Holi
Holi is considered as one of the most revered and celebrated festivals of India and it is celebrated in almost every part of the country. |
| Holi Celebrations in Various Parts of India |
The vibrancy of colors is something that brings in a lot of positivity in our lives and Holi being the festival of colours is actually a day worth rejoicing. Holi is a famous Hindu festival that is celebrated in every part of India with utmost joy and enthusiasm. The ritual starts by lighting up the bonfire one day before the day of Holi and this process symbolizes the triumph of good over the bad. On the day of Holi people play with colours with their friends and families and in evening they show love and respect to their close ones with Abeer.
Holi is most prominently associated with the colours used on that day and it is rightly called the "Festival of Colours". However, the colours used on this day also have an interesting tale behind them. It was believed that Krishna used to celebrate the festival with colours at Vrindavan and Gokul.
Holi is not just about playing with colours and indulging in sweets but also has a profound history behind it. The festival celebrated by Hindus every year is observed on the day of Purnima, the full moon, in the month of Falgun over two consecutive days — the first day known as Chhoti Holi or Holika Dahan and the second as Rangwali Holi, Dhuleti, Dhulandi or Dhulivandan.
Significance of Holi
Holi is a symbol of the triumph of good over evil. It marks the onset of spring and is also celebrated to give thanks for a good harvest. The festival revolves around smearing colour on each others’ faces, splashing people with water by throwing water balloons at them and heartily indulging in sweet delicacies that are made this day. |
| Holi Celebrations in Various Parts of India |
The word ‘Holi’ itself has a deep significance and it translates into the word “hola”, which means offering prayers to gods for a good harvest. The festival has many myths and legends attached to it. One of these is the story of Hiranyakashyap, who was a demon king and wanted to be immortal. While he wanted everyone to worship him as god, his son Prahlada was a devotee of Vishnu.
Offended by his son’s disobedience, he asked his sister, Holika, to kill his son by sitting down in a burning furnace with Prahlada. Holika had a divine gift that fire could not burn her and so she did as her brother told her to. However, Prahlada’s devotion evoked Vishnu’s compassion and he saved the boy from the fire while Holika was burned to death. Vishnu, thereafter defeated and killed Hiranyakashyap as well, marking the victory of good over evil.
Holi is most prominently associated with the colours used on that day and it is rightly called the “Festival of Colours”. However, the colours used on this day also have an interesting tale behind them. It was believed that Krishna used to celebrate the festival with colours at Vrindavan and Gokul.
How is Holi celebrated?
On the first day of the celebrations known as Holika Dahan puja, a bonfire is lit. People gather around the fire known as Chhoti Holi and perform ‘pingpuja’ while praying for the longevity and prosperity of their loved ones. On the second day of celebrations known as Rangpanchami, people play with colours. Another popular legend of Holi celebrations that is extremely popular in southern India is that of Lord Shiva and Kaamadeva. It is believed Kaamadeva, the god of passion, awoke Shiva from his deep meditation so he could save the world.The celebrations also include people forming a human pyramid and breaking a pot full of buttermilk hung up on a considerable height.
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| Holi Celebrations in Various Parts of India |
Holi is an ancient festival of India and was originally known as 'Holika'. The festivals finds a detailed description in early religious works such as Jaimini's Purvamimamsa-Sutras and Kathaka-Grhya-Sutras. Historians also believe that Holi was celebrated by all Aryans but more so in the Eastern part of India.
It is said that Holi existed several centuries before Christ. However, the meaning of the festival is believed to have changed over the years. Earlier it was a special rite performed by married women for the happiness and well-being of their families and the full moon (Raka) was worshiped.
There are two ways of reckoning a lunar month- 'purnimanta' and 'amanta'. In the former, the first day starts after the full moon; and in the latter, after the new moon. Though the amanta reckoning is more common now, the purnimanta was very much in vogue in the earlier days.
According to this purnimanta reckoning, Phalguna purnima was the last day of the year and the new year heralding the Vasanta-ritu (with spring starting from next day). Thus the full moon festival of Holika gradually became a festival of merrymaking, announcing the commencement of the spring season. This perhaps explains the other names of this festival - Vasanta-Mahotsava and Kama-Mahotsava.
Reference in Ancient Texts and Inscriptions
Besides having a detailed description in the Vedas and Puranas such as Narad Purana and Bhavishya Purana, the festival of Holi finds a mention in Jaimini Mimansa. A stone incription belonging to 300 BC found at Ramgarh in the province of Vindhya has mention of Holikotsav on it. King Harsha, too has mentioned about holikotsav in his work Ratnavali that was written during the 7th century.
The famous Muslim tourist - Ulbaruni too has mentioned about holikotsav in his historical memories. Other Muslim writers of that period have mentioned, that holikotsav were not only celebrated by the Hindus but also by the Muslims.
Reference in Ancient Paintings and Murals
The festival of Holi also finds a reference in the sculptures on walls of old temples. A 16th century panel sculpted in a temple at Hampi, capital of Vijayanagar, shows a joyous scene of Holi. The painting depicts a Prince and his Princess standing amidst maids waiting with syringes or pichkaris to drench the Royal couple in coloured water.
A 16th century Ahmednagar painting is on the theme of Vasanta Ragini - spring song or music. It shows a royal couple sitting on a grand swing, while maidens are playing music and spraying colors with pichkaris.
There are a lot of other paintings and murals in the temples of medieval India which provide a pictoral description of Holi. For instance, a Mewar painting (circa 1755) shows the Maharana with his courtiers. While the ruler is bestowing gifts on some people, a merry dance is on, and in the center is a tank filled with colored water. Also, a Bundi miniature shows a king seated on a tusker and from a balcony above some damsels are showering gulal (colored powders) on him.
Legends and Mythology
In some parts of India, specially in Bengal and Orissa, Holi Purnima is also celebrated as the birthday of Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (A.D. 1486-1533). However, the literal meaning of the word 'Holi' is 'burning'. There are various legends to explain the meaning of this word, most prominent of all is the legend associated with demon king Hiranyakashyap.
Hiranyakashyap wanted everybody in his kingdom to worship only him but to his great disappointment, his son, Prahlad became an ardent devotee of Lord Naarayana. Hiaranyakashyap commanded his sister, Holika to enter a blazing fire with Prahlad in her lap. Holika had a boon whereby she could enter fire without any damage on herself. However, she was not aware that the boon worked only when she enters the fire alone. As a result she paid a price for her sinister desires, while Prahlad was saved by the grace of the god for his extreme devotion. The festival, therefore, celebrates the victory of good over evil and also the triumph of devotion.
Legend of Lord Krishna is also associated with play with colors as the Lord started the tradition of play with colours by applying colour on his beloved Radha and other gopis. Gradually, the play gained popularity with the people and became a tradition.
There are also a few other legends associated with the festival - like the legend of Shiva and Kaamadeva and those of Ogress Dhundhi and Pootana. All depict triumph of good over evil - lending a philosophy to the festival.
Story of Holika
Integrally entwined with Holi, is the tradition of 'Holika Dahan', which is actually lighting of bonfires. The ritual is symbolic of victory of good over evil and has its root in the legend of demon king Hiranyakashyap who wished to end his blessed son, Prahlad's life with the help of his sister, Holika who burnt in the fir and no harm occurred to Prahlad. Since then the day is celebrated in victory of good over bad.
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| Holi Celebrations in Various Parts of India |
Story of Radha and Krishan
The legend of Radha and Krishna is closely linked with this tradition of colors on Holi. Young Krishna, who had a dark complexion was jealous of his beloved Radha's extremely fair skin. In a mischievous mood, he applied color on Radha's face. Following this ancient legend, lovers till date long to color their beloved as an expression of love.
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| Holi Celebrations in Various Parts of India |
Holi Celebrations in India
Holi is famous as Basant Utsav in rural India. It is one of the major festivals in India and is celebrated with extreme enthusiasm and joy. Gulal, abeer and pichkaris are synonymous with the festival. Elaborate plans are made to color the loved ones. Everybody wants to be the first one to color the other. In the ensuing battle of colors, everybody is drowned not just in colors of gulal but also in love and mirth. People love to drench others and themselves in colored water. Gujiyas and other sweets are offered to everyone who comes across to color.
Temples are beautifully decorated at the time of Holi. Idol of Radha is placed on swings and devotees turn the swings singing devotional Holi songs. Now-a-days small plays are organized reflecting the spirit of the festival.
What is remarkably same across the country is the spirit of Holi. Fun, frolic, boisterousness to the extent of buffoonery marks this festival of colors. What more can be expected- when the people get a social sanction to get intoxicated on the bhang, open not just their hearts' out but also their lungs. And viola, nobody is expected to take offense too, as the norm of the day is, 'Bura na mano Holi hai'.
Holi in Andhra Pradesh
Though the celebrations of Holi in South India are not as grand as compared to that in North India. Yet, what is particularly noticeable in Andhra Pradesh as in other Dravidian states is the heightened feeling of communal harmony
Holi in Assam
Holi is one of the most popular festivals celebrated in India.A day when every age group comes together in wake of joy to spread colours and happiness all around!..
Holi in Bengal
Their is a particular elan in the way Holi is celebrated in the state of Bengal. The panache is added by the presence of the rich Bengal culture and the existence of Shantiniketan
Holi in Bhil Tribes of North West India
The Bhils in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh have their own special way to mark the festival. It is interesting to note that these tribes have retailed many of their pre-Hindu customs
Holi in Barsana
Holi of Barsana -a village, 42 kms away from Mathura, UP and the birthplace of Radha is of particular interest. Here, men from Nandgaon-the land of Krishna come to play Holi with the girls of Barsana...
Holi in Bihar
The Holi is celebrated with the same fervour and charm in this state as in rest of north India. Here too, the legend of Holika is prevalent. On the eve of Phalgun Poornima, Biharis light bonfires
Holi in Chhattisgarh
Indian festivals are popular all around the world. Holi is among one of well-known occasions celebrated with joy during the month of March. This month is also called as the time of Faagun
Holi in Delhi
Delhi being the capital and the heart of India, celebrates Holi with extreme enthusiasm - even to the extent of boisterousness.
Being a metro city, an amalgamation of cultures and traditions can be witnessed here
Holi in Goa
The energetic people of Goa do not lag behind the rest of the country when it comes to Holi celebrations. The festival of spring is called Shigmo in Goa. The festival is celebrated mostly by the masses following all religious traditions
Holi in Gujarat
The vibrant Gujarat reverberates with the chants of the folk song-'Govinda ala re, zara matki sambhal Brijbala..'. People, specially the youth of the state are high on the spirit of the festival
Holi in Haryana
Holi assumes an entirely new colour in this state and gets its new name, 'Dulandi Holi'
Holi in Himachal Pradesh
This festival is celebrated in much the same way as rest of North India. They light bonfires-fires called Holika which is symbolic of victory of good over evil
Holi in Jammu and Kashmir
Jammu and Kashmir lays in the north most portion of India. This place has extreme cold weather during initial months of every year. Often accompanied by snow fall and shivering cold weather
Holi in Jharkhand
Jharkhand, which means “bush land”, is the 28th state of India. It was formed from the southern part of the state of Bihar. Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and West Bengal are the states which lie
Holi in Karnataka
Holi is one of the most famous festivals of India which in most parts of the country is played by hurling colours on each other, eating delicious meals, dancing and singing on some music themed on Holi....
Holi in Kerala
Holi is not celebrated in most Southern part, with the zeal same as can be seen in the Northern part of the country. It is not as admired in states which fall under the southern belt, as by the people of the Northern states
Holi in Madhya Pradesh
Revelry is no less in this state and same level of enthusiasm can be witness amongst the citizens of this state as in the rest of North
Holi in Maharashtra
Maharashtrians have their own grand style of celebrating Holi. Besides other things, not to be missed is their mouthwatering delicacy - Puranpoli
Holi in Manipur
It is interesting to note how Holi is celebrated in this part of the country. Here, the festivities continue for six days starting on the full moon day of Phalguna
Holi in Mathura-Vrindavan
People from all corners of India, rather, world gather here every year to feel the essence of Holi in the land of Krishna
Holi in Nagaland
Each festival in an Indian calendar brings people of the country together. Surprisingly, no matter to which caste or religion it pertains, the joy of celebratingis equal in everyone’s heart
Holi in Orissa
The tradition followed in Orissa is quite similar to that of Bengal with only minor region specific changes
Holi in Puducherry
The best fact about India and its people is that everyone loves to stay together. This is why all the centric occasions like Holi are played all over the country including the Pondicherry state
Holi in Punjab
Known for their love for life, Sikhs celebrate Holi in their own style and elan. Here, they call it 'Hola Mohalla'
Holi in Rajasthan
This colourful state plays Holi much the same way as Mathura. The night before the full moon, crowds of people gather together and light huge bonfires to burn the residual dried leaves and twigs of the winter
Holi in Uttar Pradesh
Celebrations in UP are not just restricted to Mathura and Vrindavan. Rather, every nook and corner of the state gets wrapped in the multitude hues of the Holi...
Holi in Tamil Nadu
The Tamilians celebrate Holi around the legend of Kama Deva. On this day, songs are sung that tell the pathetic tale of Rati and her lamentations
Holi in Uttrakhand
Holi is one of the most loved festivals of India when people forget all the enmities and resentments and come together to spread colour in each other’s lives
Holi Around the World
Holi knows no bars, Holi knows no boundaries too. Across the world wherever Indians or people of Indian origin are present Holi is celebrated with gusto and bonhomie. People play with colours, light a bonfire called Holika and celebrate the victory of good over evil.
Well, the essence of any festival is to take a break from the daily humdrum of life and make it interesting. The other major intention of celebrating festival is to bring people together and generate a feeling of brotherhood and spread harmony all around.
Nobody realizes the importance of celebrating festivals than the Indians settled abroad away from their country and cultural roots. At times they are more eager to celebrate festivals than their Indian counterparts. For celebrating festivals is what binds the people of Indian origin together and also to their roots.
Just as in India, people settled abroad meet their friends and exchange sweets and greetings. Of course, the revelry is no less when it comes to colours.
Holi in Australia
This one day in the whole time span of 365 days has the power to leave behind memories to rejoice and fill colour in your life. The countdown has begun and each one of whether we are in India...
Holi in Bangladesh
Bengal region has a multifaceted culture due to the influence of Buddhist, Hindus and Muslim cultures. Though the country is Muslim dominated, Hindus too celebrate their festivals with gaiety...
Holi in Canada
Holi is a fest of colours is an Indian traditional festival which is celebrated by the Indian Diaspora around the world in their own innovative way with a touch of the traditions and customs associated...
Holi in Guyana
Located in the north-east coast of South America, Guyana celebrate Holi with great fan fair.
Holi or Phagwa, as the Guyanese better know, is celebrated in Guyana by the singing of special songs called Chowtaals and by the spraying of coloured powder (abrack) and water (abeer)...
Holi in Mauritius
Just as the many other major Hindu festivals, the large Indian majority, (about 63 per cent) celebrate Holi with a lot of enthusiasm in the island of Mauritius...
Holi in Nepal
Holi is celebrated with great pomp and show in Nepal. Celebrations lasts for a week in which the entire country gets drenched in the coloured water...
Holi in Pakistan
Hindus in Pakistan too celebrate holi, though of course in as grand way as in India. People celebrate the victory of good over evil forces by lighting bonfires called Holika
Holi in South Africa
Indian wherever they may be, takes immense delight in celebrating the festival of Holi and South Africa is no exception. The vibrant Gujarati's and other Indians settled in South Africa have made it a point to keep the tradition of celebrating Holi alive in the country...
Holi in Surinam
Holi is celebrated with lot of mirth and excitement in Surinam which has a large number of Indians. Hindus constitute about 35-40% of the population, an important part of this is people who immigrated from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar...
Holi in Trinidad and Tobago
Holi is celebrated with a lot of pomp and eclat in twin island states of Trinidad and Tobago which has a large Indian diaspora. Here, though, it is largely known as Phagwa...
Holi in United Kingdom
Hindus settled in UK do not miss out the excitement of Holi celebrations and enjoy to the hilt. Zeal for the festival is particularly marked in this country as Indians constitute the second largest ethnic minority...
Holi in UAE
Holi is a festival of colours which is celebrated by the people belonging to the Hindu community. No matter where they are, the celebration does not stops and they do it all with similar enthusiasm and fervour...
Holi in USA
With a large population of Indians settled in the United States of America Holi is celebrated with gaiety and lot of fanfare in this country.
Dulandi Holi
Holi recieves this name in the state of Haryana. Here, bhabhi - the brothers wife gets an upper hand on the day of holi. And, devar's - husband's younger brothers need to watchout.
The bhabhi's on this day get a social sanction on Holi to beat their devars and make them pay the price of all the pranks they played on them for the entire year. Bhabhi's roll up their saris in the form of a rope in a mock rage, and give a good run to their devars.
In the evening, devars are supposed to bring sweets for their dear bhabhi.
Besides, there is also a tradition of breaking the pot of buttermilk hung high in the street by forming a human pyramid.
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Holi Pooja Process
Holi Pooja takes place a day before the Holi Festival. This day is called as 'Holika Dahan'. There is no special pooja performed on the Holi day. This day is only meant for celebrations and play of colors. Holika Dahan is the major ritual performed at the time of Holi which is also considered an important Holi Puja. People light bonfires on the eve of Holi festival to celebrate the victory of 'good' over 'bad' which is called Holika Dahan.
Holi Pooja Process or Holika Dahan Process
Holika Dahan preparations begin almost 40 days before the festival. People start gathering woods on the important crossroads of the city. Holi Pooja or Holika takes place on an auspicious time in the evening a day before the Holi festival. Given below are the steps and rituals for the Holi Pooja:
1. Holi Pooja can be performed at any place.
2. A log of wood is kept at a prominent public place on the Vasant Panchami day.
3. People extend the log centre with twigs, dried leaves, branches of trees and other combustible material.
4. On the day of Holika Dahan, an effigy of Holika and Prahlad is placed on the huge heap of woods.
5. Effigy of Holika is made of combustible material while Prahlad's effigy is made of non-combustible material.
6. On the eve of Holi, the heap is set alight and the people chant Rakshoghna Mantras of the Rig Veda to cast away the evil spirits.
7. Left over ashes are collected by people next morning. These ashes are considered holy and are smeared on the limbs of the body as Holi Prasad.
8. Smearing of body limbs is an act of purification.
Holi Pooja is performed in a different manner in some communities. Marwari women offer Holi puja in the afternoon and evening i.e. before setting fire to 'Holika'. It is called 'Thandi Holi'. The whole puja process is considered very auspicious for the married women. It ensures well-being and healthy life of their husband.
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