By Sanjay Jha, Author
Holi, also known as the Festival of Colors or the Festival of Love, is one of the most popular Hindu festivals celebrated across India and other parts of the world. It is a two-day festival that falls in the month of March, usually around the full moon day (Purnima) of the Hindu lunar month of Phalguna.
The origins of Holi can be traced back to Hindu mythology, where it is believed to have originated from the legend of Prahlad and Hiranyakashyap. Hiranyakashyap was a powerful demon king who was arrogant and believed himself to be a god. However, his son Prahlad was a devoted follower of Lord Vishnu and refused to worship his father. This angered Hiranyakashyap, and he tried to kill Prahlad many times. Finally, with the help of his sister Holika, who had a boon that made her immune to fire, he planned to burn Prahlad alive. But the plan backfired, and Holika was burned to ashes while Prahlad emerged unharmed. This event is celebrated as Holi, with the burning of Holika and the victory of good over evil.
Holi is a time when people come together to celebrate the victory of good over evil, the arrival of spring, and the joy of life. It is a time when people forget their differences and celebrate their unity and love for each other. The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and energy, and it is a time when people dance, sing, and play with colors.
On the first day of Holi, people light a bonfire called Holika Dahan, which symbolizes the burning of evil and the triumph of good. The bonfire is made by collecting wood and other combustible materials in a public place. People gather around the bonfire and offer prayers to Lord Vishnu and other deities. They also sing and dance around the fire, throwing popcorn and coconut in it, as a symbol of offering.
On the second day of Holi, people celebrate by playing with colors, water, and flowers. They apply colored powder and water on each other's faces and clothes, and drench each other in water. People also sing and dance to traditional Holi songs, and enjoy traditional Holi delicacies such as gujiya, mathri, and thandai.
Holi is a time when people forget their differences and come together to celebrate life. It is a time when people spread love and happiness, and forgive each other for their mistakes and misunderstandings. Holi is not just a festival of colors, but it is a celebration of life and everything that it has to offer.
However, in recent years, the festival has come under criticism due to the misuse of chemical colors, which can cause skin and eye allergies, and are harmful to the environment. Therefore, it is recommended to use natural and organic colors made from flowers and herbs.
In conclusion, Holi is a beautiful festival that celebrates the triumph of good over evil, the arrival of spring, and the joy of life. It is a time when people come together to spread love and happiness, and forget their differences. Holi is a festival that reminds us to celebrate life and cherish the people around us.
