THE SYMBOL OF COLORS AND LOVE - HOLI19
THE SYMBOL OF COLORS AND LOVE17
Holi, often known as the “festival of colors” or the “festival of love,” is a Hindu spring festival. It is observed on the full Moon day of Phalguna, the Hindu lunar month of February/March. Holi, which celebrates the end of Winter and the entrance of spring, is widely celebrated in India and other nations with Hindu majorities.
The festival is famous for the throwing of colored powders (Gulal ), dancing, singing, and feasting. People come together to play with colored powders and water, which symbolizes the celebration of life and the triumph of good over evil. It is also a time for forgiveness, forgetting past wrongs, and reinforcing social bonds and relationships.
Holi is also related to various legends and myths, including the narrative of the demon King hiranyakashyap, who lord vishnu destroyed, and the story of lord Shree Krishna and Radha’s holy love.
Overall, holi is a bright and cheerful celebration that commemorates the entrance of spring, love, and Harmony, and is a significant event in the Hindu calendar.19
WHY CELEBRATE HOLI19
Holi is a Hindu festival celebrated mainly in India and Nepal, but also by Hindu communities around the world. Holi is celebrated to mark the arrival of spring and the end of Winter and is typically observed in late February or early march.
There are several legends and stories associated with holi, but one of the most popular is the story of Prince Prahlada and the demon King hiranyakashipu. According to this story, hiranyakashipu was angry that his Son Prahlada was a devotee of the Hindu god Vishnu, so he tried to kill him. However, Vishnu appeared in the form of the divine being Narasimha, and protected Prahlada, defeating hiranyakashipu. Holi is seen as a celebration of the victory of good over evil, as well as a celebration of the victory of love and devotion over hatred and anger.
In addition to these spiritual and religious aspects, holi is also seen as a time to come together with friends and family, forget past grudges, and strengthen bonds of love and friendship. People exchange sweets and gifts, sing and dance, and throw colored powder at each other to celebrate the occasion. Holi is also a time for forgiveness, renewal, and new beginnings, making it a much-anticipated and beloved festival.
TOP 5 PLACES IN INDIA FOR HOLI FESTIVAL17
Holi is undoubtedly one of the most famous festivals in India, celebrated with great enthusiasm and Joy across the country. While the festival is celebrated in every part of India, there are certain places where the celebrations are grand and spectacular. Here are the top five places in India where you can experience the grandest holi celebrations:
- Mathura and Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh
The cities of Mathura and Vrindavan are famous for their grand holi celebrations, as they are the birthplace and childhood home of lord Krishna. The festivities here last for 16 days and include traditional Song and dance performances, flower throwing, and the throwing of colors. The atmosphere in Mathura and Vrindavan during holi is electrifying and unmatched, and it is a great place to experience the authentic spirit of holi.
2. Barsana and Nandgaon, Uttar Pradesh
These two villages near Mathura are known for their unique lath Mar holi, in which women playfully hit men with sticks. The festival is celebrated a week before the main holiday. The men dress up in traditional attire and try to get past the women, who beat them with sticks, while the onlookers cheer and throw colors. It is a fun and unique way to experience holi.
3. Jaipur, Rajasthan
The pink city of Rajasthan celebrates holi in a grand style. The people of Jaipur come out in the streets and play with colors, and the city’s famous palaces and forts serve as a magnificent backdrop. The festivities in Jaipur include traditional folk music and dance performances, and the city is filled with the aroma of delicious food and sweets.
4. Udaipur, Rajasthan
Udaipur is famous for the most spectacular and Royal holi celebrations not only in Rajasthan but in the entire country. Holi is celebrated for two days in Udaipur. Holi celebrations in Udaipur begin a day before holi with holika dahan. And also known as mewar holika dahan.The bonfire takes place in the grounds of the city palace. The ruling Mewar King and his family Grace the occasion by lighting a holi pyre, while the local people perform ‘Gair’, a folk dance, around the bonfire.
5. Shantiniketan, West Bengal
The small town is famous for its Basant Utsav, a holi celebration that is a blend of cultural and artistic events. Students and faculty members dress in yellow clothes, and the town is filled with music, dance, and colorful flower petals. It is a unique and cultural way to experience holi.
In conclusion, India is known for its diverse and unique holi celebrations, and these top five places offer a glimpse into the grandest and most spectacular holi celebrations in the country. Holi is a festival of Joy, togetherness, and the triumph of good over evil, and these places provide a great opportunity to experience the essence of the festival.
Whenever you plan any trip to India be sure to check a cultural calendar and include an experience like holi. It’s a great way to meet people, learn about the true culture, and have tons of fun while you’re at it!
Have you experienced the holi celebrations of India? Tell us about it.
TRADITIONAL DISHES THAT ARE ASSOCIATED WITH THE HOLI FESTIVAL19
Holi is a festival of colors, Joy, and togetherness, and traditional dishes are essential in the celebration. Here are some of the Popular dishes that are associated with the holi festival:
Gujiya
Gujiya is a sweet dumpling made of refined flour and stuffed with a mixture of khoya, grated coconut, and dry fruits. It is deep-fried and then dipped in sugar syrup, making it a delicious dessert that is a must-have during holi.
Dahi Bhalla
Dahi Bhalla is a Popular snack made of lentil balls soaked in spiced yogurt and topped with tamarind chutney, green chutney, and sev. It is a refreshing and cooling dish that is perfect for the holi festivities.
Bhang Thandai
Bhang thandai is a drink made of milk, sugar, and thandai powder, which is a mixture of spices, nuts, and seeds. It is often mixed with bhang, which is a traditional drink made of cannabis leaves and is consumed during holi for its psychoactive effects.
Puran Poli
Puran poli is a sweet flatbread made of wheat flour and stuffed with a mixture of Chana dal, jaggery, and cardamom. It is usually served with ghee and is a Popular dish in Maharashtra during holi.
Papri Chaat
Papri chaat is a tangy and spicy snack made of crispy papris, boiled potatoes, chickpeas, and various chutneys. It is a Popular street food in north India and is often served during holi celebrations.
Thandai
Thandai is a refreshing drink made of milk, sugar, and thandai powder, which is a mixture of various spices, nuts, and seeds. It is a popular drink during holi and is often served cold.
WHICH COUNTRIES CELEBRATE HOLI FESTIVAL OTHER THAN INDIA17
The holi festival, also known as the “festival of colors,” is primarily a Hindu festival celebrated in India and Nepal. However, with the growing popularity of the festival, it has spread to other parts of the world, and people from different cultures and nationalities have started celebrating it. Here are some of the countries where holi is celebrated other than India:
Nepal
Holi is a popular festival celebrated among the Nepali community, especially the Hindu population. During the festival, Nepali people participate in various activities to celebrate the occasion. Playing with colors is the main activity during Holi celebrations in Nepal. People throw colored powder and water at each other, creating a festive and colorful atmosphere. Music and dance are also important parts of Holi celebrations, with people playing traditional instruments and dancing to folk songs. Holi is also a time for feasting, with people preparing and sharing sweets and savory dishes with family and friends. In addition, Holi is often celebrated as a community festival, where people come together to play with colors, dance, and enjoy festive food and drinks. Overall, Holi is a time for Nepali people to forget their differences and come together in the spirit of togetherness and love.
Bangladesh
Holi, the festival of colors, is not traditionally celebrated in Bangladesh, but in recent years, it has gained popularity among the youth. Holi celebrations in Bangladesh combine traditional Hindu customs with local Bangladeshi culture. The celebration usually starts with the lighting of a bonfire on the night before the festival, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. On the day of Holi, people come together to play with colors, throw colored powder and water at each other, and smear each other’s faces with colorful paints. Music and dance are also an important part of the festival, with people playing traditional instruments and dancing to folk songs. Feasting is another significant aspect of Holi celebrations in Bangladesh, with people preparing and sharing sweets and savory dishes. Holi is a unique celebration that provides an opportunity for cultural exchange and brings people of different backgrounds and communities together in the spirit of togetherness and love.
West Bengal celebrates Holi as the ‘Dol Jatra’. Here the people celebrate this day by placing the idols of Krishna and Radha on a Palki (Palanquin) and they carry them around and play with Abir (Gulal). It is a ritual on this day for younger to seek blessings from elders by touching their feet with colors.
Sri Lanka
SHRI LANKA
Holi is not widely celebrated in Sri Lanka as it is mainly a Hindu festival that is observed in India and Nepal. However, there is a small Hindu community in Sri Lanka that celebrates Holi, and there are a few places where you can join in the festivities.
One of the most popular places to celebrate Holi in Sri Lanka is at the Sri Sivasubramaniya Swami Temple in Colombo, which hosts a large Holi festival every year. The temple is decorated with colorful lights, and there are various cultural performances and traditional rituals that take place throughout the day.
If you’re not able to attend the festival at the temple, you can still celebrate Holi in Sri Lanka with your friends and family by organizing a small gathering at home or in a public park. You can buy Holi colors online or from local Indian shops, and use them to play with your friends and family. You can also prepare traditional Holi sweets like gujiya, mathri, and thandai to enjoy with your loved ones.
It’s important to note that while Holi is a fun and colorful festival, it’s also important to celebrate it in a safe and respectful manner. Make sure you use safe and non-toxic colors and respect the cultural significance of the festival.
USA(UNITED STATES OF AMERICA)
Holi is a traditional Hindu festival that is widely celebrated in India, but it has also gained popularity in other parts of the world, including the United States. Here are some ways you can celebrate Holi in the USA:
- Attend a Holi Festival: Several cities in the US organize Holi festivals, where people come together to play with colors, dance to music, and enjoy traditional Indian food. Check out your local Indian community or cultural center to see if they are organizing a Holi festival.
- Host Your Own Holi Party: You can also organize your own Holi party at home or in a community space. Invite friends and family and make sure to have plenty of colorful powder or gulal on hand, along with traditional Indian snacks and sweets.
- Play with Natural Colors: If you prefer a more eco-friendly celebration, you can use natural colors made from flowers or plants instead of synthetic powders. You can buy these natural colors online or make them yourself by grinding flowers like marigolds, hibiscus, or rose petals into a fine powder.
- Learn About Holi Traditions: Holi has many cultural and historical significances in Hindu mythology, and it’s a great opportunity to learn about them. Watch documentaries or read about the story of Holi, learn traditional songs and dances, or cook a festive meal with traditional recipes.
- Share the Joy: Holi is a time for forgiveness, unity, and spreading happiness. You can share the joy of Holi with others by volunteering, donating to charity, or doing small acts of kindness for friends and strangers.
United Kingdom
Holi festival is celebrated in the United Kingdom with great enthusiasm and fervor, especially by the Indian community. The most popular activity during Holi is playing with colors, Cultural Programs, Feast, Holi parties, Charity Events, and Bonfire. Overall, the Holi festival in the UK is a vibrant and colorful celebration that brings people together to celebrate unity, joy, and love.
These are some of the countries where holi is celebrated other than India, and the celebrations often reflect the local culture and traditions of the region while also incorporating the fun and Joy of the festival.
TIPS ON HOLI CELEBRATION17
If you’re planning to celebrate the holi festival, here are some tips to help you have a safe and enjoyable experience:
- Wear clothes you Don’t mind getting stained: Holi is a festival of colors, so wear clothes that you Don’t mind getting stained with colors. You can also wear white clothes to enhance the effect of the colors.
- Apply oil on your skin and hair: Apply oil on your skin and hair to protect them from harsh colors. You can use coconut oil or any other oil that suits your skin and hair.
- Use natural colors: Try to use natural colors made from flowers and herbs, rather than synthetic colors that can harm your skin and eyes.
- Protect your eyes: Wear sunglasses or use protective eyewear to prevent the colors from getting into your eyes.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water and fluids to stay hydrated, especially if you’re playing outside in the Sun.
- Respect boundaries: Respect the boundaries and wishes of others. If someone doesn’t want to play with colors, Don’t force them.
- Be mindful of others’ safety: Don’t throw colors in someone’s face or use water balloons that can hurt someone. Be Aware of others’ safety and well-being.
- Clean up responsibly: Clean up after the celebrations, and Don’t leave behind any trash or debris.
By following these tips, you can have a safe and enjoyable holi festival, filled with colors, music, and fun.