Holi is one of the most significant cultural and traditional festivals in Hinduism and India. Even though this is a Hindu festival, people from all beliefs join this festival. People see this day as the fiesta of colors. Everyone enjoys this day more than any other festival in India. But are you interested to know the root of this festival? Continue reading as I am going to discuss everything you must be acquainted with about this festival.
History of Holi
Hinduism has been holding humanity’s message for ages, with its traditions, culture, and festivals. As people say, Hinduism has 13 different festivals in 12 months; they also have some season-based festivals. The Holi festival is related to some of the mythological stories and folk beliefs of Hinduism. There are many myths about Vishnu, demons, and the love of Radha and Krishna.
We think Doljatra and Holi are the same festivals, but there are some differences. If we look at history, we see the Aryans of the eastern part of India started playing with colors. Some say people had been celebrating Holi even before the birth of Jesus. There is a rumor that the festival was mentioned in the ancient stone sculpture.
The Holi festival is also mentioned in Hindu sacred books like the Vedas and Puranas. Some writings about Holi were found in a melodrama written in the 7th century. Later, the believers claimed that some proofs related to Holi were found in different paintings engraved on the temples. I must say Holi is an ancient festival.
Holi became popular during the British reign. At first, they thought of the festival as the Roman festival “Lupercalia.” Many, however, compared it to the Greek festival of “Bakanalia.” Writings about Holi are even found in some old literature works. The scholars found writings about this festival in “Ratnabali,” written by Sri Krishna in the 7th century. They also found some in “Kalvivek,” written by Jimutbahan and “Raghunandan” of the 16th century.
Celebration of Holi
Holi has a lot of unalike names around the globe. Even different states of India celebrate Holi using various names. Let’s see how distinctive parts of India rejoice Holi.
Holi Quotes and SMS Wishes
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Holi is a great equalizer, everyone is colored with the same hue
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United colors of HoliFestivals add color to life and Holi is the festival of festivals
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Holi-the day that rainbows color the earth
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Fill your life with the vibrant colors of Holi
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What is life without a little bit of color? Happy Holi
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Embrace the COLOURS of Holi, embrace happiness
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Celebrate the colors of friendship, celebrate the colors of Holi
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Express yourself with colors, Happy Holi
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Your life is your canvas, fill it with the colors of life, fill it with the colors of Holi
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Paint with the colors of joy and friendship, script a beautiful Holi
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Play Holi with the colors of nature, enjoy a safe and ecofriendly Holi
Holi of Mathura-Vrindavan
Different states welcome Holi in different ways. In some places, the tradition of celebrating Holi attracts people in the country and abroad as well. The people of Mathura-Vrindavan celebrate Holi for 16 consecutive days. This Mathura-Vrindavan is considered the symbol of Radha-Krishna’s love.
Krishna used to ask his mother Yashoda why his skin is black, and Radha’s skin is white. Once mother Yashoda colored Radha’s face. Since then, the general public has been observing this carnival with colors.
Holi in Haryana
People of Hariyana celebrate Holi as Dhulandi. This festival is considered a festival to celebrate the sweet relationship between Vavi and Devar (brother-in-law and sister-in-law). The brothers-in-law try to throw color on their sisters-in-law during the festival. And the sisters-in-law beat their brothers-in-law every time they try to do so. This lovely revenge of the sisters-in-law gives Holi the name of ‘ Dhulandi Holi ‘ in this area.
Holi in Maharashtra and Gujarat
In Maharashtra and Gujarat, the tradition of breaking Matka in Holi is very prevalent. Men break butter-filled jars, which women bind at a high place. Playing with colors after breaking the Matka reminds the childhood of Krishna. When men make pyramids to bust these jars, women sing Holi songs and throw colors on them using buckets. This festival of fun is seen in full swing.
Holi in Bengal
In West Bengal and Bangladesh, Holi is very well-known in the form of ‘ Dol Purnima’ or Doljatra. This day’s importance also increases because this day is considered the birthday of the famous Vaishnava Saint Mahaprabhu Chaitanya.
On the occasion of Dol Purnima, Devotees arrange a procession with God’s ornate statue and worship Hari with full enthusiasm. Holi is distinguished as ‘ Basant Utsab ‘ or spring festival at Shanti Niketan established by Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore.
Holi in Punjab
Holi is also of great importance to Sikh religious leaders and devotees. Sikh religious leaders see this festival as a festival of physical and military strength. On the next day of Holi, ‘ Hola Mohalla ‘ is held at Anantapur Sahib. It is thought that this practice was implemented by the last Sikh guru, Guru Govind Singh Ji.
Holi in Manipur
Every corner of Manipur becomes colorful on the occasion of Holi. In Manipur, the festival of colors is celebrated for six days. At the same time, the traditional dance ‘ Thabal Chongba ‘ is also held at this festival. In this way, this festival of Holi keeps the entire country in the colors of love and harmony.
Importance of Holi
Holi is a carnival of showing love and throwing colors. It has great importance in Hinduism and Sikhism. But more importantly, It also has social and traditional significance. Let’s see why the festival of Holi is so essential.
Allegorical significance
The first symbolic implication of the Holi festival is the fairytale of Prahlad, Holika, and Hiranykashyap. There was a wizard king named Hiranykashyap a long time ago. He had a sister named Holika and a son named Prahlad. After many years of austerity, he received the approval of being a dominant man on earth by Lord Brahma.
Those powers made him arrogant, and he felt that only he was a God with supernatural powers. He began to demand everybody to adore him as God. People were fragile and scared and began to emulate him very quickly; however, his son, whose name was Prahlad, disagreed with his own father’s decision.
Prahlad was a very religious man since childhood and was always dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Hiranyakshap did not like Prahlad’s behavior at all. He never considered Prahlad as his son and began to punish him with cruelty. However, Prahlad was surprisingly saved by some natural powers every time.
Finally, he got annoyed with his son and asked his sister Holika to get some assistance. He prepared a strategy to put his nephew in the lap and sit in the fire as he was consecrated with no injury from the fire. He covered himself in a unique shawl to guard himself against fire and sat in a massive fire with Prahlad. After some time, when the fire was big and horrible, his shawl went to Prahlad to wrap him. Hiranykashyap was burnt, and his Lord Vishnu saved Prahlad.
Hiranykashap became very fuming and started thinking of an alternative way to slay his son. It was the day when Prahlad was saved from Holika Dahan. Ever since then, individuals have been rejoicing this day as a day of victory over evil.
Traditional Significance
There is a reliable cultural perception of the society behind observing the Holi festival. Devotees have full assurance in countless stories behind observing this carnival and the influence of truth above evil. Devotees trust that God always keeps his creation and true believers in his hands. He never allows them to be harmed by evil forces.
People even revere Holika during Holika incineration to burn all their evils and difficulties and, in return, wish for a lot of contentment and wellbeing. There is another traditional notion behind observing the Holi carnival. When farmers bring new harvests from the grounds to their residence, they observe the festival of Holi to express their cheerfulness and pleasure.
Social Significance
The festival of Holi itself has a social significance. It passes great pleasure to the individuals living in society. It brings individuals very close by eliminating all the difficulties and strengthening their connection. This festival converts foes into lifetime friends and eliminates all discrimination of age, class, and religious conviction.
They give each other gifts, sweets, and sycophantic cards to their relatives and friends to show their adoration and friendliness. This carnival works as a stimulant to revive and build up relationships, which binds each other to prodigious passionate bondage.
What are some traditional ways to celebrate Holi, the festival of colors?
During the Holi festival, people celebrate by smearing each other with vibrant colored powders and water. They also exchange Holi festival SMS wishes to spread love and joy. Traditional customs include lighting bonfires to symbolize the triumph of good over evil and preparing special festive foods.
– Is Yarn Day celebrated similarly to Holi with vibrant colors and festivities?
Yarn Day is not celebrated similarly to Holi with vibrant colors and festivities. However, on “Celebrate Yarn Crafts Day,” people do come together to share their love for yarn and showcase their creative knitting and crochet projects. It’s a day to appreciate the art of yarn crafting.
Conclusion
Once, Holi was considered a religious festival. But this festival has become a cultural festival in the nation. Despite having religious boundaries and differences, people celebrate this festival together. As a result, they get the chance to become acquainted. They make their relationships even stronger. Together, they contribute to the advancement of the country.