India’s most vivid, joyous festival; Holi celebrates the victory of good over evil, the arrival of spring and a time to play with colours. It’s an occasion that brings in unadulterated joy and mirth, fun and play, music and dance and of course, lots of bright colours. For many it is a festive day to meet others, play and laugh, forget and forgive, and repair broken relationships.
It is a two-day festival; the first day is known as Holika Dahan or Chhoti Holi and the second as Rangwali Holi or Dhulandi.
On the first day, typically at or after sunset, people light a bonfire to signify the burning of the demon Holika.
People gather around the fire, singing and dancing. The ritual symbolises the victory of good over evil.
People celebrate Holi by splashing water and smearing each other with colours, which is also known as ‘Gulal’. They spray people with coloured powders while dancing and singing. Wearing white for Holi has become something of an unwritten rule; people usually wear white on Holi just so that have all the different shades of Holi colours stand out on their clothes. While enojing the festivities you are bound to hear people saying Holi hai (It is Holi)!
With Holi comes a variety of dishes and delicacies which are prepared specially for the festival. Gujiya- a traditional sweet is synonymous with Holi; a deep-fried dumpling stuffed with a mixture milk solids and dried fruits. Thandai is yet another speciality; cold milk topped with almonds, saffron and spices.
While Holi is always associated with Hindu ethos, it has also been an integral part of Muslim culture and literature. Historical texts and accounts of Mughal India talk about emperor Akbar and Jahangir playing Holi. Bahadur Shah Zafar, the last Mughal emperor made Holi the official festival of the Red Fort. He even patronised a new genre of poetry called Hori, which was sung on the day of Holi. But much before the Mughals, it was the Muslim Sufi poets who took the festive opportunity of Holi to advocate love that transcends all boundaries.
There are always some things to keep in mind while celebrating the festival:
Play holi with natural homemade colours.
- Make sure that your face is well creamed/oiled before and after the play.
- Apply a thick coating of nail paint on your nails so that they remain protected and don’t get coloured!
- Oil your hair well, so that colour doesn’t stick on your hair and can be washed off easily later.
- Most import of all – have fun and enjoy the spirit of Holi.
Happy Holi everyone !
