Most Interesting Facts about Holi Festival – Onkarcraft

Most Interesting Facts about Holi Festival

Meaning of Holi

Holi (also called Holaka or Phagwa) is a festival of colors, celebrated primarily in India. Celebrations are typically marked by the splashing of colors on family and friends.The festival falls on the day after the last full moon day of Falgun (early March) according to Hindu calendar.  It is a two day festival; the first day is known as Holika Dahan and the second day is known as Rangwali Holi. The  major intention of celebrating festival is to bring people together and generate a feeling of brotherhood and spread harmony all around.

Legends and Mythology

Holika Dahan 

Choti Holi Holika Dahan

The legend around Holi centers on an evil king named Hiranyakashipu. He forbade his son Prahlad from worshipping God Vishnu. His son refused to do so. Getting angry with his son, Hiranyakashipu challenged his son to sit on a pyre with his wicked aunt Holika who was believed to be immune to fire.His son accepted the challenge and prayed to Vishnu to keep him safe. When the fire started, Holika was burnt alive while Prahlad was survived. Thus, Holika Dahan is celebrated a day before Holi. On the eve of Holi, called Chhoti or Small Holi people gather at important crossroads and light huge bonfires, the ceremony is called Holika Dahan.

Lord Krishna and Radha Holi

Holi Krishna Rasleela

Legend of Lord Krishna is also associated with play with colors as the Lord started the tradition of play with colours by applying colour on his beloved Radha and other gopis. Gradually, the play gained popularity with the people and became a tradition.

Celebration of Playing of Colors

Day-1 Holika

People start collecting wood and other combustible material for lighting bonfire near temples, in parks or other open spaces. An effigy of Prahlad and Holika are placed on the top of the heap of woods. The effigy of Prahlad is made from non-combustible material while Holika’s effigy is made from combustible material. The event of lighting the pyre  is performed during evening on an auspicious time.  The heap of woods is set afire and chanting Mantras’ are performed to cast off all the evil spirits. The burning of Holika is symbolic of the triumph of good over evil. People round up, sing and dance.It is also believed that by worshipping Holika Dahan all the diseases and negative energies in their families will be eradicated.

Day-2 Holi

Great excitement can be seen on the next day when it is actually the time for the play of colours. Bright colours of gulal and abeer fill the air and people take turns in pouring colour water over each other. Children take special delight in spraying colours on one another with their pichkaris and throwing coloured powder, water balloons on passers by. Women and senior citizen form groups called tolis and move in colonies – applying colours and exchanging greetings. Songs, dance on the rhythm of dholak. After playing holi, many people get together again in the evening to celebrate the occasion with mouthwatering delicious food and desserts.

Festivals Importance

Happy Holi

Holi is an important festival of the Hindus. It is a festival of joy and color. It gives us the message of goodwill. It’s a great time to spend fun moments with our near and dear ones. On this occasion we forget our old quarrels and mix with all freely. At least for one day we forget social distinctions completely. There is no difference between the rich and the poor. It is a happy occasion when we forget our cares and anxieties. Holi gives us great joy.

Evils of Holi

Holi

Holi has some evils. Many people enjoy playing Holi in a dirty way.They take intoxicating bhang or alcohol in excess and spoil the spirit. Some, however, indulge in rowdy behavior and apply colors that are dangerous for health. They use paint, sticky grease, eggs, tomatoes to make it dirtier and whatever they do or use there is always a savior dialogue for everyone“ Bura Na Mano Holi Hai “. Some people sing indecent songs and abuse women.  This should never happen.

Holi Across the World

holi across the world

Holi has no bars and boundaries. It is celebrated around the world with gusto and zeal.Just as in India, people settled abroad also celebrate holi in the similar fashion. A Large numbers of people living in Nepal, Mauritius, Australia, America, UK and many other countries with Hindu Population celebrate this festival. Even in Muslim dominated countries like Bangladesh etc. Hindus celebrate their festivals with gaiety. Hindu community gather in temples and exchange greetings with their friends and relatives. They have fun with colors and sweets. In recent times, this festival has also gained acceptance among Non-Hindus as a spring festival of love and colors.

Conclusion

Holi encourages the feeling of brotherhood in society and even the enemies become friends on this special day. People from communities and religions participate in this colorful and joyous festival and spread the secular fabric of the country. The real spirit of the festival should be maintained. We should celebrate this festival in a decent way.

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