Festival of Holi -Holi is a festival of colors which generally falls on a full moon in March.

Know here about- Holi 2019, Festival of Holi, Date-Famous Place-Muhurta by Shinningyou, Now!!.

 

The festival is celebrated with a lot of pomp in north India, south India and also other parts of India as well.

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1. What is Holi?

  

It is the major festivals of India and, celebrated with enthusiasm  on the full moon day in the month of Phalgun.

Which is the month of March in the every year.

It welcomes spring as Holi is on the door.

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 2. Holi Date and Muhurat -2019:

Holi 2019

20^th March

Holika Dahan Muhurat – 20:57 to 00:28

Bhadra Punchha – 17:23 to 18:24

Bhadra Mukha – 18:24 to 20:07

Rangwali Holi – 21^st March

Purnima Tithi Begins – 10:44 (20^th March)

Purnima Tithi Ends – 07:12 (21^st March)

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 3. The science behind Holi, the Festival Of Colours:

Holi is played in the Spring Season which is a period between the end of winter and the advent of summer.

When Holika is burnt, the temperature of the nearby area raises around 50-60 degrees Celsius or near around.

Following the tradition when people perform Parikrama -go around the bonfire/pyre, the heat coming from the bonfire kills the bacteria in the body and cleanses it.

In some parts of the country, after Holika Dahan, people put ash on their foreheads. It is believed to promote good health.

This is the time when people get a feeling of tardiness.

This is quite natural for our body to experiences some tardiness because of the change in weather from cold to hot in the atmosphere.

his help in rejuvenating the human body and their physical movement while playing with colors also helps in the process.

Colors play a vital role in the fitness of the human body and Deficiency of a particular color could cause an ailment.

It can be cured when that color element is supplemented either through diet or medicine.

In ancient times, when people started playing Holi by the colors used by them were made from natural sources like turmeric, Neem, Palash, etc.

It has a good effect on strengthening the ions in the body and adds health and beauty to it.

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4. Significance of Holi:

Ranging from socio-cultural, religious to biological there is every reason why we must heartily enjoy the festival. And cherish the reasons for its celebrations.

The people altogether forget their enmity and start a new lease of life of loving.

4.1. Mythological Significance:

4.1.1. Legend of Prahlad and Holika-

The Holi festival is closely connected to the famous story of the Hiranyakashyapu and his son Prahlad.

Hirayakshyap – the king of asuras who got irritation by his son Prahlad’s devotion to Lord Vishnu, wanted to kill him.

As he failed in many attempts to kill his son then he sought the help of his sister Holika who had the boon to sustaining in the fire without getting burned.

 Holika coaxed young Prahlad to sit in her lap and  then she herself took her seat in a blazing fire.

The legend says that Holika was not aware that the boon worked only when she entered the fire alone.

Prahlad who kept praying was saved by Vishnu and came out from there unharmed.

From then the names ‘Holi’ is supposed to be derived from Holika and is celebrated as a festival of victory of good over evil.

It is also celebrated as the triumph of a devotee as the legend depicts that those who dare to torture a devotee will get punished immediately.

And is believed that by following this custom their homes and bodies are rendered pure and away from harm.

Since then the story has been prevailing and the Holika Dahan is being celebrated just before the Holi.

4.1.2. The legend of Kamadeva-

A popular legend story of Holi in Southern India is that of Kamadeva who risked his life to revoke Lord Shiva from meditation.

According to the legend as Shiva’s consort, Sati committed herself to fire. Shiva became extremely sad and went into deep meditation renouncing his worldly duties.

Meanwhile, Parvati started meditating to acquire Lord Shiva as her husband.

As complications began to arise in worldly matters and other Gods sought the help of Kamadeva to revoke Shiva from his meditation.

Kamadeva knew that he might suffer the consequences, then he shot his love arrow on Shiva for the sake of the world.

This infuriated Lord Shiva and he opened his third eye reducing Kamadeva to ashes.

However, Kamadeva’s arrow made the desired effect and Lord Shiva and lastly married Parvati.

4.1.3. Legend of Pootana

Ogress Pootana who tried to kill infant Sri  Krishna by feeding him poisonous milk.

Lord Krishna’s wicked uncle Kamsa sought the help of Pootana to kill him. She fed him poisonous milk in the disguise of a pious woman.

However, infant  Sri Krishna sucked her blood which revealed the monster behind that pious woman and laid her to death.

Commemorating this victory of divinity over demonic forces and the effigy of Pootana is burned in some places on the night before Holi.

4.1.4. Legend of Dhundhi-

Ogress Dhundhi who used to trouble children in the kingdom of Raghu.

She would not be killed by Gods or men and would not suffer from arms, heat, cold or rain.

This made her almost invincible and she began to cause troubles especially to children.

The weakness was that she would not be able to withstand the noise and pranks of children.

Knowing this the priest advised the King that on Phalguna 15 children may go out of their house, make a heap of wood and grass.

Then set it on fire, clap their hands, make noise and sing and laugh which would tease and drive away from the ogress.

Thus the children of the villages united and displayed their might by chasing Dhundhi away with shouts, pranks..

For this reason, letting children and make noise and pranks at the Holika bonfire became a part of Holi celebrations.

4.1.5. Legend of Radha and Krishna-

Holi is also celebrated commemorating the divine love of  Sri Radha and Krishna.

One story is that young Sri Krishna, who was sad for his dark complexion, applied color on his beloved Radha’s face to make her one like him.

It says that the extreme delight, Krishna took in applying color on Sri Radha and other gopis became a trend and a part of the Holi festivities.

In regions where as per the legends Sri Krishna grew up, Holi is celebrated for 16 days until Rangpanchmi.

4.2. Cultural Significance-

The celebration of the various legends associated with Holi of the power of the truth.

The moral of all these legends is that the good ultimately triumphs over evil.

They influence and encourage people for good conduct and to believe in the virtue of being truthful.

This has so much significance in modern society where people resort to evil practices for small gains and ready for selfish motives.

Holi comes at that time of year when fields are in full bloom and people are expecting a good harvest.

4.3. Social Significance-

It is the tradition of Holi to turn enemies to friends and to rebuild ruptured relations and to forget all ill feelings.

On this day people do not differentiate between the rich and poor people and everybody celebrates together and shares their excitements.

Also, people use to visit friends and relatives and exchange gifts, sweets, and greetings. It will help in revitalizing relationships and strengthening emotional bonds.

People of all communities love to participate in the colorful and joyous festivities of Holi. It brings them together and strengthens the nation’s secularism.

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5. Holi Celebration:

5.1. Preparing the Holika pyre-

A few days prior to the festival, when people start collecting wood and other inflammable things for the bonfire.

The combustible materials are then gathered in a pyre in colonies, community centers, parks or other open spaces for preparation.

On top of the pyre, an effigy of Holika is placed to be burned as per the rules.

5.2. Holika Dahan-

The first day of the festival is celebrated as Holika Dahan or Chhoti Holi and after sunset, people gather around the pyre, perform puja.

People even sing and dance around the pyre and as it symbolizes the triumph of good over bad.

5.3. Playing with colors-

The second day of Holi is called Rangwali Holi or Dhulandi, Dhulandi, Phagwah or Badi Holi.

This is the day when people apply colors to one another,make party and enjoy.

Children and youngsters play in groups with dry colors called abir or gulal, pichkaris(water guns), water balloons .

You might even find groups of people with drums and other musical instruments on streets for dancing and singing their way from one place to another.

People greet each other by rubbing colors on each other’s body or face by saying ‘Bura Na Mano Holi Hai’ and enjoy.

5.4. The special feast-

Gujiya is a special sweet, which is made in every household in India during the Holi festival.

It is a dumpling filled with khoya and dried fruits. The customary drink of Holi is thandai, which generally contains bhang.

Other mouth-watering delicacies enjoyed are gol gappe, papri chaat, dal kachori, kanji vada, Dahi Bhalla, chole bhature, and variety of nankeen and so many…

5.5. The after-party-

After playing with colors during the whole day, people clean themselves up, bathe, sober up and get dressed.

They then go visit their relatives and friends and greet them for the festival wishes.

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6. Holi Celebrations in Various Parts of India:

The spirit of Holi festival is just beyond the imagination!

It can only be felt and quite difficult to express in words and this festival is celebrated with immense gaiety with different traditions in various parts of India.

6.1. Holi in Bengal-

In West Bengal, the festival of Holi is known by many names such as the Dol Purnima or Dol Jatra, and Swing Festival also.

On this day, people welcome the spring season by playing colors and distributing different sweets.

People, especially the boys and girls wear saffron (yellow) colored dresses and flower garlands and through to each other.

They sing and dance by playing various musical instruments that provide a mesmerizing view to the spectators for enjoying.

That is not all, as the idols of  Sri Krishna and Sri Radha are beautifully decorated and taken in the palanquins for the procession (yatra) around the various parts of the state.

During the Dol yatra, people keep spraying the colors at the people carrying the idols.

Some Special Holi in West Bengal-

A.FOLK CELEBRATIONS:

Purulia-

Located in the state of West Bengal, where the celebrations take place in the rural district of Purulia have a distinctive Bengali influence.

The renowned tribal dance of chhau, an athletic mix of martial arts and acrobatics.

Organized by the local community and the festival is an immersive way to discover the unique cultural traditions of Bengal. 

B.CULTURAL HOLI:

Shantiniketan-

Another Bengali offering, the small town of Shantiniketan has a particular cultural way of celebrating Holi.

Thanks to its founder and, the famous poet -Sir Rabindranath Tagore.

It was Tagore who introduced Basanta Utsav. It’s a spring festival that recreates the joy of Holi with everyone dressing in yellow and prepared to get covered in additional colors.

6.2. Holi in Rajasthan-

In Rajasthan, the festival of Holi is played in a similar pattern just like any other part of India.

A huge bonfire in burnt and people gather around it singing various songs, dancing and relishing food items.

The next day in the morning, people throw colors (gulal and kumkum) on each other and greet the people-Holi Hai.

Holi – a festival of vivid colors, euphoria, friendship, and reunion is an integral part of Indian culture. And it is a memorable experience to cherish forever.

It also promotes the feeling of love and humanity by eradicating the feeling of hatred among the people.

 ROYAL CELEBRATIONS at-Udaipur-

As the historic capital of the Rajput kingdom, the city of Udaipur is home to a rich heritage and gorgeous imperial architecture.

It’s also home to the custodians of the Mewar Dynasty.

It’s a chance to watch the royal musicians and dancers perform before the traditional sacred fire.

The following day the streets of Udaipur explode with activity for the color festival.

6.3. CAPITAL CITY PARTY:

Delhi the Umang-

The capital city knows how to put on a show when Holi arrives with lively events held across Delhi, really amazing.

One of the biggest events is the popular Holi -Festival with multiple stages hosting DJs and international music performers.

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7. COMMUNITY CELEBRATIONS:

7.1. Mumbai-

The home of Bollywood and one of India’s biggest cities, Mumbai is another place that puts on a super show over Holi with rowdy parties and street celebrations.

The best part about it is that 80% of proceeds to go back into the community.

7.2. Holi in Andhra Pradesh-

Although the festival of Holi is not celebrated as similar to north India, the people play the color festival with great harmony and happiness.

The people put colors on each other bodies and enjoy the festival by Holi-hai.

The Banjara tribe is famous for the graceful dance performance during the Holi festival.

7.3. Holi in Assam-

The Holi festival is known here as Phagwa in the Indian states of Assam.

It is a 3-5 days event in the Assam for the people living here and enjoys.

Barpeta a place in Assam is popularly known for its own style of celebrating the Holi festival.

The people not only from India but also all over the world do visit Barpeta during this occasion for speciality.

This occasion of Lord Sri  Krishna is known as Doulustava. During the festival of Doul, the people worship Radha and Krishna.

7.4. Holi in Bihar-

The people in Bihar celebrate this festival with great cheers.

They are as joyful as the North Indian people do like- in U.P and Delhi during the festival.

The tradition of a bonfire or Holika Dahan also takes place in this region too.

The people prepare cow dung cake, various woods, coconut, vegetables and grains in the fire to celebrate the festival.

The festival is called the Phalgun Purnima.

The folk songs are sung with a high pitch along with a traditional musical instrument.

The people would consume special bhang and various delicious food during the festival of Holi.

7.5. Holi in Chhatisgarh-

The Indian state of Chhattisgarh is the central region of India and is full of greenery and forests.

The people observe the Holi festival in their unique style here.

On the first day of Holi, the people collect the tree called Chhatigarhri Jada and then made stand in the center.

The people keep various dried branches of the tree around it including leaves of rice also.

Then the tree is burnt and then the people take small pieces of the burnt tree to their home believing that it will remove all the evil and illnesses of the home.

On the 2^nd day, both elderly people and children start playing with each other with Gulal, water, balloon, flower petals, and Pitch Kari, etc.

7.6. Holi in Goa-

During the festival of Holi, the people in Goa are more energetic and passionate. This festival is known as Sigma.

The festival is celebrated with masses and there are various cultural activities do happen.

7.7. Holi in Gujarat-

In Gujarat, the young people celebrate this festival with great spiritual thought.

The people would sing the devotional song such as ‘’Govinda Ala Re, Zara Matki Sambhal Brijbalaand so on…

The people also perform Holika Dahan across the state and the people create a human pyramid and break the earthen pot filled with buttermilk that is hung very high.

The person who breaks the pot is crowned with “Holi King’’ and the people keep on throwing water on the boy who breaks the pot.

On the next day, the people play with colors to each other and exchange sweets and hug each other.

7.8. Holi in Haryana-

The festival in Haryana is celebrated with enthusiasm by the people. The people make a human pyramid and break the pot filled with buttermilk hung very high from the ground.

7.9. Holi in Uttar Pradesh:

A.Holi in Mathura-

Those have witnessed the Holi celebrations in Mathura city -Uttar Pradesh will always cherish the unforgettable memories.

The holy is mainly played in the premises of the Radha Rani Temple located in Barsana town and considered to be the birthplace of Goddess Radha.

B.WOMEN IN CHARGE-

Barsana-

In the village of Barsana, close to Mathura, the locals have a particularly unique way of celebrating Holi festival.

On the first day of celebrations, men visit from neighboring villages to chase the local women, very nice.

On the second day, women show their displeasure with the aid of using sticks.

This tradition depicts the antics of young Sri  Krishna who had to be fended off by Radha and her cohorts in a similar fashion.

It may sound violent but men are equipped with shields and it’s all carried out in jest and pleasantly.

It’s known as famous Lathmar Holi and in the days leading up to the event, sweets are shared and songs are sung.

B.Holi in Vrindavan-

People from the various parts of the world come to Mathura – Vrindavan to celebrate the festival of Holi in the land of Lord Krishna.

People dress as Krishna, Radha, and Gopi and engage in joyful pranks with each other and enjoy.

The great enthusiasm of the people showing their utmost respect and devotion to the Almighty God. 

People, visiting the city and experience the feeling of romance flowing in the air.

The Holi celebrations in Mathura – Vrindavan continue at least for a week or more. Every temple in this divine city celebrates Holi with great regret.

C.Holi in Varanasi-

As one of India’s holiest cities, Varanasi offers a highly spiritual environment in which to honor the religious significance of Holi festival.

The ghats become a paintbox of color when the playful throwing starts and lead, like a rainbow, to the revered River Ganges also.

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8. FOLLOW THIS ADVICE FOR A SMOOTH HOLI CELEBRATION:

Essential tips to help you enjoy Holi-

Follow these basics and you’ll find Holi far more enjoyable and colorful.

• Wear old clothes – The dyes used in the colored powders leave stains so don’t wear anything that you’re not prepared.

Buy a white top and trousers when you get to India – clothing is cheap and the white shows off the colors beautifully and memorable.

• Leave your valuables behind – On the day of Holi, you’ll want to be moving around as light as possible without the worry of anything getting broken or damaged or lost.

• Protect your hair and eyes – Unless you want to have streaks of pink in your hair for weeks after Holi, consider applying coconut oil to your strands before you join the festival.
• This will stop the dyes from staining your hair and Happy Holi.

It’s also recommended to pre-apply an oil-based moisturizer to your skin to try and stop dyes sticking to your skin and paint your nails.

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9. Holi Massage:

Peace from white, Power from Red and, Knowledge from Yellow, then Development from Green & Love from Pink.

May this Holi add all colors in your prosperous life.

 Violet for prosperity, orange for success and Blue for happiness.

May God Bless you and your family with all these colors, Happy Holi to all.

Enjoy This Holi.

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10. Conclusion:

You’re so beautiful and I wish to apply some colors to you to make you more beautiful on this Holi. Happy Holi My Dear Friend!

 Festivals are founders of Love and Joy and, friends are the real ones to make this day a great memory. I’m one of them.

Happy Holi My friend!

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You can read here also-https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holi

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