HOLI
INTRODUCTION
Holi is the most lively of all Hindu festivals, observed
all over North India, which falls on the full moon day in
the month of Phalgun (March) according to the Hindu
calendar. It heralds the end of the winter and the beginning
of the spring and marks the rekindling of the spirit of
life. It is a festival of joy when all is forgiven and it
is a time to break free from the shackles of convention
and let ourselves go. Holi provides a refreshing respite
from the mundane norms as people from all walks of life
enjoy themselves. In a tight knit community, it also provides
a good excuse for letting off some steam and settling old
scores, without causing physical injury.
LEGEND BEHIND THE CELEBRATIONS
Holy is associated with a legendry encounter between Hiranyakashyapu,
a powerful demon king and his son Prahlad. Hiranyakashyapu
who had gained victory over gods in a war had forbidden
his subjects from worshipping gods. But his son Prahlad
who was a ardent devotee of Vishnu, refused to obey his
orders. Hiranyakashyapu had a sister, Holika, who was blessed
with special powers-fire could not burn her. Hiranyakashyapu ordered
Holika to take Prahlad in her lap and mount a burning pyre.
She did so, but Prahlad came out unscathed while Holika
was reduced to ashes. It is said that Holi is celebrated
and Holi fires lit in remembrance of this miracle.
DESCRIPTION
Holi festival may be celebrated with various names and
people of different states might be following different
traditions. But, what makes Holi so unique and special is
the spirit of it which remains the same throughout the country
and even across the globe, wherever it is celebrated. The
night before 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 powders
at each other and make merry. People, young and old are
drenched with colours being poured from atop the houses,
bursting balloons, or long pistons. Singing and dancing
add to the gaiety of the occasion.
Preparations for the festival begin a week ahead. Houses
are given a fresh coat of color, beautiful floral designs
are drawn at the entrance and colours bought. In earlier
days the colors were extracted from a flower that blossoms
only during this festival and the pistons were made of bamboo
sticks. But over the years colors are made artificially
and pistons made of different materials are available in
various designs. In villages, powders made of rice flour
mixed with turmeric and bamboo poles are still used. Special
delicacies such as malpua and other delicacies are prepared
on this day, which vary from region to region.
On ‘Holi’, mothers let their children go out
on the streets to indulge in the splashing of colors. Men
like to wear white ‘Kurtas’ while ladies prefer
to wear white saris, or ‘Salwar Khameez,’ on
'Holi'. One thing that is very attractive about this festival
is the spirit of the people who celebrate the occasion.
Whether they are young or old, all the people are lost in
the joyful occasion, having fun throwing colors at each
other. Even water balloons would be thrown at each other.
When they splash colored water on passer-bys, it is common
for the passer-bys to get involved in the color riots themselves.
Even kids love this festival, as they enjoy being drenched
in colored water. On this happy occasion, dances and folk
songs are also important features in the festival.
Mathura (Uttar Pradesh) and the small towns of 'Braj Bhoomi
(Land of Lord Sri Krishna) celebrates the joyful rasaleela
of Krishna and gopis during Holi. Especially
famous is the Lathmaar Holi of Barsana and Nandgaon. In
Anandpur Sahib (Punjab), Sikhs celebrate a special festival
'Hola Mohalla' on the day after Holi. It marks a display
of ancient martial arts and mock battles.
TIME TO CELEBRATE
The festival is celebrated in March.
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