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Holi |
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Holi is the festival of colors. It is the annual celebration that marks the end of the winter
and harbingers the spring season. Holi symbolizes the triumph of goodness over evil. Holi is also called Holaka or Phagwa. Holi is celebrated on the day after the full moon in the Hindu month of Phalguna.
On the day of Holi people indulge in general merrymaking and jubilation. Revelers attend a public bonfire. People spray friends and family with colored powders and water. People with colored face come on the streets and dance to the drum beats and shout ‘Holi Hai’.
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Holi Rituals and Customs:
Holi is spread out over two days. As per the Hindu calendar, it falls on the Phalgun Purnima. Holi is a festival that bridges social gaps and brings people together. On this day everyone come on the street and put colors on each others by saying face bura na mano, Holi hai.
On the first day, a public bonfire is held. It commemorates the burning of the demoness Holika, Hiranyakashipu's sister, in huge bonfires at night. For bonfires children search the neighborhood for waste wood for the bonfire. At night they pile up the wood and lit fire in it. Proceeds from the seasonal harvest like grains, coconuts, wheat etc is offered to the flames.
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The second day is known as Dhulheti. The day is marked with feasting and fasting, and singing and dancing. This is the colorful day that is marked by zest, zeal and hoopla. The popular ritual of the holi is to throw and apply color powder and colored water on friends and family. This ritual has its roots in love story of Lord Krishna and Radha. The Holi is a festival of color. The splashing of colors and vibrant life marks the arrival of spring.
Colored powder also called gulal is available in various colors. There are both artificial colors and natural colors. Artificial colors are made from chemicals that often cause skin allergy, irritation and itching. That’s why it’s advised to play Holi with natural colors. The natural colors are traditionally made of Neem, Kumkum, Haldi, Bilva, and other medicinal herbs. It not only playful way to celebrate but also has a medicinal significance.
Holi Celebration:
Holi is the festival of exuberance of colors. A special drink called thandai is prepared, sometimes containing bhang. There’s fun and excitement at every corner of the street. People dance to the rhythm of dholak and sing traditional folk songs. Everybody from kids to adults play with colors and water. They throw colored water filled balloons at each other. Children drench passerby’s with pichkaris. At home, womenfolk prepare mouthwatering savories like gujiya, malpuas, dahi vadas and sweets. Friends, acquaintances and family members socialize, exchange sweets and greet each other the warm wishes of Holi.
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