The Stories Of Holi Festival

The traditions that we regard as being naturally associated with Holi have a long history behind them. Some of the more popular ones are,

Legends Behind Holi Bonfire – Holika Dahan
Most of us would have read or heard of the association of the legend of Holika with Holi. This is particularly true of the tradition of the Holi bonfire which takes place the evening before the play of colours. Holika Dahan or Holikotsav has a direct relationship with this very famous legend.

Once upon a time, there was a demon king named Hiranyakashyap who had won all the three worlds of heaven, earth and hell and had thus, become very proud. He had beome overconfident and vain because of his powers so much so that he believed that he could defeat even Lord Vishnu. This evil king had ordered everyone in his kingdom to worship him above any god. He could not though influence his own son, Prahlad, who was a worshipper of Lord Vishnu. Hiranyakashyap tried to get his son killed and was unsuccessful every time. Finally, he asked his sister Holika to help him. Holika had a very special power. She was immune to fire. The king ordered that his son be made to sit with Holika in a bonfire. In the end though, Prahlad who by then was known as Bhakt Prahlad (Devotee Prahlad) came away unhurt whereas Holika was consumed by the fire.

Legend Behind Holi Colours
As with Holika Dahan, the story behind Holi colours is connected to another of Lord Vishnu's avatars, Krishna. Legend has it that Lord Krishna was not too happy with the fact that whereas Radha was fair complexioned, he himself was very dark. Krishna questioned his mother about this injustice. To make her son happy, Yashoda suggested that Krishna apply colour on Radha's face and change her complexion. Krishna was also understood to have played with milkmaids (gopis) by throwing colour and water on them. It was thus that the game of applying colours gained popularity and became a part of Holi traditions. Even now, the application of colours is also an expression of love.

Traditions of Holi 2010

Holi is a festival that speaks of trust, love and goodwill. This is probably the reason that all its traditions are also representative of this feeling of brotherhood and the victory of good over evil.

Holi Milans or Baithaks
Many days or sometimes weeks before the actual Holi-day, people sit together and sing Holi songs in Holi milans. Hori are the special type of Holi folk songs which are also sung in these musicals.

Holi Bonfires
Holika Dahan or the lighting of bonfire takes place on the eve of Holi. The day is also popularly called Chhoti Holi or Small Holi.

Songs and Dance
This festival of colours is played in most parts of the country. Apart from the usual tradition of playing with coloured powder and water, Holi also involves fun filled processions of folk songs and dances.

Exchanging Gifts
There is a popular tradition of greeting each other with Holi gifts like Holi colours and traditional Indian sweets like Gujiya, Gazak, Mathri, Malpuas and Dry fruits on Holi.

Bhang ki Thandai and Sweets
Making and drinking bhang ki thandai (an Indian milk shake) is another very popular custom of Holi. Bhang is made from female cannabis or hemp plant, it can be understood to be a homemade drug. People also mix bhang in sweets and other preparations being offered to guests.

Holi Colours
Abeer and Gulal are the names for Holi colours. These are the traditional and naturally made Holi colours. People also play with coloured water using pichkaris and other squirt guns on Badi Holi or Dhulendi.

This year all of us will be celebrating Holi on 1st March 2010.

Holi – The Springtime Festival of India

Also known as Vasant Utsav or Spring Festival, Holi marks the onset of Spring in India. This year all of us will be celebrating Holi on 1st March 2010. Based on the regional influences there are many names with which we know this festival of colours. Some of these are Dhulendi, Rangpanchami, Basant Utsav, Dol Purnima, Hola Mohalla, Lathmaar Holi, Shimgo, Kaman Pandigai and Phagu Purnima.

Singing and dancing on the beat of dholaks is one of the integral parts of any holi celebration. People drink bhang ki thandai and exchange popular Indian sweets and dry fruits as holi gifts. Sweets and mithai include gujiya, puran poli, dahi badas, papads, kanji, mathri, malpuas.

It is also customary to greet each other with 'bura na mano holi hai' before acting completely naughty and pouring colours on each other. Enmity is forgotten on this festival and people make it a point to visit and greet everyone alike.

Contrary to popular knowledge holi festivities last many days.

Holi Milan or Baithaks
Many days prior to Holi, people take an active part in Holi Milans. These are musical soirees or gatherings wherein folk songs related to the festival are sung. The epic love story of Radha Krishna features prominently in these songs. The special type of songs, which we all know as 'Hori' are sung as well.

Chhoti Holi or Holika Dahan
On the eve of holi celebrations begin with the custom of Holika Dahan or the lighting of bonfires. The word Holika Dahan in Hindi language means burning down of Holika. It signifies the victory of good over evil. The day is also popularly called 'Chhoti Holi'. The word Holi has also originated from the word Holika.

Badi Holi
Holi celebrations reach a peak on this day. People wear light coloured clothes and play with holi colours on Dhulendi. It is customary to wet each other thoroughly with water and water colours using a pichkari on Holi.