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Holi (referred to as Phagwa in Bhojpuri), also called the Festival of
Colours, is a popular Hindu spring festival observed in India, Suriname, Guyana,
Trinidad, the UK and Nepal. In West Bengal, it is known as Dolyatra (Doljatra)
or Boshonto Utsav ("spring festival").
On the third day, burning of the
demoness Holika, Hiranyakashipu's sister, in huge bonfires at night. It is
called Kama dahanam in Andhra Pradesh.
On the second day, known as Dhulheti,
people spend the day throwing coloured powder and water at each other. The
spring season, during which the weather changes, is believed to cause viral
fever and cold. Thus, the playful throwing of the coloured powders has a
medicinal significance: the colours are traditionally made of Neem, Kumkum,
Haldi, Bilva, and other medicinal herbs prescribed by Âyurvedic doctors. A
special drink called thandai is prepared, sometimes containing bhang (Cannabis
sativa).
Rangapanchami occurs a few days later on a Panchami (fifth day of
the full moon), marking the end of festivities involving colours.
Holi-The
Festival of Color
Holi the festival of color is marked as the opening festival in Hindu
calendar, falls on the full moon day in the month of PHALGUN. People enjoy
themselves playing with several colours and celebrate the whole day with much
pump and gaiety.
Originally Holi was regarded to be the festival to celebrate good harvests
and fertility of the land. There are several legends and stories behind Holi. A
popular legend says that Holi is remembered for the sacrifice of Holika who
burnt herself in fire on this day.
Holi is therefore regarded one
of the most ancient festivals of the Aryans who finds an honored mention in our
old Sanskrit texts like Dashakumar Charit and Garud Puran. Even the play
"Ratnavali" written by Harshdev states a delightful description of Holi as a
festival. In those days this very festival was celebrated as "Vasantotsav".
Latter everybody started calling it "MADANOTSAV".
Celebration of Holi
festival is characterized by performing Holi puja as per Hindu tradition.
Dhuleti, which falls day after Holi Puja, is considered to be the actual
festival of colors. Children and youngsters vie with each other use fast and
sticky colors to celebrate Holi. It is all fun and joy for them.
Happy
Holi...............!!!!!!!!!!
--Regards,
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