My first impression of Holi, "The Festival of Colors", was that of celebrating life, and the awesome rebirth process the world witnesses each year at Springtime. It seems so appropriate to me that people should be happy and dancing in the streets at the prospect of seeing the freshness and beauty of the season become part of our own lives as well. Indeed, Spring gives the entire planet pause to look and smile at the magnificence of nature as She renews Herself and reminds us all there is always hope for the future.

This time of year is very special in India, and to all those who celebrate Hindu Holidays. Traditionally celebrated on the day following the full moon in the month of Phalguna (Late Feb/Early March), it is meant to honor the arrival of Spring and bring song and all manner of merrymaking to the Hindu people. Lasting as long as sixteen days, Holi is celebrated worldwide, but has special meaning in the Braj region of India, in locations connected to the god Krishna. Rangapanchami takes place on the fifth day of the full moon, marking the end of the end of festivities that specifically include colors, but more celebrations can continue for many days after that.

The History

Rooted in ancient beliefs and customs of the people of India, the exact purpose and reasoning behind Dhuli Vandana or Holi are rather varied. Once believed to be an agricultural feast time, Holi announced the arrival of Spring and the promise of the bounty of crops to be planted. This remains significant as the festival still uses colored powders as part of many ways to show, as well as spread, the joy to others. The colors themselves relate to the flowers and plants around us that are now coming into bloom after taking their Winter nap.

The Story of Prahlad

Let me share with you two of the stories that have been passed down through the generations about the origins of Holi. The first tells of an evil king, Hiranyakashipu, who forbade his son, Prahlad, from worshipping Vishnu. When Prahlad refused to obey and continued to honor Vishnu, Hiranyakashipu flew into a rage and challenged his son to sit on a pyre with his aunt Holika, who was believed to be immune to fire. Prahlad accepted this challenge, and began to pray to Vishnu for help. The fire was started, and while Prahlad was not at all harmed (much to the people's amazement) his aunt Holika burned to death. Before she died, Holika expressed her love to Prahlad, and asked him to forgive her. Prahlad was so overjoyed that his aunt showed her loyalty to him upon her death, that he decreed she be remembered every year at the festival of Holi.

The Story of Lord Krishna and Radha

This second story of Holi origins is of the everlasting love between Lord Krishna (an incarnation of Vishnu) and Radha. Legend says that Krishna complained to his mother about him being dark-complexioned while Radha was very light. His mother, Yashoda suggested that he apply color to Radha's face as an answer to her son's problem. Throwing colored powder at others during Holi is said to have this story included in the beliefs behind it.


Customs and Rituals

Spread out over at least two days, but can be as many as sixteen, the entire Holiday is meant to ease social restrictions that relate to sex, status, age and caste. Holi brings people together from all walks of life, and in the past many of them did not otherwise know each other on a personal or social basis. This includes disregard for the usual social norms that regulate language and behaviour. A common saying heard during Holi is "bura n mano, Holi hai", which means "don't be offended - it's Holi!"

Public bonfires are held at this time, to commemorate Holika's death. Hindu boys prepare for weeks prior to Holi, bringing kindling to the site of the bonfire. The lighting of the fire takes place at the rising of the moon, and people gather in the streets for the event - shouting, singing, dancing and welcoming the start of the festivities in a loud and unmistakable manner!

The ritual of throwing colored water and powders on friends and family is another reason Holi gets the name "Festival Of Colors". Krishna and Radha give this a bit of a romantic meaning, but the primary reason for this custom is that it celebrates Spring and nature once again in bloom. Flowers of Palash and Dhak are boiled and soaked in water to produce a yellow water, used for spraying on each other. Throwing colored powders on all those around us also has a meaning rooted in Ayurvedic medicine as well, due to the health benefits from many of the dried herbs used to coat friends and family.

Holi is observed in many different ways, depending on the country and the region, but the spirit of lightheartedness and fun carry through wherever this lively Holiday is celebrated!

To learn more about foods prepared for the feast of Holi, or learn more about Indian cooking, click on the links below.

Om Shanti!