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Usher in Spring, with the colours of love and joy, this Holi
“Phagun ke din chaar, holi khel manaa re॥
Bin kartaal pakhwaaj baajei anhad ki jhankar re।
Bin sur raag chhatisun gaavai rom rom rankar re॥
Seel santokh ki kesar gholi prem preet pichkar re।
Udat gulaal laal bhayo ambar, barsat rang apaar re॥
Ghat ke sab pat khol diye hain lok laaj sab daar re।
Meera ke prabhu Girdhar Naagar charan kanwal balihaar re॥”
Amongst all the festivals in India, Holi is the most boisterous and vibrant one. Holi waves goodbye to winter season and ushers in spring season with its spectrum of colours. It is also known as the festival of colours or the festival of sharing love. Holi is a two day festival which starts on the Purnima (Full Moon day) in the month of Falgun which falls somewhere between end of February and Mid of March. The first day is known as Holika Dahan or Chhoti Holi while the second day is known as Rangwali Holi, Dhuleti,Dhulandi or Dhulivandan. Holi is unique and special in its way since its spirit remains the same throughout the country.
The dark murky winter is long gone and the nature too rejoices with colours and different shades. Spring festival is here with arrival of spring the season of hope and joy. Its also the onset of summer. Fields are full with crops promising a good harvest to the farmers and flowers bloom colouring the surroundings and filling fragrance in the air. The atmosphere as if brings about lot of romance with it!!
Holi also is a get crazy time for everyone including family, friends, old, young etc. It makes you forget your age and do nutty things. Songs, dance on the rhythm of dholak and mouthwatering Holi delicacies are the other highlights of the day.
On the eve of Holi, called Chhoti or Small Holi people gather at important crossroads and light huge bonfires, the ceremony is called Holika Dahan. The ash left from this bonfire is also considered sacred and people apply it on their foreheads. People believe that the ash protects them from evil forces. It is celebration of the victory of good over evil and also the triumph of devotion to God.
There is also a tradition of consuming the very intoxicating bhang on this day to further enhance the spirit of Holi. It is so much fun to watch the otherwise sober people making a clown of themselves in full public display.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCnxSrknyhc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-4nRKGRRAM
Lovers too long to apply colours on their beloved. It is said that Krishna applied colour on his beloved beloved Radha to make her one like him. The trend soon gained popularity amongst the masses. Holi of Mathura, Vrindavan and Barsana is known world wide and is popular amongst every one.
The Holi festival has further cultural significance. It is the festive day to end and rid oneself of past errors, to end conflicts by meeting others, a day to forget and forgive. People pay or forgive debts, as well as deal anew with those in their lives. It gives the spirit of friendship a new meaning.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydbgHcJi-rA
However, the festival has become more commercial and modern now. With fast music, food and influence of other culture, the original festival has changed completely. The practices of consuming ‘Bhang’ and other alcohols has become the modern tradition. It has evolved and become wild.
Holi is a festival that is vibrant, living knowledge that enables us to make life a celebration. So this Holi, remember to bring colours into our lives. Colours of joy, love, faith and friendship.
TheSongPedia wishes you a very happy, joyful and a safe Holi!!!
