Holi, the joyful festival of colors, is one of the most anticipated events. Although a principally A Hindu festival, it transcends all religious barriers and is observed by people of all faiths. The date of the fun holiday is determined by the Hindu lunar calendar. It will be observed on March 18 this year.
Although the festivities vary from state to state, they inevitably end with a friendly “battle” of colors. People of all ages take to the streets to to extinguish strangers and friends with colored powder and water. After the last grain of color was thrown, the crowd goes home for a quick rinse, a delicious feast and a necessary good siesta!
There are many folklore associated with Holi. One of the most popular attributes to Hiranyakashipu, the king of demons. According to Legendthe ruler was unhappy with the death of his son Prahlada dedication to Lord Vishnu. After all attempts to deter failed him, the king turned to his sister Holika for help.
The evil goddess, who had a shawl to protect her from the fire, asked Prahlada to join her on a burning fire. bonfire. But as soon as the young boy stepped into the fire, Holika’s protective garment flew off his shoulders and covered him, leaving the demon without flame protection. Soon after, Lord Vishnu appeared and killed the king. Locals celebrated the victory of good over evil with colored powder, and a fun tradition was born. To this day, many Indians light a bonfire on the eve of Holi to purify look bad spirits.
In the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, Holi commemorates the love between mischievous Hindu deity Lord Krishna and his beloved Radha. In Nandgaon, the birthplace of Krishna, the festival is celebrated for an entire month. the emphasize is Lathmar, or stick, Holi, which takes place one day before the main event. Legend narrates that Lord Krishna and his friends went to the nearby village of Barsana to tease Radha and his friends that day, only to be chased away with sticks.
For reconstruct event, Nandgaon’s men head to Barsana for a fake battle with women on Lathmar Holi. The women “attack” the men with bamboo sticks, while the men protect themselves with shields and try to retaliate with the only weapon available: colored powder! Those unfortunate enough to be captured by the fiery women are forced to wear feminine clothes and dance for their kidnappers.
Regardless folklore believed, Holi is a festival of love and joy. On this day, people of all ages and cultures come together to have fun.
Resources: Wikipedia.org, Indiatvnews.com, CNN.com
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