As you say good bye to winters with the onset of summer season, you firstly enter the world of colors that signifies the arrival of the sacred festival – HOLI FESTIVAL . It is one of the most vibrant Indian festivals of spring season. It generally falls on Phalgun Purnima (full moon) in early March. In Assam, it is known as Phagwah & Dol Jatra in West Bengal.
Holi is the symbol of the traditional believes and values of Hindu epics. All Indian and other people joyfully celebrate the festival across the world. They use to put the colors of love & hug each other giving encouragement to humanism. Family and relatives who visit your home this day are forst greeted by bulk of colors & then they are served with delicious Holi eatables like Gujiya, Mathri, Malpua & many other drinks too.
History behind the Origin of Holi Festival
According to Mythology, there was an evil king Hrinyakashyapu who consider himself to be the God with the indestructible blessings. But his son Prahlad was a true devotee of Lord Vishnu. Hence, he tried to kill Prahlad by number of ways but always failed. At last, he ordered his sister Holika (was blessed not to get burnt by fire) to sit with Prahlad in fire. The result came when fire extinguished and Prahlad was alive, while Holika was burnt in her own fire.
The death of Holika signifies the win of good over evil powers & hence, people started to celebrate Holi as the festival of colors with lots of singing, dancing, & celebrating around the burning fire encouraging growth and happiness. Holika Dahan is celebrated just a day before Holi (Also known as Choti Holi).
Religious Significance of Holi Festival in different States
In Uttar Pradesh (UP), this Indian festival has its own way of celebration. The most famous part where Holi is celebrated in religious style is Mathura (Braj region) – Lord Krishna’s place. The festival continues here for 15 days and played with rain of flowers. The famous name here is Latthmaar Holi where the saga of Lord Krishna playing Holi with his Lover Radha & gopis is framed in a realistic manner.
In the West Bengal, this day is celebrated as Gaudiya Vaishnava OR Dol Jatra.
In Assam, Holi festival has its own style of celebration and is given the name Phagwah.
Also, in South India, many people worship Kaamadeva on this occasion, the love god of Indian Gods and Godesses.
Modern Celebration of Holi
With the modern style and trends, people love to dance & visit every nearby home to wish them Happy Holi. Apart from this, the playful Holi does not end up here itself. Everyone comes out from their homes well dressed and all cleaned in the evening, and joyfully hugs and greets everyone that entertains forgiveness and spirituality among them.
Have a Happy and Colorful Holi!
