History Of The Festival Of Colours: Holi

Hinduism holds that there once existed a devil king named Hiranyakashyap. He had a sister named Holika and a son named Prahlad. The devil king is thought to have received Lord Brahma's blessings. Since he was blessed, no man, animal, or object could harm him. As he grew increasingly haughty, this benefit for him changed into a curse. He did not spare his son as he commanded his kingdom to worship him rather than God. All the people started to worship him, except his son Prahlad. Prahlad, a devout follower of Lord Vishnu, refused to worship his father instead of God. After observing his disobedience, the devil king and his sister devise a scheme to assassinate Prahlad. With his son on her lap, he forced her to sit in the fire, where Holika was burned while Prahlad escaped unharmed. This showed that his Lord had given him protection because of his dedication. People began to celebrate Holi as the triumph of good over evil.

Celebration Of The Festival Of Colours: Holi

Most fervently and enthusiastically, people celebrate Holi, especially in North India. People perform a tradition called "Holika Dahan" the day before Holi. In this tradition, individuals gather large amounts of wood to burn in public places. The burning of evil forces is represented by it, with the legend of Holika and King Hiranyakashyap being revised. In addition, they assemble around the Holika to pray and show their devotion to God. The following day in India is arguably the most colorful. When people awaken in the morning, they do pooja for God. They then dress in white and experiment with color. They shower each other with water. With water cannons, children run about, dowsing everything in bloom. In the same vein, on this day, even adults turn into children. They splash each other with color and submerge themselves in water. They take a bath and get dressed up to visit their friends and family in the evening. They dance all day long and partake in the "bhaang," a unique beverage. All ages enjoy the special treat known as "gujiya" served during Holi. Holi promotes fraternity and love. It improves the nation's peace and happiness. Holi represents the victory of good over evil. This vibrant celebration brings people together and removes all the bad stuff in life.

The Main Purpose Of The Festival Of Colours: Holi

The purpose of every festival is to bring happiness by offering a break from the monotony of everyday life. Holi is a highly successful celebration in achieving this objective, as it revolves around the theme of color. The human mind associates color with happiness, and this festival represents this association by covering the entire natural world in different hues. Pupils from all walks of life participate in the festivities and engage in playful banter, including a young child and a monarch. This celebration unites the entire community and promotes the expression of emotions, both positive and negative, without judgment. The exchange of hugs and colors adds to the joyous atmosphere, and a sense of love and tranquility pervades the environment.

Motive Of The Festival Of Colours: Holi

The festival of colors, Holi, has its motive rooted in the celebration called "Holikotsav." The name Holi comes from the term Holika, which originates from the Sanskrit phrase meaning "roasted grain." In ancient times, farmers would sacrifice something to the deity before roasting the newly harvested crop, which was then offered to the fire. People would also share meals and engage in playful roasting during this joyous occasion. A feast was held to present fresh grain to the Lord, and this custom is still observed in rural areas to mark the Holi festival.

The Holi Festival's Colours Have Changed

The colors of the Holi festival have undergone a transformation. Originally, the event was observed by burning Holika before the birth of Lord Krishna, and it included new food offerings. However, Lord Krishna turned it into a colorful festival, and during one celebration, he defeated the demon Putana. The festival has since evolved to include a "Rasleela" celebration with color-swimming among the "Gopis." Nowadays, it is customary to play with colors during the day and burn Holi in the evening.

Celebration Of The Festival Of Colours: Holi

Holi is celebrated for several days before the actual occasion with various activities. Holika Dahan is performed on a set date using an ancient procedure on the night of Falgun Purnima. Holi is played until noon on the second day in full celebration. Each other is doused in gulal or color. On the streets, you can witness groups of kids, adults, girls, and women singing, dancing, rubbing gulal, and throwing colored water. Everyone is experiencing feelings of joy. People celebrate Holi throughout the nation according to their local customs. However, everyone uses color to convey their delight.

Drawbacks Of Holi In Recent Times

In recent times, several drawbacks have been associated with the celebration of Holi. One major concern is the prevalence of disorder and violence despite the holiday being intended for great enjoyment. A particular issue is the abuse of alcohol, which often leads to fights and unfair retaliation. What should be a festive occasion is sometimes transformed into a celebration of conflict, as enmity replaces love. Additionally, the ritual of "dissolution of color" (known as "Holika Dahan") is often misunderstood or improperly carried out in certain regions, further contributing to the negative aspects of the holiday.

The Festival Of Colours: Holi

Holi is not just a festival of colors but a celebration of the values of peace, unity, love, joy, and happiness. It is an occasion where people of all ages and backgrounds come together to forget their differences and rejoice in each other's company. Even the elderly or dignified individuals can be seen participating in the festivities, dancing joyfully with everyone else. However, in recent years, the festival has become polluted with harmful chemicals and excessive water usage, which is detrimental to the environment and human health.

Things To Do - Holi

Indians participate in many festival activities to indicate their anointing for Lord Vishnu and have joy and pleasure during Holi.

Worshiping Radha: Goddess Radha, Lord Krishna's beloved, is worshiped with fervor during the Holi festival. Many sing songs and pour colors in her honor, expressing their reverence for the Hindu goddess of love and devotion.

Bonfires: On the eve of Holi, people have bonfires to celebrate the victory of good over evil. This festival is celebrated to sing, dance and socialize with families and friends, which is called Holika Dahan. People usually relish Holi by drinking bhang and a delicacy prepared from cannabis paste.

Playing color: It refers to the traditional Indian festival of Holi, where people play with colorful powders and water to express respect and devotion. It is a fun and joyful activity that symbolizes unity, love, and the triumph of good over evil.

Detailed Information On Holi Celebration Timings

Timing Of Holika Dahan : The timing of Holika Dahan holds significant importance in Hinduism as it is believed to bring good or bad results depending on when it is performed. Hindu texts say it should be done on the Purnima tithi after dusk. The intersection of Pradosh Kaal is considered auspicious for the ritual, and the right muhurta must be chosen. It is believed that performing the puja during the right time can protect children from evil forces. Thus, the timing of Holika Dahan is critical in ensuring the effectiveness of the ritual.

Dolo Purnima/Dolo Jatra : Dolo Purnima, also known as Dol Jatra, is a colorful festival celebrated on the full moon day before Holi in the Indian states of West Bengal and Odisha. During the festival, statues of Lord Krishna and Radha are brought out, and people smear them with colored dust. The festival's main attraction is street and road coloring, where people throw colored powders at each other, dance, and sing. The celebration starts six days earlier on Phagu Dashami, with people preparing for the grand event. The festival is a time for people to unite, forget their differences, and enjoy the festive spirit.

Best Destinations To Celebrate The Festival Of Colours : Holi

India offers a variety of places to celebrate Holi in 2023. Your preferred type of experience and areas of interest will determine the best place for you to experience India's Festival of Colors. The following are the top five Indian vacation spots for the 2018 Holi festival

Mathura : One of the best places in the nation to enjoy the Festival of Colors is Mathura. According to folklore, Krishna and Radha's game with colors is where the custom of playing with colors originated. Mathura, the city where Lord Krishna was born, will be at its most beautiful during the celebration. Visit the Dwarakadheesh Temple in Mathura.

Vrindaban : The greatest place in India to shoot the event, which is observed with peace, devotion, and rituals, is Vrindavan. The Banke Bihari temple's Holi festival rituals are unmatched. The location draws tourists from all around the world, including India.

Barshana : Barsana, a town located in Uttar Pradesh, India, is well-known for its unique celebration of Holi, the festival of colors. It is considered the home of Radha, and its festivities are a must-see. Barsana is the perfect place to experience the true essence of Holi.

New Delhi : Holi is the festival of colors. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm in New Delhi, the capital of India. The locals organize numerous parties and events to mark the occasion, spreading joy and happiness. The festivities are a sight to behold and an experience not to be missed.

Shantiniketan : In Shantiniketan, Basant Utsav is another name for the Holi festival. It celebrates the Holi festival with a vibrant display of folk music, song, dance performances, colorful flowers, exciting activities, and decorations, bringing a festive atmosphere to the city.