Holi festival of colors commemorates the triumph of good over evil. Every year, Indians welcome spring with a splash of color. Multiple colors, traditional delicacies, and camaraderie mark the blooming of flowers. You will find a huge celebration of this festival in most of the parts of India, but there are places that are more of a view than other.
The biggest celebrations can be witnessed in Mathura and Vrindavan. People from all over the world gather here to celebrate the big day. Officially, holy lasts for two days, but the celebrations are planned on the day after the full moon in the month of March. People spend the day loaded with multiple colors, having parties, dancing under water sprinklers, and drinking bhang. On the occasion of Holi, you cannot avoid the special drink made from cannabis plants.
Legends say the name Holi was awarded by Lord Krishna, who liked to play with colors and water. On the eve of the festival, Holika is burned, which is mainly in the form of bonfire created with many of Hindu rituals. The carefree festival has always been fun to participate in along with a great chance to relish on Indian delicacies.
Holi is a very popular festival in India and is also known as the festival of colors. On this day, young and old people alike come out of their homes dressed in white and apply color on each other’s faces. There is a lot of loud music, amazing food, and water. Holi is one of those feel-good festivals that is intended to show people a good time and spend some time with each other amidst a lot of color and water.
The festival of Holi is somewhat similar to that of Tomatina, celebrated in the town of Buñol, Spain. The only difference is that Tomatina is played and celebrated with crushed tomatoes whereas, on Holi, people get to witness a multitude of colors strewn on people, streets and the air.
History of Holi
Holi has a deep and very memorable history behind it that goes back to Indian mythology. The history of Holi is also rather interesting that surprisingly, not many people are aware of. It is an ancient Indian festival that was initially called “Holika.” This festival has its roots in the past religious history of India, and it is believed that the Aryans formerly celebrated this festival with a lot of pomp and show.
It is also believed that Holi came into existence several centuries prior to Christ. That said, people believe that the meaning of this festival has changed over time. Initially, married women performed special rites for the wellbeing and happiness of their families. They also worshipped the full moon (Raka). Holi also has its roots in the Puranas and Vedas of ancient Hindu mythology. It also gives reference to the old sculptures on the walls of ancient Hindu temples.
The festival of Holi is celebrated amongst Hindus as well as non-Hindus in several parts of India as well as South Asia. Besides India as well as Nepal, countries such as Jamaica, Trinidad, and Tobago, Malaysia, Guyana, The United Kingdom, Fiji as well as South Africa also celebrate this spring celebration of frolic, colors, and love.
Why Is Holi Celebrated in India?
As mentioned above, Holi is celebrated in India due to its ancient mythology. In addition to that, there are countless other reasons why people celebrate and enjoy Holi every year. This festival, which is celebrated in India and many other parts of the world in spring brings families, friends and loved ones together.
It is all about spending time with your loved ones, enjoying yourself with some good music and relishing amazing dishes and desserts. On this special festival, people also forget their work and worries as they drown themselves in a lot of relaxation and rejuvenation.
Holi is also synonymous with typical dishes such as Gujiya and Thandai. In addition to that, people enjoy Bhaang, which is nothing but almond milk or Thandai mixed with a healthy dose of marijuana leaves. Therefore, it is evident that Holi is a festival on which people have a lot of fun and frolic with friends, family and loved ones.