The Hindu festival of color, Holi, is observed globally with boisterous gatherings during which participants spread and hurl colored powder at one another. The holiday, which many regions of India start celebrating on March 25, marks the entrance of spring and, for many Hindus, the victory of good over evil. Every year, the date of the event varies slightly and is always held in March on the full moon night known as Phalgun Purnima in the Hindu calendar. While the first night is filled with rituals and prayers, the second day is all about colors and celebrations.
The Myths Of Holi
Different parts of the country have their myths and beliefs about the festival, which ultimately aligns with the victory of the good over the evil. One of the most believed myths is that of the Hindu god Vishnu and his devotee Prahlada. Prahlada, son of the wicked monarch Hiranyakashipu was a devotee of Vishnu. Prahlada persisted in praying to Vishnu rather than worshipping his father. Because of Prahlada’s devotion to Vishnu, Holika, Hiranyakashipu’s sister, became enraged and decided to murder him. She fooled Prahlada into sitting on her lap while she sat in a fire since she had already been blessed by the gods to ensure that she would not be hurt by fire. But, Holika ended up dying, and Prahlada lived because he prayed to Vishnu. Thus, the festival’s name, Holi, comes from the term Holika. In several parts of the country, bonfires are lit on the first night to symbolize the demise of evil.
Another myth is connected with Lord Krishna’s affection for Radha. Krishna was concerned that Radha, who is fair skinned wouldn’t like him as he was of dark complexion (because a demoness attempted to poison him, according to some myths). Yashoda, his mother, suggested in jest that he dab some vibrantly colored powder over Radha’s face which later caused Radha to fall in love with him. The love between Krishna and Radha is celebrated as Holi in Vrindavan and Mathura.
The Holi myth of South India revolves around Lord Shiva and Kamadeva (God of lust). Shiva turned Kama into ashes with the power of his third eye as Kama tried to disrupt his penance by shooting a flower-draped arrow at Shiva. But, due to the pleas of Kama’s wife Rati, Shiva restored Kama only as a mental image representing true love over physical lust. Here, the bonfire is believed to celebrate Shiva’s thoughtful act.
How Is Holi Celebrated
Spreading colors and splashing coloring water on one another is the most exciting part of the Holi celebration. But Holi has been adapted to distinct cultures in different parts of India. For example, women in the state of Uttar Pradesh teasingly throw sticks at men, who protect themselves with shields.
While young people in the northeastern state of Manipur do a group traditional dance called tribal chongba on full moon night, celebrations for Holi typically linger for six days. Holi fairs are hosted in some parts of Punjab and can go on for days. On the other hand, color games and celebrations are practiced everywhere.
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‘Holika Dahan’, bhang, and Holi mela are some of the other attractions of the festival. The lighting up of the bonfire on the eve of Holi is connected with the myth of Holika and Puthana. Bhang is considered the official Holi drink. Intoxicating baang lifts the mood of the festival. Along with it, some snacks like bhang thandai, bhang pakoras, and bhangvadas are popular during the festival.