Happy Holi

"Literally "Holi" signifies "burning" in Indian language. On this day, Holika is burnt in keeping with the legend of Prahlad the devotee of lord Vishnu, Bakt Prahlad, seated on the lap of demoness Holika, was saved from the effect of the fire by God and the demoness got burnt instead.

It was Lord Krishna, who popularised the tradition of Holi. The origin of the colorful and frolicking tone of Holi lies in the boyhood of Krishna. It all came up as part of his pranks, he used to play with his boyhood mates of Gokul and Vrindavan by drenching the village girls, with water and colors. At first it offended the girls. But they were so fond of this mischievous boy that soon their anger melted away, making it a popular sport in the village.

The same tradition has transpired through the ages, turning it into a community festival of the masses. As time kept flowing, the culture spread roots to other regions of the country. The Holi play of Krishna is documented in hundreds of ancient paintings, murals, sculptures and scriptures found across the subcontinent.

Holi is a harvest celebration marking the climax of spring. Bonfires are lit, marking both the end of winter and the death of evil, and proceeds from the seasonal harvest- grains, coconuts etc- offered to the flames. Usually this is a community celebration and people gather near the fire to fill the air with folk strains and dances. Crossroads. Sheaves of green gram and wheat are roasted in the bonfire and eaten.

The actual festival of Holi takes place the day after this known as dulhendi which involves plenty of colour throwing, prayer, fasting and feasting. People have fun throwing coloured powder and colourful water at each other, dancing and gambling over cards. Water balloons are thrown at friends and neighbours in the spirit of fun. Sometimes, mud baths are prepared and people are 'dunked' into this amidst much laughter and teasing.

The visitors carry colour (Known as 'abeer' or 'gulal') to pay their respects to elders by sprinkling some on their feet. The younger crowd is drenched with buckets of coloured water and pummeled with water balloons. 'Dholaks' or Indian drums are heard everywhere and the songs of Holi are carried by the voices of these merry-makers. There is no 'puja' or worship associated with this festival of colours. The special food items that are prepared for Holi are gujjia, papri and kanji ke vade. Meat dishes, like kofta curry, are also served. "

Há 2 anos pude experienciar esta festa in loco :) e a animação é mais que muita! Claro que, o ideal é fugir das celebrações preparadas para turistas e vivê-lo com os locais. Mesmo contra vontade do guia, "fugimos" para junto dos milhões que, nas ruas e nas suas casas, celebravam, em extase, a chegada da Primavera :)