Have you ever thought about why Holi is celebrated with devotion and enthusiasm? Let's explore together!
Holi: The festival of colours.
Holi marks the victory of good over evil and makes us understand the importance of belief and togetherness. It is the Hindu festival of colours celebrated in different parts of India with complete joy and prosperity.
Holi is one of the most important and awaited festivals in India. The festival is celebrated with vibrant colours and with unique and delicious cuisine like papads, thandai, gujia, samosa, namkeens, dahi vada, and so on.
People visit their loved ones on this special day to share their moments of happiness and togetherness. Holi also gives as a chance to repair their fragile relationship with the famous slogan “Bura Na Mano Holi Hai”.
The festival is considered a celebration of the beginning of the spring season and the end of the winter season. It celebrates the fertility of new crops. Holi is the actual festival of Indians but is now celebrated in different parts of the world with the same excitement and delight.
The Beginning of Holi with Holika Dahan - You must wonder what Holika Dahan is.
Holika Dahan is considered the victory of good over evil. According to Hindu mythology, Holika Dahan is a ritual celebrated on the first half of the Holi, usually known as Choti Holi. Today, people light up the bonfire and perform pooja to destroy all the evil and destructive power in the surroundings and their life.
The pooja marks the story of Hindu Prince Prahalad, who was devoted to Lord Vishnu, one of the significant Hindu Gods. Prince Prahalad's father and his Aunt opposed his worship and devotion towards God Vishnu and punished him several times. Holika Dahan was the last challenge the Bhakt Prahlad faced to prove his faith towards Lord Vishnu as they made him sit in the middle of the burning fire. Vishnu protected Prahlad, and the Prince did not burn. This proved the belief that good will always overcome evil.
The Meaning Behind Each Color
Every colours celebrates a different meaning. It is essential to understand the meaning hidden behind each colour. Different colours denote and reflect their individuality and importance. Colours play other essential roles in celebration as they vary from one another.
Let's know the significance of each.
- Red : Red is the epitome of love, passion, and productivity.
- Blue : Krishna's face, as well as the sky and the oceans, are all blue.
- Yellow : It is the shade of wisdom and knowledge, as well as pleasure, meditation, and calm.
- Green : A natural shade that represents the start of Spring and fresh beginnings.
Those, as mentioned above, are a few colours. There are still various colours in the Holi canvas, like purple, pink, orange, etc, which are still unexplored.
Holi & its Unique Cuisines
In India, no celebration is considered complete without good food and good beverages. Holi is yet another chance for Indians to celebrate their food and drinks. Various food items and drinks get prepared to enjoy a cheerful festival. Both traditional and new tasty food treats are prepared.
Below mentioned are some of the famous Holi dishes.
GUJIYA - The festival of colours is incomplete without Gujiya. Gujiya is a classic Indian dessert prepared on the occasion of Holi.
It is stuffed with dry fruits and khoya ( made of pure milk). This delight is served to the guests who come home to celebrate Holi together.
THANDAI - It is the delight of Holi. Holi is incomplete without Thandai. It is prepared using milk, seeds, and flavours like watermelon kernels, rose petals, pepper, poppy seeds, cardamom, saffron, milk, and sugar. It can be considered as a refreshment drink for the Holi celebration.
DAHI VADA - It is a pure Punjabi dish prepared by blending crud with spices. This dish is considered the favourite dish of Holi and, it is usually served with sweet and green chutney.
PAPAD - There are different kinds and types of papad prepared in Indian households. It depends on your taste and how you like it.
There are different papads like sabudana papad, rice papad, Kali mirch papad, aloo papad, shakuli and so on. You can also purchase or buy them from local marketplaces, which are also available online.
Therefore Holi can be considered an overall happy-go festival for everybody. Enjoy this festival of colour with an open heart and celebrate its happiness to the fullest.
Let's unite to end this evil and tension in society to celebrate the happiness of the goodness inside you and your surroundings.
Keep calm and stay positive. HAPPY HOLI!!
Disclaimer: It is suggested to use herbal and natural colours for the Holi celebration and it is also strictly prohibited to apply colours on animals as it may cause them serious problems.
