Every year, before the beginning of summer, many parts of India celebrate the Holi festival. The festival is one of the most popular ancient Hindu festivals and it is also celebrated in the Indian community all over the world.
The festival is celebrated in March with people covered in vibrant color powders and also drenched in the colored water. Holi festival is always fun and exciting because the Indian government makes it a public holiday and also honors the tradition and teachings of Hindu.
History of Holi
Many Hindu legends have been associated with Holi and the festival is deeply rooted in the history of the religion. One of the histories is that of Holika. She was the aunt of Prahlada, devoted worship of the Hindu god Vishnu.
Prahlada’s father, Hiranyakashipu was a king who commanded everyone to worship him but his son disobeyed his command because of his dedication to god Vishnu.
Hiranyakashipu was angry at his son and want him dead. He made an evil plan with her sister Holika, Prahlada’s aunt to kill Prahlada.
The plan was for Holika to carry Prahlada on her lap into a blazing fire. They both believe Holika will not be burnt because she has a boon with her. However, Prahlada came out of the fire safely because Vishnu protected and saved him, while Holika was burnt by the fire because her evil deed and her boon only work when she enters the fire alone.
This makes people light a bonfire on the eve of the Holi festival. The bonfire signifies the burning of Holika and the safety of Prahlada. It also uses for the celebration of good over evil and the victory of the god Vishnu.
Another history emerges from the history of the god Krishna. It is said that god Krishna used to spread colors over Hindu goddess Radhna while dating her. He did this because of her fair complexion.
He was also known for throwing flowers and colored water on the gopis. This is why Holi festival in Mathura, Vrindavan, and Barsana which is childhood and birthplace of both Radhna and Krishna.
How is Holi celebrated?
Holi festival is celebrated for two days. A public bonfire is held on the evening of the first day to commemorate the victory of god Vishnu and the burning of Holika.
Traditionally, Hindu boys go around their neighborhood a week before the festival to gather waste wood for the bonfire. The fire is lighted at the rising of the moon between 10 pm to midnight.
Everyone around gathers together to celebrate the event and it is also an opportunity to disregard the social norms. The next day of the Holi festival is celebrated by pouring color powders and spraying colored waters on everyone.
Different types of colors fill the air and people are filled with excitement and jubilation. Children are seen throwing water balloons at each other and at people passing by.
Youth and elders are seen in groups exchanging greetings while pouring colors on each other. This is called playing Holi according to tradition.
People also dance, sing, and while sharing sweets and mouth-watering Holi delicacies.
Where is Holi celebrated?
Holi is one of the most popular festivals celebrated annually in many parts of India and Hindu communities in other countries. The festival is celebrated in New Delhi, Udaipur, and other cities and towns in North India. There are small and large parties organize across South India to celebrate the festival.
Bengal and other states in western and eastern India are not left behind. Mathura, a city strongly associated with Hind god Krishna is often filled with people. Its temple and street are often overflowed with Hindu devotees singing, dancing, and of course spraying colors.
The town of Barsana is known for spectacularly celebrating Holi. The native of the town practices a unique Lathmar Holi tradition. The celebration is inspired by the story of Krishna when chased by gopis for throwing colors on them.
Why is the Holi festival popular outside India?
The festival is popular outside India because of the millions of Indians that live outside the country. Communities who also have south Asian heritage that lives abroad also come together to celebrate Holi.
This is done because they want the future generation to know about the traditions and culture of their land. They also teach their them different Holi Quotes in Hindi to instill the Holi tradition in them.
Tips on how to celebrate the Holi festival
Find a family or group to celebrate with
Celebrating the Holi festival with a family or group of people is the safest way to celebrate and enjoy the festive period. While having fun, eating sweets, and spraying colors, you don’t have to worry about getting attacked by people who are out of control.
Many people often misbehave during the Holi festival when they drink Bhang Lassi, a drink prepared with cannabis leaves. There are a lot of stories about many female foreign tourists being targeted by males while walking alone in the street during the festival. Therefore, you need to find a company to walk with.
Wear clothes you don’t need
The Holi festival is always filled with the spraying of colors that is poured on both your cloth and skin. Putting on clothes you don’t need makes you more comfortable because you won’t think about how to remove the colors after the festival.
You can also rub oil on your body before going out on Holiday. This will help in removing the colors better and faster from your skin.
Drink less Bhang Lassi
Bhang Lassi is a drink prepared from cannabis leaves. It is often disguised as a sweet and delicious milky drink but very intoxicating.
The drink is served everywhere during Holi which makes people misbehave when they drink too much. Therefore, you need to be careful when drinking Bhang Lassi and don’t carried away with the celebration.
Learn the significance of the festival
Holi festival is significant as every other festival in India. It is a celebration of unity among the Hindu people and the triumph of good over evil. There is also a good harvest during this season and people are happy. Many ancient histories are also attached to the festival. Learn about them to understand what the Significance of Holi Festival and stands for.
Also Read : Top 5 Colorful Bhutan Festivals
