Holi
Holiday
Holi is the Hindu festival of colours that symbolizes the vibrant colours of the oncoming Spring season and consequently the end of Winter. According to the Hindu calendar, it begins on the full moon night of Phalguna. This corresponds to March 25, 2024.
Holi will coincide with the first lunar eclipse of 2024 on March 25. This is a significant event as it is happening after 100 years. The estimated time of the eclipse is 10:23 am to 3:02 pm. However, reports suggest that it will not be visible from India.
People joyfully throw colours at each other on this day. This festival holds much significance for Hindus as it commemorates the beautiful bond between Krishna and Radha and also the victory of good over evil.
Holi typically lasts for two days. It is a gazetted holiday so schools and businesses remain closed.
Holi Celebration in India
People all over India celebrate the Festival of Colours with a lot of vigour and enthusiasm. The celebration and rituals might vary from place to place.
- The first day or the day before Holi, also known as Holika Dahan, and Choti Holi, is marked by a bonfire. It will take place on March 24 in 2024.
- People joyfully engage in the tradition of splashing vibrant colours, occasionally blending them with water, as part of a celebratory ritual. Beware of water guns, and water balloons as mischievous kids attack strangers day and night on streets.
- Sweets are an indispensable part of the Holi celebration. Barfis, Gujiya, Malpua, and Thandai are some of the sweets typically consumed on this day.
- On Holi, people visit their family, friends and loved ones.
The Legendary Tales behind Holi
The Tale of the Evil King Hiranyakashipu
There was once a proud and wicked King called King Hiranyakashipu. He considered himself the supreme God and commanded his subjects to obey him and only him.
However, he had a son called Prahlad who was a devotee of Lord Vishnu. One day, the King called him son and asked:
"Now, my son, you are very clever. But what is the most important thing you have learned at school?"
To this, Prahlad replied:
" That you are the King. But Lord Vishnu is God, and he is greater than everyone"
This angered King Hiranyakashipu. Despite commanding him to worship him only, Prahlad bluntly refused. Thus, the King decided to punish him.
He tried a lot of things- throwing him off the cliff, throwing him in front of a giant elephant, and a pit filled with poisonous snakes. However, Prahlad couldn't be killed as Lord Vishnu protected him every time. The soldiers even tried to kill him with their swords but of no use.
Left with no option, King Hiranyakashipu asked his witch sister Holika to do something. Holika hatched an evil plan in order to kill Prahlad.
She lit a huge bonfire in front of the palace and asked Prahlad to walk with her in the fire. Holika was blessed with immunity to fire, never to be consumed by its flames. She decided to leave Prahlad in the fire. However, this backfired as Lord Vishnu protected him while Holika burnt.
After that, Lord Vishnu took the form of half a lion and half a human called Narasimha to kill the evil King Hiranyakashipu. Thus, Holi symbolises the victory of good over evil.
The Story of Lord Krishna and Radha
There is another tale about Lord Krishna that is remembered by his worshippers on this day.
On one particular day in Spring, Krishna was walking with his beloved Radha and the other gopis. In a mischievous attempt, he threw some colours on Radha. She in turn threw some colors playfully on him. This turned into a whole game between Krishna, Radha and the other gopis. This day came to be known as Holi.
The Tale of Shiva and Parvati
There is another Hindu mythological story linked to Holi. It is said that Goddess Parvati fell in love with Lord Shiva. Kama, the God of Love, decided to help them.
However, when God Kama tried to shoot his arrow of love, Lord Shiva activated his third eye of destruction and burnt Kama to ashes. Later, Goddess Parvati revived him and this day is celebrated as Holi.
Follow These Tips For a Fun and Safe Holi
- Chemical colours are harsh on your skin. Thus, try to use organic, chemical-free products that are skin-friendly. Also apply a layer of coconut, olive or almond oil before applying colours as it prevents the colour from getting into your skin and hair.
- Please remember that chemical Holi colours are also dangerous for animals. Moreover, loud music might also scare them so please try to keep them indoors and be responsible towards your furry friends this Holi.
- Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes as they are very sensitive and accidental contact with chemical colours or water might irritate them.
- Do not drink and drive on Holi. It is a time when people drink bhang (a drink made with cannabis) and alcohol. The cases of drunk driving in India have also seen a significant rise during Holi.
- Please remember that consent is very important. Always ask for consent before applying colours to someone, and be mindful of people who may not want to participate in the festivities.
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