Holi - the festival of colors is one of the most popular festivals of
the country. It is celebrated during the Spring season and embodies all
the festivity, liveliness and exuberance of the season. Holi is the
festival of young hearts. Spraying colors, dancing on traditional Holi
songs, rhythmic drum beats and wild processions are the common scenes
that one comes across during this festival. The festival is associated
with various legends but the most popular among them is the tale of
Hollika. According to legends there was a demon-king named
Hiranyakashipu who was very cruel and ordered everybody to worship him
and not God. He was against Lord Vishnu. However, his little son Prahlad
refused to do so and continued to worship the almighty Lord Vishnu, the
Hindu God. He tried hard to kill him but every time Lord Vishnu saved
him. One of the sisters of the king named Holika had a boon to remain
unscathed by fire, so she followed her brother's wishes. However, with
this sinful act against Lord Narayana's devotee, Holika's boon ended and
she was burnt to ashes, while Prahlad came out safe. From that day
onwards Holi is celebrated as the festival of the victory of good over
evil. Even today, bonfires are lit on the night before Holi in memory of
the event and burning of the evil Holika. It symbolizes the victory of
Good over evil.
It is actually the great festival of Hindus, where farmers and rural
people can celebrate the prosperity and abundance in life that comes
with the harvest season. The festival of colors, Holi is celebrated on
the day after the full moon in early March or April every year. People
smear each other's faces with colored powder known as 'Gulal' and
'Abeer' and throw colored water or 'Rang' on each other. Most of the
people now-a-days prefer the traditionally prepared natural herbal
colors that are not only fragrant but also good for skin. People take
out processions on streets that feature folk songs and dances. The
'Bhaang' (opium) drinks are very popular among people as it the favorite
festival drink. The festival of Holi has no religion as all celebrates
it. The festival has a secular flavor. The main significance behind the
celebration is fun and enjoyment.
