with throwing "abeer", "gulal" in the air and reciting out aloud in unison the following prayer in Kumaoni for a healthy and prosperous year ahead. हो हो हो लख रे (may you live a hundred thousand years)  हमार आमा बुबू जी रौला सौ लाख बरिस (may our grandparents live for a hundred thousand years) हमार इजा बौजू जी रौला सौ लाख बरिस (may our parents live for a hundred thousand years) हमार दाज्यू भौजी जी रौला सौ लाख बरिस (may our brothers and their families live for a hundred thousand years) हो हो हो लख रे (may you live a hundred thousand years)  Special culinary preparations for Holi include "gujia" (fried dumpling filled with a sweet filling of roasted khoya, a milk extract, and dry fruits and nuts) and "Aaloo Gutuk" (आलू गुटुक), which is fried potatoes seasoned with "jamboo" (a Himalayan spice) and Bhaang ki Chutney.