Holi is a vibrant and colorful festival that symbolizes love, unity and togetherness. It is a time to set aside our differences and embrace harmony, forgiveness and happiness. It is a colorful way to express gratitude for the end of winter and marks the arrival of spring. It is about celebrating the victory of good over evil and remembering Hindu legends. Let us also keep in mind the importance of respecting our environment and celebrating in a sustainable and eco-friendly way. Wishing you a wonderful Holi!
This vibrant festival, known as the festival of colours, has people joyfully throwing coloured powder and water on each other. In Braj, especially in the Mathura-Vrindavan region of Uttar Pradesh, the celebration of Holi is deeply connected to the childhood of Krishna and the stories of Radha and Krishna, with vibrant celebrations lasting for several days. In Anandpur Sahib in Punjab, the day after Holi is filled with festivities, including mock battles by a group of the Sikh community and archery and swordsmanship competitions. As one of the most enthusiastic and joyous Hindu festivals, Holi brings together people from all regions in India. Like many Indian festivals, Holi also has religious significance. The most famous story associated with this celebration is the story of Holika, the sister of Hiranyakashyap.
According to ancient texts, Hiranyakashyap was a demon who was an opponent of Lord Vishnu, yet his son Prahlad was a devoted devotee of Lord Vishnu. To kill his son, Hiranyakashyap conspired with Holika, who had a boon that allowed her to escape fire. However, the result was the opposite of Hiranyakashyap’s intentions. When Holika went into the fire with Prahlad, she burned to death while Prahlad escaped unhurt. This incident marked the beginning of the Holi festival. In mythology, Lord Krishna is often depicted with dark complexion, while his friend Radha is described as having a fair complexion. This difference caused Krishna to be a little jealous of Radha and he would often express his concerns to his mother Yashoda. One day Yashoda suggested that Krishna should put the color that he liked on Radha’s face. So, on the day of Holi, Krishna made Radha wear the color of her choice. Since then the festival of Holi is a vibrant celebration in Krishna’s hometown Mathura and Braj.
Holi is celebrated all over India, but it holds special significance in the North, where it symbolizes the victory of good over evil and the divine nature of love, which promotes brotherhood and harmony. The spirit of “Bura Na Mano” fills hearts as friends reconcile, clearing misunderstandings. It is a time of collective forgiveness, where people embrace love and forget past grievances. In the days leading up to Holi, people gather wood for bonfires, store grains, coconut and chickpeas to put in the celebratory fire and practice dances. Effigies of Holika are made and delicious seasonal dishes such as gujiya, mathri and malpua are prepared before Holika is burned on Chhoti Holi, the night before the main celebration. However, “Chhoti” and “Badi” Holi celebrations are celebrated differently across the country. Due to the vastness of India, each region has its own distinct customs and traditions. For example, regions that claim to be the birthplace of Lord Vishnu may celebrate for over two weeks, while in other areas, women hit men’s makeshift shields with sticks and, in some places, pots of buttermilk are hung high over the streets for a fun challenge.
During Holi, men and boys form human pyramids to reach a pot of buttermilk and the one who reaches the top of it gets the title of “King of Holi”. Meanwhile, women and girls try to distract them by sprinkling water from buckets. Many participants wear old clothes, spread abir on the streets and joyfully sing “Bura na mano, Holi hai” or “Naraj mat ho, Holi hai”. Holi is a celebration that reflects the spirit of unity and joy. Although the festival is meant for fun, it should remain respectful and free from indecency. Nowadays, some youths are hiding the true essence of Holi by behaving inappropriately. The use of chemical colors and balloons has diminished the beauty of the festival and unfortunately drinking alcohol has become a common practice during this time. Holi is a holy occasion that invites us to celebrate happiness, so let’s make sure it doesn’t diminish anyone’s happiness.
Celebrate Holi in a safe way that appeals to those around you. Make your celebration full of vibrant and natural colours.
