Holi, is
celebrated every year on Poonam (Full-Moon Day). One day before Holi, is
celebrated as victory of “Good” over “Evil”. It also signifies the arrival of
Spring and end of winters. This festival is celebrated to rebond with old
friends and forgive each other. It symbolizes a fresh and new start of healthy
relationships with colors, laughter and playful manner.
In villages
our farmers burn Holika and submit the new harvest of wheat to goddess Holika
as the thanksgiving of good harvest. This “Holika Dahan” is done one night
before “dhulandi”. Holika was the sister of demon King Hiranyakashyap. Her sister
was blessed that if she wears a shawl given by gods, she will not be burned or
affected by fire. Prahalad was his son and was an ardent follower of Lord
Vishnu. The king hated his son so he tells his sister Hollika to take Prahalad
in her arms and sit on a fire bed to punish Prahalad. But as soon as Hiranyakashyap
sets fire the holy shawl was taken away by wind and the Hollika dies due to
burning and Prahalad was left unaffected and saved by Lord Vishnu. Then Lord
Vishnu takes the avatar of “Narsimha” and kills Hiranyakashyap.
Since then, Hollika is burnt every year and next
day is celebrated as Holi, the festival of colors, forgiveness and victory of
Good over Evil. Dhulandi is widely celebrated in India and Nepal. But it is also
celebrated in United States, Canada, Jamaica and several other countries with
Indian population.
On this day,
people roam in groups and carry drums and other musical instruments to dance
and play Holi with everyone in the city.
People visit their enemies today and play colors with them.
Children throw
colored water filled balloons and play with colors. They spray colored water on
each other with water-guns commonly known as “Pichkari”. Several snacks are
prepared at home for the celebration. People eat Gujiya, Chakli and khopra barfi
etc. we all should celebrate this festival forgiving and forgetting all grudges
and disputes.
For Holi accessories click here.
For Holi accessories click here.
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