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Holi - festival of colors
Holi is celebrated by the Hindus and Sikhs
Holi is celebrated on Phalgun Purnima - the last full moon day of Phalguna.
Mythological Significance:
Holi - a festival of colors is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm all over India. This festival is also celebrated in countries close to India such as Nepal, South Africa, and Sri Lanka. Holi is also well- known as Dolyatra or Basanta-Utsav in the state of West Bengal. In Sanskrit it is known as Dhuli Vandana which is the main day of Holi. In Orissa and Bengal holi is celebrated as the Birthday of Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu with all the rituals and customs.
Legends said that in the ancient times there was a person Hiranyakashipu, he was king of demons. He was so proud of his mighty powers that have been granted to him by Lord Brahma, that he started considering himself to be superior to any other human being or even Lord Vishnu. He made an announcement that people should worship only him and no other god.
Prahlada his own son was a great follower of Lord Vishnu, beside several warnings from his father he continued to offer prayers to Lord Vishnu. Hiranyakashipu tried all the possible ways to kill his own son but was all his tricks failed. At last he requested Prahlada to sit on the laps of his sister Holika even she had the boon that she will be safe from fire and will have no harm. Prahlada was ready to sit and prayed for Vishnu to protect him from the fire. People were amazed to see that Prahlada was safe and Holika was no more. Since then Holi is celebrated as the victory of good over evil.
Celebration of Holi
Holi is the only festival which is celebrated with lots of excitement in almost all the parts of India and outside India also. Holi brings all religions together, breaking all the barriers of castes. People smear different colors and hug each other keeping the love and respect in mind.
Regional fervor
Holi is celebrated in different ways in different states in India. Uttar Pradesh is the best place to enjoy the different colors and flavors of Holi. In Varanasi and Mathura the excitement goes to a higher level after seeing the fun of the people and the way of celebration.
Traditional food
There is a special drink that is consumed on this day only so the enjoyment will take the people to a different world this is Bhang. This is made from the leaves and buds of Cannabis squashed and ground into a fine paste, after consuming this people get high and get lost in their own world. There are other drinks also that are consumed during holi they are the saffron syrup and thandia.
There are some famous sweet dishes that are made in holi only they are gujia and malpua. Maharashtrians prepare puran poli on this occasion. After playing in colors and water people have these things and enjoy this festival of color with friends and families.
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