Holi is one of the oldest holidays still observed today and is a remarkable festival of colour unlike any other. The way it is celebrated with vibrant colours, fervent passion, and high energy makes it easy to identify. If you are anywhere close, it is impossible to miss the spectacle of people enjoying Holi. Everyone should be aware of the incredible facts regarding Holi.
The Name
The origin of the festival’s name, Holi, is intriguing. It has a legend behind it and is derived from Holika, the sister of the demon king Hiranyakashyap.
People begin gathering wood and combustible materials for the bonfire in parks, community centres, close to temples, and other open locations days before the event. An effigy of Holika, who lured Prahalad into the fire, is perched on the cremation pyre.
Evil king Hiranyakashyap
So, according to an intriguing narrative, the terrible monarch Hiranyakashyap prohibited his son Prahlad from worshipping Lord Vishnu, one of the Hindu gods. Nonetheless, despite his father’s opposition, Prahlad worshipped Vishnu.
Because Holika was immune to fire, the demon king’s sister, the demon king gave the order for Prahlad and Holika to sit on a pyre (a structure, typically made of wood, for burning a body as part of a funeral rite or execution).
Despite being immune to fire, Holika was burned to death when the fire erupted, but Prahlad was miraculously spared since he asked Lord Vishnu for assistance at the time. Holika Dahan is still a reenactment of this significant occasion.
Krishna and Holi
There is still another tale about Lord Krishna that relates to the beginning of Holi. The story goes that when Lord Krishna was a newborn, Putana’s breast milk poisoned him, giving him his distinctive blue skin tone.
Krishna approached Radha and painted her face with several colours since he was worried if the fair-skinned girl and other girls would accept him. Despite Krishna’s complexion being blue, Radha welcomed him, and Holi has been a holiday ever since. Yet, this is a lesser-known Holi truth and the less widely accepted theory on how Holi originated. But it’s commonly acknowledged that the tale is a myth.
International celebration
The celebrations of Hinduism vary depending on the locale. Nonetheless, all 28 of India’s states participate in Holi celebrations in their entirety.
While Holi, along with Chhath, is one of the oldest Hindu religious celebrations, it has gained popularity among non-Hindus in many South Asian countries as well as members of other ethnic groups outside of Asia.
The celebrations of Hinduism vary depending on the locale. Nonetheless, all 28 of India’s states participate in Holi celebrations in their entirety.
Although Holi, along with Chhath, is one of the oldest Hindu religious celebrations, it has gained popularity among non-Hindus in many South Asian countries as well as members of other cultures.
Traditional non-Hindu observers of the occasion include Jains and Newar Buddhists (Nepal).
Holi is a festival celebrated in such a stunning way that it can be seen all over India. The festival’s commemoration by people of all religions with equal fervour is, nevertheless, one of its distinctive features.
A wonderful sightin a secular nation like India. Holi is a festival that is so grandiose in its celebration that you will be astounded, which makes it more alluring.
Rangwali Holi
The major day of the Holi festival is the second day, popularly known as “Rangwali Holi,” when people play with both wet and dry colours. They try to paint each other by chasing each other.
Since many attendees utilise water balloons and participate in entertaining water fights with their family and friends, water plays a significant role in the celebration.
Everyone, regardless of age, participates, and there are many various colours used. It is a fun time for everyone.
Use of colour
A recent trend in Holi celebrations is the usage of artificial colours. Several folks were truly concerned about this. However many people favour Gulal and some homemade natural colours and water play.
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HoliDahanhan
The night before Holi, when people congregate and light a bonfire, the festival of Holika Dahan (Burning of Holi Pyre) begins.
Between 8 p.m. and midnight, the bonfire is ignited. People assemble around the fire to converse with friends and eat their favourite foods while watching it.
