Holi – The Festival of Colours

Holi also known as Dhuli Vandana’ is a colourful festival. Although it is the Hindu festival, people belonging to different communities celebrate it with great joy. Holi is celebrated throughout the country. It falls in the month of March, after the end of the winter season. The festival marks the beginning of the spring season.

According to the custom, Holi is celebrated by throwing colourful powder and water at each other. Bonfires are lit night before the festival. This bonfire is also known as ‘Holika Dahan’ or ‘Chhoti Holi’. Next day children shout, “Boora na mano, Holi hey”. Anyone who passes through the streets is sprayed or covered by dry colours.

In Maharashtra, Holi is mainly related with the burning of Holika. A few days before the festival, firewood and money is collected. The festival of Holi marks all poor and rich as equal, because it is enjoyed by all. On the evening of Holi, the firewood is set in a huge heap and the fire is lit. Puranpolis are prepared. People enjoy different sweets and special meals. Banks, offices, schools and colleges are closed, as that day is usually a public holiday.

Friendship and affection is created on this day as people keep their hate and anger behind. They come together forgetting their problems and play with different colours. Thus, Holi is the festival of unity and understanding. However, some notorious people take this day as an occasion to play filthy games. They throw water balloons on any one, especially young women. Moreover, they use dirty muddy water and strong colours that are dangerous and harmful for one’s skin and eyes.

There are several stories related to this festival. However, the importance of Holi is related to the story of Prahlad. Once there was an evil spirit King named Hiranyakaship. He asked the God to gift him three death wishes. They were, he be killed by someone who is neither human nor a beast, in a time which is neither during the day nor the night and in a place which is neither inside nor outside. The God agreed and granted these wishes. Hiranyakashipu became immortal. He attacked heaven and troubled other Gods.

Soon Prahlad, a devotee of Lord Vishnu was born to Hiranyakashipu. Many times the King tried to kill him, but failed. Finally, the King ordered him to sit on the laps of Holika in fire. Holika was blessed that stopped her from being burnt from fire. Prahlada accepted the orders of his father. He prayed to Lord Vishnu to keep him safe. When the fire started, Holika burnt to death. Prahlada was unharmed. Since then the burning of Holika is celebrated as Holi.