Holi – Celebrate The Festival of Colours

Introduction

Holi is a bright, refreshing Hindu spring festival of colors celebrated in India and Nepal. Many legends exist about why and how Holi came into existence and is celebrated every year without fail. It was observed for the very first time in India way back in time. Holi is known as the “Festival of Colors” as all those who celebrate it play with each other with eco-friendly holi colors having fun on this exhilarating festival. People also love calling this festival of colors “Festival of Love” for many reasons! Furthermore, it is a Holi tradition that even rivals become friends on Holi, letting go of any feelings of misery that may exist. There is no distinction between rich and poor on this day, and everyone celebrates the festival of colors together in a spirit of unity.

 

 

Holi Day

Holi Day is celebrated on 25th March in 2024. On this particular day, all loved ones, including neighbors, family members, and friends, come together, letting go of everything negative and unpleasant and enjoying the festival together with love, affection, and warmth. The vibrancy of different colors used in different forms, including water balloons, powder, pichkari, etc., is very refreshing and enjoyed by adults and more by children and toddlers. Devotees of the deity Krishna especially revel in the celebration of Holi.

History of Holi

Holi is not just a festival of colors but also has a vital significance in the Hindu religion, as symbolized by Holika mythology. Legends say that Holi was earlier known as ‘Holika’. It is said that Holi has been celebrated by humankind centuries before Christ came into existence. Extensive literature about Holi’s origin, rituals, and customs is found in early religious works such as Jaimini’s Purvamimamsa-Sutras and Kathaka-Grhya-Sutras. Initially, the festival of colors was also celebrated to commemorate Radha Krishna’s eternal and holy love. Holi is also important in Hinduism because it signifies that good will always win over evil irrespective of how powerful evil is. It celebrates the triumph of Lord Vishnu over Hiranyakashipu. 

Rituals of Holi

One night before the actual day of the Holi celebration, people congregate near bonfires to celebrate while singing and dancing to local folklore in a festival of colors called Holika Dahan (burning of Holika) also frequently known as Little Holi. The Holi festival of colors is also depicted in sculptures on the walls of historical temples. A lively scene of Holi is also found in a 16th-century panel sculpture located in a temple at Hampi, Vijayanagar’s capital. The picture shows a Prince and Princess standing among attendants holding syringes or pichkaris ready to immerse the Royal pair in the colored water.

How to Celebrate Holi

All those celebrating Holi begin gathering wood and inflammable goods for the bonfire in parks, community centers, near temples, and other open spaces days before the event. The sculpture of Holika surrounded by fire can be seen at the heap top. People load up on pigments, food, party drinks, and festive seasonal meals like gujiya, mathri, malpuas, and other regional specialties inside their houses. Children, toddlers, teenagers, and adults join groups to color their targets, usually their friends, peers, neighbours, and cousins using dry colors, colored solution and water pistols (pichkaris), water balloons filled with colored water, and other inventive and thrilling methods. All colors are present during the celebrations ranging from bright pinks to vibrant greens. Washable natural plant-based unharmful colors like turmeric, neem, dhak, and kumkum were the only color extracts used for these traditional customs and celebrations. But with time, commercial water-based pigments replaced the old healthier color extracts and are now becoming more popular. 

Tradition of Holi

The celebration of the legends and stories of the festival of colors reminds people of the strength and significance of truth, as the moral of these traditions is the ultimate, inevitable victory of good over evil. The thrilling festival of colors also teaches us that God always accepts his faithful follower into his shelter. All of these legends encourage people to live morally upright lives and to believe in the virtue of honesty. This is especially vital in today’s world when so many individuals engage in unethical behaviour for monetary gain and torture those who are truthful. Holi encourages individuals to trust in the virtues of honesty and truthfulness and battle evil.

Takeaway!

Holi contributes to the unification of society and the strengthening of our country’s secular foundation. Non-Hindus also participate in the festival of colors since everyone enjoys being a part of such a colorful and joyful event. Holi is also a celebration of forgiveness and new beginnings to promote social harmony through rituals. People clean up, wash and bathe, sober up, and dress up in the evening after a tiring day of color play. What is more exciting and thrilling about this festival of colors is that families along with children and parents go and greet friends and relatives by visiting them and exchanging sweets and gifts.

Happy and colorful HOLI from us to yours!

Frequently Asked  Question 

1.  What is Holi and when is it celebrated?

Holi is the Festival of Colors in India and it coincides with the spring equinox, usually falling in late February or March. 

2.  What is the significance of the colors in Holi?

This is a popular question as the vibrant colors are a big part of the celebration. You can explain the symbolism behind some popular colors like red (joy), green (new beginnings), and blue (strength of good over evil).

3.  Is it safe to participate in Holi if I have sensitive skin?

This is a thoughtful question for those interested but worried about irritation. Briefly discuss natural, homemade colors as a safer alternative to synthetic ones. Mention checking with the host about the type of colors used beforehand.

4.  What are some traditional Holi foods and drinks?

Food is a big part of any celebration! Briefly mention popular Holi treats like Gujiya (sweet dumplings), Thandai (cold, spiced beverage), and Dahi Bhalla (savory lentil fritters).

5.  How can I celebrate Holi if I don't live near a large Indian community?

This is a great question for those wanting to participate but lacking a local celebration. Briefly suggest hosting a small gathering with friends, making traditional food, or even having a virtual celebration with friends and family abroad.

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