Holi: what the clouds of colour in the Hindu festival mean
Holi is an exceptionally lively and enjoyable celebration that forms a significant part of the Hindu calendar. People observe it throughout India, with a predominant presence in the northern regions, Nepal, and other parts of south Asian expatriate communities.
Holi is a festival that changes its date according to the phases of the moon. However, it typically happens during February or March. For the year 2024, Holi will be celebrated on March 25th.
Individuals come together to participate in a festive tradition of throwing and rubbing colored powders, known as gulal, on each other. This ritual represents the arrival of spring, the reaping of crops, the emergence of new beginnings, and the victory of righteousness over wickedness. While there are multiple accounts in Hindu mythology that describe the significance of this festival, it is the striking and impressive visuals that make it an exciting occasion to take part in.
In my studies, I explore the religious and physical aspects of Hinduism, particularly in how it is practiced in modern times. I find the unity showcased during Holi to be truly heartening. People from different backgrounds and experiences join together, truly showcasing the force and connection of Hinduism.
Color Explosion
The festival of Holi is a lively and vivid celebration similar to other Hindu festivals. The powders used in the festivities usually come in red, yellow, and green, which are reminiscent of the colors of spring. However, each color holds a more personal meaning as well.
The hue that's often seen in wedding ceremonies is red and it represents fecundity. Yellow is deemed a fortunate shade. The color green signifies fresh starts.
In the past, Holi celebrants used to obtain the coloured powders from dried flowers and herbs with organic origins. Nowadays, the substances are artificially made. The participants of the festival scatter the powders on each other or apply them with their hands. Additionally, they may employ water-filled balloons or pichkaris (water pistols) to spray each other with coloured water, contributing to the festive ambiance of the event.
Partaking in Holi is an all-encompassing encounter. People unite and blend in with the enchantment of the throng. Conventional rankings are put on hold. Impromptu moments and thrill cascade over. Individuals frequently speak of "playing" Holi in the rainbow-tinted powder breeze.
Holi is an old custom that has different versions depending on the region. It has two primary stories that reinforce its significance. The initial narrative revolves around the eternal love shared between Lord Krishna, who is the manifestation of Vishnu, a Hindu god, and the goddess Radha.
The following story talks about how the demon king Hiranyakashipu wanted all his people to worship him, but his son Prahlad refused and chose to worship Lord Vishnu. Hiranyakashipu asked his sister, Holika, to murder Prahlad.
Holika was immune to fire, so she placed the young boy on her lap atop a pile of wood. The spectators were amazed when they witnessed that Prahlad's loyalty to Lord Vishnu allowed him to survive the flames, but Holika perished.
The tradition of using color during Holi isn't the only significant part of the festival. Holika Dahan, which is the first night of the celebration, involves lighting bonfires and throwing grains of food. This ritual symbolizes the death of the demoness Holika and represents the triumph of good over evil, signifying the end of winter.
The following day after Holika Dahan, known as Rangwali Holi, involves individuals stepping out onto the roads to trade shades. The end phase of this festival occurs in the evening where people cleanse themselves from the colours played and dress in fresh garments. They assemble with their loved ones to enjoy customary delicacies like gujiya (which is a fried sweet dumpling originating from North India).
Similar to Diwali (which is often referred to as the "festival of lights") and the Hindu new year, Holi is observed by the Hindu community residing in the United Kingdom, United States, Fiji, Mauritius, and other countries. Holi is commemorated by temple organizations in their premises. In contrast to India where celebrations are widespread and public, festivities among the diaspora are confined to particular occasions and locations.
It's quite usual to come across Holi parties. Every year, various gatherings are arranged on platforms like Eventbrite, where tickets are generally sold with the inclusion of safe powders to be used during the events.
A few events are mainly focused on communities from South Asia. These events consist of recreating plays, exhibitions of dances, and additional cultural traditions.
Some people take advantage of the festive atmosphere represented by profit-oriented color runs. These events have been accused of appropriating culture due to their mainly non-religious nature.
