Happy Holi – Updated Report

Updated : Holi celebration in Mangalore

The festival of  Holi can be regarded as a celebration of the Colors of Unity & Brotherhood – an opportunity to forget all differences and indulge in unadulterated fun. It has traditionally been celebrated in high spirit without any distinction of cast, creed, color, race, status or sex. It is one occasion when sprinkling colored powder (‘gulal’) or colored water on each other breaks all barriers of discrimination so that everyone looks the same and universal brotherhood is reaffirmed. This is one simple reason to participate in this colorful festival.

Why is holi Celebrate?

 “Holi’ comes from the word ‘hola’, meaning to offer oblation or prayer to the Almighty as Thanksgiving for good harvest. Holi is celebrated every year to remind people that those who love God shall be saved and they who torture the devotee of God shall be reduced to ashes a la the mythical character Holika.

Who is Holika?

Holi is also associated with the Puranic story of Holika, the sister of demon-king Hiranyakashipu. The demon-king punished his son, Prahlad in a variety of ways to denounce Lord Narayana. He failed in all his attempts. Finally, he asked his sister Holika to take Prahlad in her lap and enter a blazing fire. Holika had a boon to remain unburned even inside fire. Holika did her brother’s bidding. However, Holika’s boon ended by this act of supreme sin against the Lord’s devotee and was burnt to ashes. But Prahlad came out unharmed.

What is the connection between Lord Krishna and Holi?

Holi is also associated with the Divine Dance known as Raaslila staged by Lord Krishna for the benefit of his devotees of Vrindavan commonly known as Gopis. Hindu mythology says that Lord Krishna would go to Barsana village, where his lover Radha resided, and would tease her and her friends, known as Gopis, with colours. However, Radha and the Gopis would chase Krishna and his friends out with sticks.

The legend also says that the dark-skinned Krishna was so jealous of the fair-skinned Radha that he would try to change her skin colour by sprinkling colours on her.

How is holi celebrated?

Holi is celebrated with great pomp across the country.

People of all castes and religions come together to soak in the happiness of this festival.

Holi celebration takes place with lot of joy and verve throughout the country. The enthusiasm of the people reaches its peak and matches with the nature which is in full bounty at the time of Holi.

Holi is being celebrated in Indian since time immemorial but the popularity of  Holi celebrations seems to be rising with every passing year. As no other festival gives so much liberty to the people  enjoy their hidden crazy self.

Another important part of the festival is a mildly intoxicating drink called thandai, mixed with Bhang paste, made from cannabis. Men consume the drink as a part of the festival celebrations.

Children particularly enjoy the festival as they throw water filled balloons at passersbyand if anybody stares at then they have ready answer, “Bura na mano Holi hai..” and evoke a smile on the irritated face. Besides, they have their water missiles, called pichkaris to drench the person from far and escape further drenching.

In the midst of these colouring games are savoured the mouth watering holi specialities like gujiya, malpuas, mathri, puran poli, dahi badas etc and downed with glasses full of thandai.

Holi celebrations that starts with the burning of Holika on the eve of Holi thus culminates with the lot of fun filled activities. However, at some places specially Mathura and Barsana Holi celebrations continue for a week as each major temple organise a Holi bash on different day. Lovers of the festival enjoy every moment to the hilt.