|
|
|
The Indian Festival Of Holi!
Holi
- The Hindu Festival of Colors, India
|
|
India is a land of diverse cultures and
traditions. Being a vast country, India is proud to have a
rich cultural heritage that is evident from its plethora of festivals
which are celebrated all year round in this magnificent country. Among its most popular festivals is the
festival of Holi, also known as the 'Celebration of Colours'.
Falling in
the month of March, Holi is one of the most colourful and widely
celebrated India festival of all. Most is most significant about this
festival is the fact that people from all religions come together as one
to celebrate this popular festival.
|
Mythological Significance
of Holi
If we were to discuss the Mythological
significance of the festival of Holi, we would have to go back to the time
when a devil King Hiranyakshyap ruled his kingdom. The king considered
himself God and expected everyone to regard him as God as well. However,
much to his anger, the king faced opposition from his own son Prahlad who
was a devout believer of Lord Vishnu.
This angered the proud king who turned to his
sister Holika who was blessed with the ability to enter a blazing fire and
come out of it unscathed. Holika entered a blazing fire with Prahlad in
her lap, with full conviction that Prahlad would be burnt alive. However,
the plan backfired and much to everyone's surprise, Holika was burnt alive
while Prahlad came out of the fire without a single wound. This legendary story affirmed the fact that
true and complete faith in God could make the impossible possible!
Traditions Associated With
Holi
Each year, on the first day of Holi
festivities, bonfires are lit to signify the burning of King
Hiranyakashipu's sister Holika. It is believed that, through this bonfire,
all the negativities and evils are put to an end. Hindus pray for
happiness, positive vibes and peace in their lives as they go around the
bonfire.
On the second day of Holi festivities,
also known as Dhuleti, people come out of their homes, visit friends and
family and spend the day playing with coloured powder and water mixed with
vibrant colors. Applying color and throwing water on each other is a trend
that is thoroughly enjoyed by both young and old.
If you were to look around yourself on
Holi day, you would see a rainbow of colors all around you - red, blue,
green, orange, yellow...
What to Watch Out For
While enjoying the festivities of Holi, we
should not forget to respect the feelings of others.
- Don't force colors on those who do not
want to play.
- Don't go overboard with enjoying the
festival - avoid drinking, driving under the influence of alcohol.
-
Play Holi the Eco Friendly Way
with colors that do not harm the skin.
Have a
safe and enjoyable holi!
Happy Holi!
|
|
|
|
