ORIGIN AND MEANING
The Holi Festival, known as the Festival of Colours, has a mythical-religious origin and is linked to the triumph of good over evil, the celebration of love, and the arrival of spring. This festivity has deep roots in Hindu culture, with various legends explaining its significance.
One of the most well-known legends is the story of Holika, the wicked sister of King Hiranyakashipu, who attempted to kill her nephew Prahlada in a bonfire. Thanks to the intervention of the god Vishnu, Prahlada was saved while Holika perished in the flames, symbolising the triumph of good over evil. This story not only reflects this victory but also highlights the power of devotion and divine protection.
Another popular legend is that of Radha and Krishna, where Krishna, envious of Radha’s fair complexion, painted her face with colours, giving rise to the tradition of applying pigments during Holi. This story explains the use of colours in the festival, representing love and equality. Krishna’s act symbolises unity and the elimination of differences based on skin colour.
Each colour used during Holi carries its own significance. Red represents love and fertility, blue symbolises the deity Krishna, yellow signifies turmeric and health, while green represents spring and new beginnings.
WHAT DOES THE CELEBRATION INVOLVE?
The celebration of Holi spans two days. The first day, known as Holika Dahan or Chhoti Holi, is marked by the lighting of bonfires at night, symbolising the burning of Holika and the victory of good over evil. People gather around the fire to sing, dance, and pray, leaving the past behind and welcoming a new beginning.
The second day, commonly associated with Holi, is known as Rangwali Holi or Dhulhendi. It is characterised by an explosion of colours. People take to the streets and throw coloured powders, called gulal, and coloured water at each other. This day transforms into a grand communal celebration where social differences fade, and everyone comes together in joy and camaraderie.
WHEN AND WHERE SHOULD YOU TRAVEL?
The Holi Festival is celebrated annually during the last full moon of the Hindu month of Phalguna, which falls between late February and mid-March. To experience Holi at its best, some of the top places to visit in India include:
- Mathura and Vrindavan: Sacred cities associated with Krishna, where celebrations are particularly vibrant and traditional.
- Barsana: Known for its unique Lathmar Holi, where women playfully hit men with sticks.
- Udaipur: Offers a royal celebration with processions and rituals organised by the Mewar royal family.
- Delhi: The capital provides a mix of traditional and modern celebrations, featuring music, dance, and large-scale festivities.
REGIONAL VARIANTS
While Holi is globally recognised as the Festival of Colours, it has various regional variants within India. In West Bengal, it is celebrated as Dol Jatra or Dol Purnima, where Radha and Krishna effigies are worshipped. In Anandpur Sahib, Hola Mohalla is celebrated a day after Holi, featuring martial arts and displays. In Manipur, Yaosang is a five-day festival with traditional dances and rituals. In Barsana, Lathmar Holi sees women playfully hitting men with sticks.
HOLI CUISINE
Food is an essential part of Holi celebrations. Families gather to enjoy traditional dishes like gujiyas (pastries filled with dried fruits), mathri (spiced flour biscuits), papad (fried bean flour crisps), malpua (sweet pancakes with sugar and coconut), and thandai (a drink made with almonds, milk, sugar, spices, and rose petals). These delicacies not only add flavour to the festivities but also strengthen family and community bonds.
BEYOND THE FESTIVAL
Holi is not just a festival of colours; it is a spiritual and cultural celebration that brings people and communities together. During Holi, social barriers are broken, and everyone joins in the festivities. It is a time to forgive and forget, mend relationships, and start anew. Celebrating Holi in India or Nepal offers a unique opportunity to experience the region’s rich culture and traditions, as well as the joy and camaraderie that characterise this vibrant and lively festival.
