HOLI - The Spring Festival Of India

Holi is one of the most colorful and vibrant festivals celebrated in India.It falls on Phalgun Purnima which comes in the February end or early March.

It is an ancient Hindu festival but it is celebrated by non-hindus in some parts of the country.Holi celebrations start with a Holika bonfire on the night before Holi where people gather, sing and dance.It is often said that modern Holi celebrations are started in  Mathura and Vrindavan by Lord Krishna himself.

History : 

Holi has a detailed description in the ancient Vedas and Puranas such as ‘Narad Purana’ and ‘Bhavishya Purana’. The festival of Holi also finds detailed descriptions in the Jaimini Mimansa. During an excavation, a stone inscription of 300 BC was found at Ramgarh and this stone inscription has mention of ‘Holikotsav’ i.e. the ‘celebrations of Holi’ written on it. Apart from the reference in the religious and historical texts, Holi also finds a reference in the sculptures on walls of old temples. A 16th century temple at Hampi, the capital of Vijayanagar (now in Karnataka) has a panel sculpted with the joyous scene of Holi celebrations.

Legends :

 There are several Legends associated with this festival.

"Holika", the evil sister of demon king Hiranyakashipu.King Hiranyakashipu had earned a boon that made him virtually indestructible. The special powers blinded him, he grew arrogant, felt he was God, and demanded that everyone worship only him.

Hiranyakashipu's own son, Prahlada, however, disagreed. He was and remained devoted toVishnu. This infuriated Hiranyakashipu. He subjected Prahlada to cruel punishments, none of which affected the boy or his resolve to do what he thought was right. Finally, Holika - Prahlada's evil aunt - tricked him into sitting on a pyre with her. Holika was wearing a cloak (shawl) that made her immune to injury from fire, while Prahlada was not. As the fire roared, the cloak flew from Holika and encased Prahlada. Holika burned, Prahlada survived. Vishnu appeared and killed Hiranyakashipu. The bonfire is a reminder of the symbolic victory of good over evil, of Prahlada over Hiranyakashipu, of fire that burned Holika. The day after Holika bonfire is celebrated as Holi.

It is believed that Lord Shiva burned Kaamadeva on the day of Holi.On this eve holy is celebrated.There is a symbolic myth behind commemorating Krishna as well. Baby Krishna transitioned into his characteristic dark blue skin colour because a she demon Putana poisoned him with her breast milk. In his youth, Krishna despairs whether fair skinned Radha and other Gopikas(girls) will like him because of his skin colour. His mother, tired of the desperation, asks him to approach Radha and colour her face in any colour he wanted. This he does, and Radha and Krishna became a couple. The playful colouring of the face of Radha has henceforth been commemorated as Holi.

Traditions & Rituals :

The actual celebrations takes place before the night of Holi. The ritual of Holika Dahan takes place. It is actually the burning of the effigy of the devil sister of demon King Hiranyakashyap who tried to kill the devotee of Lord Vishnu, Hiranyakashyap's son Prahlad. Theis ritual marks the beginning of holi celebrations. It is also known as Holi Bonfire.

 However, the lot of enthusiasm and fun as very early in the morning the color play begins in the surroundings. People enthusiastically drench each other into water and colors. Some people also use color filled balloons and sprayers on the occasion to spray colors on others. 

Some tips to be followed for Safe Holi :

• It is almost impossible to  save yourself face from attack of colors on Holi, so while being attacked, keep your eyes and lips tightly closed.
• While washing off the color from your face, use lukewarm water and keep your eyes and lips tightly closed.
• Do not make use of harmful colors for Holi. This will not only prove harmful to your playmates, but also spoil your Holi. Make use of herbal colors for the festival.
• If you are travelling on this day shut your Vehicle glasses. 

2017 Date : 13th March, Monday.