HOLI FESTIVAL
HOLI FESTIVAL
May your life be filled with happiness and may you be successful in whatever you do. Wish you a very Happy Holi
Holi is a Hindu festival that celebrates spring, love, and new life. Holi is festival of colours and fun. Though celebration of Holi festival has religious significance, this festival brings people together and helps them forget the bitterness in relationships and improve the bonds. Holi festival is not only celebrated by Hindus but also by the people of other religions. Holi is more a time for fun. It's a colourful festival, with dancing, singing and throwing of powder paint and coloured water. Holi is also known as the "festival of colours".
Holi is the time to develop understanding and love for each other. Here, is a platform for you all to renew your friendship and to express heartiest love by scribbling a beautiful Holi message for loved ones. Holi is an ancient festival of India and was originally known as 'Holika'. The festivals finds a detailed description in early religious works such as Jaimini's Purvamimamsa-Sutras and Kathaka-Grhya-Sutras. Historians also believe that Holi was celebrated by all Aryans but more so in the Eastern part of India. It is said that Holi existed several centuries before Christ. However, the meaning of the festival is believed to have changed over the years. Earlier it was a special rite performed by married women for the happiness and well-being of their families and the full moon (Raka) was worshiped.
Who is the God of Holi?
There is a symbolic legend to explain why Holi is celebrated as a festival of triumph of good over evil in the honour of Hindu god Vishnu and his devotee Prahlada.
Holi colours mean: Gulal, Abir or Abhir is the traditional name given to the coloured powders used for the typical Hindu rituals, in particular for the Holi festival or Dol Purnima (though commonly associated with the red color used in the festival).
Some people believe the Holi colours came from Krishna mischievously throwing coloured water over his milkmaids when he was a boy. This developed into the practical jokes and games of Holi. Holi is The Festival of Colors because there are colorful sights all around in this season. Beautiful flowers of different colors bloom all around. In the olden days, people were playing Holi with flowers and natural colors. It is an ancient Hindu festival and has now gained popularity between non-Hindu groups of India and almost the whole world. Indians celebrate Holi to bid goodbye to the winter and welcome the spring. It is believed that the spring season is the season of growth, colors and happiness as the plants start blooming. Hence, Holi is known to be a celebration of spring, colors, and love.
Historical Significance of Holi
The origin of Holi is believed to be before the birth of Christ. Legend goes that Lord Vishnu had assassinated the younger brother of the demon lord, Hiranyakashipu. Apart from avenging his brother’s death, the demon king had the ulterior motive of ruling the heaven, the earth, and the underworld by defeating Vishnu. Powered by a boon granted to him, Hiranyakashipu thought he had become invincible. Hiranyakashipu is mentioned in the 7th chapter of the Bhagavata Purana. Holi is celebrated in the honor of the Hindu God Vishnu and his follower Prahlada. King Hiranyakashipu ruled over demonic Asuras and he earned a blessing that gave him five powers. King Hiranyakashipu could neither be destroyed by a human nor an animal, neither indoors nor outdoors, neither during the day nor during the night, neither by an arrow nor a sword and neither on land nor on water or air. Hiranyakashipu became invincible and arrogant and wanted people to worship only him. On his orders, his whole state started praying him, dismissing the gods. But Hiranyakashipu’s own son Prahlada defied him and worshipped Vishnu. This stirred him up and he gave his son cruel punishments.
None of this affected Prahlada or made him change his decision. Devastated by his rebellion, his aunt Holika tricked him to sit with her on fire. Holika covered herself with a cloak which would protect her. However, the fire roared, and the cloak flew and covered Prahalad. The fire killed Holika. Lord Vishnu could bear this injustice anymore and then he appeared and took the form of Narasimha i.e. half human and half lion. He took Hiranyakashipu on his lap and killed the king with his lion claws at a doorstep during dusk. Hence, the Holika Dahan is a symbolic reminder of the victory of the good over evil, of Prahlada over his evil father. Even today, the story of Holika is re-enacted by actors on Holi. Bonfires across the country are lit up to celebrate the burning away of the evil spirits.
The celebration starts a night before Holi, where people get together for a bonfire to perform a ritual called Holika Dahan and pray that the fire destroys all their internal evil just how it destroyed Holika. The word ‘Holi’ comes from the word "Holika" who was the evil sister of the monstrous King. The triumph of good over evil is a tried and tested theme resurfacing in early scriptures time and again. Holi is one such festival with the prime theme of good beating away evil. However, the meaning of the festival has undergone significant changes over centuries.
Story of Radha and Krishan
The legend of Radha and Krishna is closely linked with this tradition of colors on Holi. Young Krishna, who had a dark complexion was jealous of his beloved Radha's extremely fair skin. In a mischievous mood, he applied color on Radha's face. Following this ancient legend, lovers till date long to color their beloved as an expression of love. Lord Krishna is also associated with play with colors as the Lord started the tradition of play with colours by applying colour on his beloved Radha and other gopis. Gradually, the play gained popularity with the people and became a tradition. There are many interesting stories associated with the festival's origin as one moves across the different states from North to South and East to West. Paintings and scriptures depict the roots of the festival. Mythology plays a very important part in narrating the festival of Holi. The most popular stories of Holi origin relates to 'Holika Dahan’ and Legend of Radha-Krishan.
Dolyatra”:
Celebrated with much pomp and dignity, the Bengali “Dolyatra” marks the final celebration of a Bengali year. Dolyatra popularizes the tale of Radha and her lover, Krishna. Krishna, as a boy would drench girls with water and colours as a sport. Soon, other boys in his village started participating and somehow, it became a tradition to throw colours and water on each other on this special day. As Krishna grew, the game came to signify the colourful and eventful love story of Radha and Krishna. This tradition has transpired through ages to signify the festival of colours across the globe, with its origin solely in the Hindu mythology. Also known as “Dol Purnima” and “Bashanta Utsav”, Holi itself is manoeuvred into several colours establishing its sense literally into our mind and soul through centuries. There are stories that date back the origin of Holi and recounts tales in mythology that trace the advent of our attempt at painting the human race more colourful. Maybe they are true, maybe they aren’t. But the essence of colour compels us to shun our logical minds in the hope of a dreamy world full of rainbows.
Holi Celebration: There are no such traditions and customs involved. The morning after the Holika Dahan, Rangwali Holi is celebrated with colors. People make Rangolis, play with colored powder, drench each other with water balloons and water guns. Holi is played near temples, in huge grounds and even in the streets. You will find different and typical food items and sweets in everyone's house. Children are eager to start playing with water and colour right from the time they get up. This is because they have the liberty to splash and play with water and in water that day. Men and women are usually found in their groups enjoying applying colours and exchanging good wishes and sweets that day. People visit each other's homes in the evening. In some places, parties are organised and people gather there. No matter to which part of India, specially North India, you visit you will find friendship and unity all over. In many places people of all religion participate with equal enthusiasm and passion. Holi is a great festival because it bridges the gaps between people and brings them together. It is called Phagwa in Bihar and it features Dolayatra in Bengal which means swing festival. Everywhere it is the time to rejoice and people enjoy merrymaking with music and dance.
This festival was played with herbal and natural colors which were made from different plants. Fruits and Vegetables like - pomegranate, grapes, turmeric, sandalwood, radish, saffron, beetroot; and flowers like- tesu flower hibiscus flowers were used. These colors were washable, harmless and even good for health. Nowadays there is mass production of chemical colors which are harmful not only for humans but also for animals and plants. Therefore, the traditional ways of playing Holi should be brought back which is not only safer but also healthier. So, come let's brighten up the festival safely and save the environment.
Healthy & Safe Holi-
It is important to get your skin as greasy and as slippery as possible so that the colors don’t get a chance to either permeate or stick on the surface of your skin. You can apply a thick layer of coconut oil as it won’t just hydrate your body but will help colors wash away faster.
Celebrate Holi with eco-friendly and skin-friendly color. Avoid colors having mix harmful chemicals. Remember colors with mixed harmful chemicals appear brighter and mix faster with water. These colors are the worst when it comes to getting them off your skin. They are harsh enough to cause allergic reactions, if not taken care of properly. One must try and make natural colors from flowers like marigold and kitchen ingredients like sandalwood and turmeric. Since Holi falls in the summer month, it's essential that you drink enough water and stay hydrated. Keep drinking water, glucose, juices, anything that will help you re-energizing yourself. Dehydration can cause your skin to dry further which can cause problems later. If you wear contact lenses regularly, it is highly advisable that you take them off before playing with colors. Your eyes can get irritated if you get colors in them. Wear shades, it will not only protect you from the sun, but it can also prevent the colors from going anywhere near your eyes and causing inflammation. Wear old clothes and cover your body as much as you can. It includes covering cover your arms, legs, and even your face. Choose full-sleeved fabrics, old denim jeans, and even long pajamas. Keep yourself protected from the sun. Apply an intense oil massage for your head and opt for hats, bandanas, headbands and other fabrics to partially or completely cover your head so as to avoid the harmful rays of the sun. Not everyone is a fan of colors around you. You must avoid colors on pets, strays, and innocent animals. Respect everyone around you when it comes to playing with colors, or throwing water balloons. Avoid celebrating Holi when you are an empty stomach. Go for fresh fruits, energy drinks, plenty of carbs. Avoid alcohol, coffee, or any other beverage that can cause dehydration.
Holi in India
Holi is one of the major festival of India and is the most vibrant of all. The joys of Holi knows no bound. The festival is celebrated across the four corners of India or rather across the globe. The festival is filled with so much fun and frolic that the very mention of the word 'Holi' draws smile and enthusiasm amongst the people. Holi also celebrates the arrival of Spring, a season of joy and hope.
Temples are beautifully decorated at the time of Holi. Idol of Radha is placed on swings and devotees turn the swings singing devotional Holi songs. Now-a-days small plays are organized reflecting the spirit of the festival.
Holi in Andhra Pradesh
Though the celebrations of Holi in South India are not as grand as compared to that in North India. Yet, what is particularly noticeable in Andhra Pradesh as in other Dravidian states is the heightened feeling of communal harmony. Here too, people participate in merry making. Besides, in the evening, youngsters play with dry colours and seek elders' blessings by putting gulal and abeer on the feet of the elders. The Banjara tribes of Andhra Pradesh celebrate Holi in their own way. Graceful dances are performed by the colourful Banjara gypsies.
Holi festival in Assam: Holi is regarded with the name of Phagwah or the festival of colours in Assam. It is a 3-5 day affair for the people residing in here. Though, all the local regions of Assam have the same rituals during Holi, Barpeta is known to celebrate it in an entirely unique and grand style. Many people from other parts of India, world and Assam itself travel to Barpeta to enjoy the Doulutsava!
Holi in Bengal
In Bengal, Holi is known by the name of 'Dol Jatra', 'Dol Purnima' or the 'Swing Festival'. The festival is celebrated in a dignified manner by placing the idols of Krishna and Radha on a picturesquely decorated palanquin which is then taken round the main streets of the city. The devotees take turns to swing them while women dance around the swing and sing devotional songs. All this while men keep spraying coloured water and colour powder, 'abeer' at them.
Holi in Gujarat: The vibrant Gujarat reverberates with the chants of the folk song-'Govinda ala re, zara matki sambhal Brijbala..'. People, specially the youth of the state are high on the spirit of the festival. So much energy can be seen amongst the boys and girls of this state as they move in processions 'tolis'. Drenched in coloured waters boys cheerfully warn people to take care of their pots of butter and milk. The tradition has its origin from the legend of Lord Krishna who was known to steal butter and milk from any accessible house in his village. Crowning of Holi King: The state is famous for the tradition of breaking earthen pot full of buttermilk and tied high on a rope. Hundreds of people participate in forming a human pyramid, in order to reach the pot. At places, there are also prizes for the group which successfully breaks the pot. The person who actually breaks the pot is crowned the 'Holi King' of the locality for the year. Participation of the onlookers is no less. They keep throwing buckets of water on the boys forming the pyramid. Lighting of bonfire: On the eve of Holi, a bonfire decorated with flowers and fruits is lit with a fire brought from the temple of Mata. People offer raw mangoes, coconut, corn, toys made of sugar, khoya to the 'Holika' and apply tilak on each other and hug their dear ones.
Holi Celebrated in Jammu and Kashmir: Holi celebration in Jammu and Kashmir is carried out in the tradition way of burning or HolikaDahan on the first day and splashing of colours, water and lot more on the second day. Both children and elders get excited a week before the occasion arrives. They purchase water guns, toys and colourful balloons from the market. All such stuff for children is available locally in Jammu and Kashmir.
Holi in Rajasthan: The colourful state of Rajasthan plays Holi much the same way as Mathura. A night before the full moon, crowds of people gather together and light huge bonfires to burn the residual dried leaves and twigs of the winter. People throw coloured water and powders (gulal and kumkum) at each other and make merry. Singing, dancing and the traditional beats of dhol add to the gaiety of the occasion.
Holi in Maharashtra: People of Maharashtra have their own grand style of celebrating Holi. Besides other things, not to be missed is their mouthwatering delicacy- Puranpoli. Holi is called Shimga or Rangpanchami
Holi is the festival of colors. I wish with all my heart that it brings more colors to your life. Wishing you and your family a fabulous Holi
