Holi is the festival of colors celebrated after the advent of spring. Popularly known as the spring festiva, Holi is celebrated on the full moon day in the month of March. According to the mythological tales, King Hiranyakashyap was defeated by Lord Vishnu and his son Prahlad was saved from Holika’s ill intentions. It is a victory of good over evil, and is celebrated with traditional Holika Dahan.
The festival of Holi
Holi is mainly celebrated in states of Delhi, Madhya-Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat.
North India Holi celebrations:
States like Maharashtra, Haryana, Punjab and Gujarat celebrate this fete with the Matka tradition. Pots filled with butter-milk are hung at great height. Men make human-pyramids and break this pot. Women obstruct them by throwing water or strings made with sari.
Eastern India Holi celebrations:
West Bengal celebrates this festival of colors with special event called Dol Jatra or the Swing Festival. Idols of Shree Krishna and Radha are kept on swings and devotees take turns to handle the swings. In Orissa however, idol of Shree Jagannath is placed on the swing with Radha. In Manipur, this fete is observed along with centuries old festival called Yaosang.
Central India Holi celebrations:
Central India celebrations are the best in the country. In places of Mathura, Vrindavan, Phalen and Gokul Holi celebrations are not just a day’s affair but go on for a week. The spectacular color play along with the famous Latthmaar ritual is one of the best that you can be a part of, in Barsana Dham.
Southern India Holi celebrations:
Southern India celebrates this festival by visiting temples and praying to Lord Vishnu and his incarnations.
Food and drinks form an important part of the fete along with the rituals. Religious ceremonies, special prayers and processions take place on the day or on the next day.
The festival of colors:
Holi is enjoyed by people across all ages. Smearing Gulal or drenching each other with water on the day is just a part of the celebration. Visiting relatives, savoring meals and delicacies together and chilling out with glasses of Thandai add to the fun of the festival. Expressing the festive spirt of Holi through songs is an age-old tradition. Some of the famous songs for this occasion are:
"Holi Aayee Holi Aayee Dekho Holi Aayee Re-2
Khelo Khelo Rang Hai Koi Apne Sang Hai Bheega Bheega Ang Hai
Holi Aayee Holi Aayee Dekho Holi Aayee Re-2
Behki Behki Chaal Hai Chehra Neela Laal Hai Deewane Kya Haal Hai"
“Mohe chhedo na
O mohe chhedo na nand ke lala
Ki main hi brij bala
Nahi main radha teri
Mohe chhedo na nand ke lala
Ki main hi brij bala
Nahi main radha teri”
“Aisi rang de ke rang nahi chhute
dhobiya dhoye chahe yeh sari umaria
Lal na rangaun mein hari na rangaun
apane hi ranga men rangade chunariya.”
The festival of colors is known for being a uniting factor in a country like India, which celebrates multi-cultural presence.
Add Holi songs like “Holi ke din ran gkheel jaate”
