|
| CelebrationsinWorld » Festivals of India » Holi |
Holi |
Holi is one of the most popular Hindu festivals and is most popular as the festival of colours. It falls on the day pf Phagun Purnima or on the full moon day in the month of Phagun, coinciding in February – March. Holi is a festival that definitely marks the harmony and integrity of people of all communities as everyone comes together to play with colours and drench one another in a riot of hues.
It is called by different names in the different parts of the country. While in most parts it is known as Holi, in the eastern parts of India it is called as Doljatra and in Bihar it is popular as Phagwa. Whatever be it, Holi is definitely a festival for all and people of all age groups come together to celebrate this festival of colours. |
|
|
Holi is a celebration extending to two days of fun and merrymaking. On the first day, lighting of a huge bonfire signifying the end of evil, is observed everywhere. Legends hold that Prahlad was a great devotee of Lord Vishnu. However, his father, the demon king Hiranyakashipu was strictly against this and tried numerous ways to discourage him. He in fact even tried to burn Prahlad to death. On this day his sister Holika is believed to have set fire on herself while taking Prahlad in her lap.
However, with god’s blessings Prahlad came out of the fire, un harmed while Holika was reduced to ashes. Thus on this day, even today, the bonfire symbolizing the burning holika is still observed that also implies the victory of good over evil. |
The second day of Holi is called as Dhulendi and is celebrated in India in great merriment. The entire country seems to have adorned a colourful blanket as each face is covered with numerous colours; each inch of land is covered with numerous hues. Traditionally it is believed that lord Krishna and his ‘Gopis’ played holi on this day in Vrindavan and even today it is a major festivity in the quaint town.
Celebrations of Holi are not complete without a lavish spread of delectable food to go along the celebrations. Sweets like ‘gujjia’ and ‘halwa’ and a special cool beverage called ‘thandai’ is prepared in every household of the country.
|
|
|
