HOLI

By: Tathagata Roy

India is the land of festivals. Holi—the festival of colors, the festival epitomizing the divine love between Radha and Krishna, the festival symbolizing the victory of good over evil, the festival signifying the arrival of spring, when the air is filled with the fragrance of myriads of fresh blossoming flowers enchanting one and all—the festival marking the transition from winter to summer, i.e., spring—the festival revolving around celebrating the season of new crop harvest—the festival where people forgive each other for past wrongs, erase all animosities, and foes become friends—where people throw colored water and powder on each other—where people enjoy a variety of delicacies and sweetmeats, and the atmosphere is joyful and vibrant; people are enthused and ecstatic, dancing and reveling in bliss!

This festival also strengthens and reinforces the bonds of universal brotherhood among people, irrespective of gender, caste, creed, nationality, education, social status, and culture.

Holi Milan Samarohs are organized across various parts of India on this festive day. It usually falls at the end of February or early March on a full moon night and continues until the next day, which is also a full moon night.

According to a legend in ancient Hindu mythology, there was a demon king named Hiranyakashipu who had a son, Prahlad, a staunch devotee of Lord Vishnu. This devotion enraged Hiranyakashipu, as he wanted Prahlad to worship only him as the supreme god. In an attempt to change his son’s mindset, Hiranyakashipu subjected Prahlad to the severest punishments—throwing him from a mountain top, having him trampled by elephants, poisoning his food—but none of these could harm him, nor did they waver his faith in Lord Vishnu.

Finally, Hiranyakashipu conspired with his sister, Holika, who had received a boon that made her immune to fire. One night, Holika took Prahlad in her lap and jumped into a bonfire to burn him to death. However, the outcome was the opposite of what was expected—Holika was burnt to death while Prahlad emerged unscathed, protected by Lord Vishnu.

Ultimately, Hiranyakashipu summoned Prahlad to his court and gave him one last chance to renounce his faith in Lord Vishnu and worship his father as the only god. He asked Prahlad, “Where is your God?” Prahlad confidently replied, “He is everywhere.” Furious, Hiranyakashipu pointed to a pillar and asked, “Is he in this pillar too?” Prahlad affirmed, “Yes.” Enraged, Hiranyakashipu kicked the pillar, and from it emerged Lord Vishnu in the form of Narasimha—half-man, half-lion. Neither fully human nor animal, appearing neither at night nor during the day (it was twilight), neither in the sky, air, nor on the earth (he held him on his lap), and neither inside nor outside (at the threshold), Narasimha tore Hiranyakashipu apart, ending his tyrannical reign.

Lord Vishnu then blessed Prahlad, granting him divine protection and ensuring that he would always remain righteous and devoted.

Holi is celebrated the day after this event, following the night of Holika Dahan, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. The name ‘Holi’ is derived from this event. On Holi, people joyously spray colored water and throw ‘Abir’ (colored powder) on each other. In the evening, they visit each other’s homes to enjoy delicacies like Dahi-vada and sweet dishes such as Gujias and Malpuas.

On this day, people also consume Bhaang Sherbet (a cannabis-infused drink) and get intoxicated. Thandai, a refreshing drink, is also enjoyed, sometimes mixed with bhaang for prolonged intoxication.

Earlier, Holi colors were made from the petals of various flowers, such as Palash, Kumkum, Hibiscus, Saffron, Mehendi, Gulmohar, Chrysanthemums, Marigolds, Indigo, Jacaranda, and Tea leaves, as well as from natural ingredients like neem, turmeric, bilva, sandalwood, the madder tree, radish, pomegranate, lime, and chickpeas. These organic colors were not only harmless but also fragrant. However, in modern times, harmful dyes and chemicals are used, which can cause irritation, itching, and various skin diseases.

Today, Holi is celebrated not only in India but also in many countries around the globe, such as the USA, Trinidad and Tobago, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Fiji, Guyana, Suriname, Indonesia, South Africa, Mauritius, and other nations with an Indian diaspora.

In India, Holi is especially celebrated in the Braj region, including Barsana, Mathura, Vrindavan, Gokula, and Nandgaon, commemorating the divine love between Radha and Krishna. According to legend, Krishna, who was dark-complexioned, was worried about whether the fair-skinned Radha would accept him. His mother, Yashoda, suggested he ask Radha to color his face in any shade of her choice. Radha complied, and from then on, the playful coloring of faces became symbolic of Holi. Some Mughal rulers also celebrated and popularized Holi during their reign.

Holi has been historically celebrated by Hindu rulers and is also popular among Sikhs. The festival is known by different names in various Indian states:

• Faguwa in Bihar
• Ukkuli (locally) in Konkani (Goa)
• Sisirotsava or Sigmo (in Konkani, Goa)
• Dhuleti in Gujarat
• Shimga in Maharashtra, where people eat Puran Poli, a traditional dish prepared during Holi
• Yaosang in Manipur, where Holi is merged with a local festival
• Dola or Pushpadola in Odisha
• Kama Purnima or Jajiri, also known as Kamadahana, Kamipanduga, in Telangana
• Pali in Tripura
• Dol Jatra, Dolotsava, and Dol Purnima in West Bengal
• Kumaoni Holi, Baithki Holi, Khari Holi, and Mahila Holi in Uttarakhand

A unique variation, Lathmar Holi, is played in Barsana, Western Uttar Pradesh. In this tradition, men sing provocative songs to tease the women, and in response, the women playfully beat them with sticks (lathis) while the men protect themselves with shields.

To summarize, Holi is a holy festival that, like all festivals, promotes universal brotherhood, love, prosperity, peace, and abundance. It reminds us of our fundamental duty to foster harmony and make the world a better place—a place to live and enjoy life to the fullest!