Introduction

Holi is the most important festival of Hindu. It is the celebraion of color, unbridled joy and festivity. It is also called “Basantotsav” as it marks the end of winter season in India and start of spring season. The festival is celebrated on the last day of Phalgun month which is also the full moon day. There are various modes of celebration prevalent on this festival but the specialty of the festival its sprit which is uniform and unequal throughout the world where it is celebrated. One of the interesting Holi celebration is Lathmar Holi (at Barsana near Mathura), the legendary home town of Radha, consort of Nandgaon (home of Krishna) to throw color on them.

Legends associated with Holi

There are myriads of legend associated with Holi celebration. The most important is the story of Holika; the sister of demon king Hiranyakashyap. Prahlad was the son of King Hiranyakashyap. Much to the dislike of his father, Prahlad was astute devotee of Lord Vishnu. King Hiranyakashyap ordered his sister Holika to kill Prahlad. She had a boon of being immune to the blazing fire. She embraced Prahlad in her laps and sat into the fire. But miraculously Prahlad was saved and Holika was burnt to ashes. Prahlad was saved because of his extreme devotion to Lord Vishnu. The second legend is that there was an ogress named Dhundhi who used to frightened children. The brave bunch of children chased away Dhundhi on the day of Holi. Thus, in the celebration of these events people burn a bonfire called Holika on the eve of Holi. The burning of Holika symbolizes the victory of Good over Evil as well as triumph of devotion to the God.

Celebration of Color and Holika Dahan

Holi is often two day celebration comprising Holika Dahan on the eve of the festival and playing with colors on the festival day. The day prior to Holi, people get together and prepare a heap of bonfire called Holika and set it ablaze in the memory of Prahlad and Holika episode. As the mark of thanksgiving to the fire God Agni, people also offer stalk from their harvest. The ashes left after the burning of bonfire are applied on the forehead as they are considered to be sacred that have power to protect them from evil force.

With the end of Holika Dahan, the excitement of Holi starts building up. From the night itself the people are seen preparing Bhang and delicious dishes like Thandai, Gujhiya, Papad, Dahi Bada etc. The day of festival starts with greetings and good wishes of Holi. Now its time for Colors, Gulal and Abeer – Men, women and children all are splashed with colors. The bright color of Gulal and Abeer fill the air, people are seen pouring colors to each other without any discrimination. Children especially enjoy this festival the most as it is time for unbound enjoyment and merry making. They throw colored water to each other. People on this day, gather in a group called Toli and visit their neighbors and loved one and throw color to each other. Song, music and dance are also accompanied with the Toli.

The evening of the Holi is celebrated with sobriety. People apply mild Gulal to the loved ones. Elders are greeted with Gulal on their feet and in turn they apply Gulal on the forehead of the younger.

Bhang is an indispensible part of Holi celebration. There is a tradition of consuming it as Bhang is intoxicating in nature and add up to the spirit of celebration.