Holi- Festival of colors
Holi is a festival celebrated by Hindus around the world. Holi marks the beginning of spring and is usually celebrated at the end of February or early March. Participants in a Holi festival often throw brightly coloured powders and scented water at each other. Holi is a major festival in the Hindu religion.
The myth colored behind Holi: The evolution of the term Holi makes an interesting study in itself. Legend has it that Holi derives its name from Holika, the sister of the mythical megalomaniac king Hiranyakashipu who commanded everyone to worship him. But his little son Prahalad refused to do so as he was a devout follower of Vishnu, the great Preserver of the Universe.
Hiranyakashipu, angered by his son’s defiance, ordered his sister Holika to kill Prahalad and her, possessing the power to walk through fire unharmed, picked up the child and walked into a fire with him. Prahalad, however, chanted the many names of Lord Vishnu and was saved from the fire. Holika perished because she did not know that her powers were only effective if she entered the fire alone.
This myth has a strong association with the festival of Holi, and even this day there is a practice of creating a pyre the night before Holi and setting it alight as a symbolic burning of the demoness Holika. This is known as Holika Dahan.
Celebrating Holi: The second day of Holi is the main celebration. Traditionally, in states such as Rajasthan, water would have been scented and dyed with flower petals, but these days, commercially-prepared colors are used. Early risers will line up colors and arrange snacks on platters, while children fill ‘pichakaree ‘(water pistols) ready for action. The morning starts with an outdoor exchange of sweetmeats and powdered colors. This may involve an elegant light touch of color on foreheads in some households, while at the other end of the scale, a full-on soaking with a bucket of colored water sets the tone for the day ahead!
After a couple of hours of drinking and snacking, the kitchen swings into action, with a satisfying lunch. A lull follows, and revelers bathe and change into clean and neatly ironed clothes. This signifies the end of exuberant Holi activities, and stern words will be exchanged if anyone chucks color after this time.
Conclusion: We should celebrate Holi in a decent way. We must realize that it is a festival of joy and friendship. We should share our joy with others.
