Holi

Vibrant Hues: Celebrating the joy of Holi Festival

With the advent of Holi, nature seems to chuckle with delight, joining in the festive spirit. Fresh leaves adorn the trees, birds sing in sweet jubilation, and the melodious notes of the cuckoo create a symphony of welcome. A delightful ambiance envelops everything ,painting the world with the hues of happiness. Really in this moment, the earth seems no less than heaven. Happiness all around.

Holi is recognized as a festival that commemorates the fruitful harvest and the beginning of the spring season. 

In Hindu tradition ,the festival of Holi unfolds with Basant Panchami, the time when devotees offer powdered colours also called Gulal to Goddess Saraswati. Truely, Basant Panchami marks the onset of Holi. In villages people begin playing Holi with an array of vibrant colours from Basant Panchami.

Holi,the vibrant festival of colours ,holds a significant place among all Hindu festivals. In the northern states of India ,it takes center stage as the primary festival.

For many ,Holi is not just a festival ;it is a journey back to their roots. People working in other states or abroad  return to their native towns or villages to celebrate Holi. Therefore, during the festive season, securing reservations for trains and flights for Holi is no easy task, Prompting many to make advanced bookings.

Numerous tales account the origins of the Holi festival,as chronicled in mythological texts.

One such legend speaks of a formidable king known as Hiranyakashipu,who demanded that all in his realm worship him as a diety.Yet ,his own son ,the devout Prahlad, remained steadfast in his devotion to Lord Vishnu,defying his father's commands.

In a cunning scheme ,the king enlisted his sister ,Holika, who possessed immunity to fire, to dispatch prahlad.As they sat on a pyre, Holika intending harm to Prahlad, she succumed to the flames while Prahlad emerged unscathed.This age-old narrative of virtue conquering evil reverberates through the festivities of Holi.

 Another enchanting tale unfolds the divine love shared between Lord Radha and Lord Krishna. 

During this festive occasion, people joyfully engage in throwing coloured powder and splashing each other with water. 

Some even playfully toss balloons filled with vibrant colours at one another.Here different colours symbolises different shades of emotions like red signifies love and fertility while green represents new beginnings .

The streets come alive with laughter and excitement.It is a time when differences fade away , and joy becomes the universal language spoken by all.

India celebrates Holi under various names, each distinctive to its respective state , adding a unique touch to the festival.The same Holi called by different names are 

1. Royal Holi - Rajasthan 
2. Hola Mohalla - Punjab
3. Shigma or Rang Panchami -Maharastra
4. Lathmar Holi -Uttar pradesh 
5. Phaguwa - Bihar
6. Yaosang -Manipur  
7. Dol Jatra or Basant Utsav -West Bengal
8. Dola - Odisha
9. Ukuli -Kerala
10. Shigmo - Goa

In the Indian culture , the Holi festivities in Mathura and Vrindavan are highly significant as they are the birthplaces of Lord Krishna.

Masan Holi

A very unique kind of Holi celebrated  in India called Masan Holi .It is a type of Holi in which people play with the ashes of cremation pyres. This Holi is played at the Manikarnika Ghat crematorium in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.

During this  two- day festival, people savor various types of dishes such as Malpua, Dahi Bhalle,Puran Poli, Gujiya and many others.

Regardless of the name under which Holi is celebrated , the essence remains unchanged: setting aside all grievances, people embrace one another,sharing the hues of love through food, songs, and heartfelt embraces.

 

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