Holi is also called as festival of colors. This is a vibrant and joyous festival which is celebrated by millions of people throughout the country even around the world. The holi celebration marks arrival of spring season and triumph of good over evil. However, this year holi is expected to be celebrated on 14th March. The festival is going to be celebrated on a grand level. So, if you are also interested to know more about this festival then make sure to follow this post till the end.
History and Mythology of Holi celebration
The origins of Holi can be traced back to ancient Hindu mythology. There are two popular legends who are associated with this festival, Prahlada and Holika. However, lord Prahlada is believed to be a devout follower of Lord Vishnu. Further, to punish Prahlada, Hiranyakashipu ordered his sister Holika, who had a boon that made her immune to fire, to sit on a pyre with Prahlada in her lap. As Prahlada had unwavering devotion, he was unharmed while Holika was burnt into ashes. After which this legend symbolizes victory of good over evil. This incident is commemorated with lighting of bonfires on the night before Holi and this event is known as Holika Dahan.
There is another association of Lord Krishna and Radha in this festival. People of Braj, where Krishna spent his childhood, celebrates Holi festival with great enthusiasm. It is believed that Krishna has dark complexion and Radha has fair skin tone and it made him envious of her fair skin. His mother advised him to playfully put some colors on Radha’s face to make them look alike. After this, the ritual of putting colors on each other became an integral part of Holi celebration.
Celebration of Holi in Different Parts of India
Holi is the festival which is celebrated with different styles in different parts of India. This reflects different culture of the country. Here are unique style of celebration of Holi in India:
- North India: North India, particularly in Uttar Pradesh, Holi is celebrated with great dedication. However, there are major regions such as Mathura and Vrindavan where holi is celebrated with temple rituals. The holi festival of colors is famous as Lathmar Holi, where women hit men with sticks.
- West Bengal: the other part of India where fishes and Durga Puja are famous is West Bengal. Here holi is known as Dol Jatra or Dol Purnima. Holi is celebrated with singing and dancing. Devotees carry idols of Radha and Krishna in decorated palanquins while dancing. However, the festivities also includes application of colors and consumption of traditional sweets.
- Punjab: have you heard about Punjab’s famous fields and turban? They know holi festival as Hola Mohalla which they celebrate after one day of the traditional Holi. The Sikh community commemorates this day with martial arts displays, mock battles reflecting warrior spirit.
- Maharashtra: Maharashtra is the state where city of dreams is situated. Marathi holi is celebrated with traditional songs and folk dance. Here people celebrate unique tradition which is called Matki Phod. This tradition involves young men to make human pyramid and break the pot filled with buttermilk. This ritual symbolizes Krishna’s playful nature.
- Rajasthan: the Rajasthan state consists Jaipur and Udaipur where holi is celebrated at a grand level. However, Udaipur’s City Palace organizes a majestic event which includes folk dances, cultural performances with Holika bonfire as well.
Favourite dishes during holi
There are some of the dishes that are famous during parties and gatherings. Here are some of the famous dishes during holi:
- Gujiya: this is a sweet dish. You can consider this sweet as sweet dumplings which is filled with a mixture of Khoya which is dried milk and dry fruits. However, the dish is deep fried to golden brown and often dipped in sugar syrup.
- Thandai: this is a refreshing and traditional beverage which is made with milk, almonds, fennel seeds, rose petals and mix of spices. Not only this but this beverage is also mixed with some bhang (cannabis).
- Puran Poli: this is such a popular dish in Maharashtra. This is made with sweet flatbread stuffed with a mix of jaggery and chana dal.
- Dahi Bhalla: this is a soft lentil dumplings which is soaked in yoghurt and garnished with tamarind and mint chutneys. The dish is served with sprinkle of spices.
- Papri Chaat: this is snack which is made with some crispy wafers topped with boiled potatoes, chickpeas, yoghurt, tamarind chutney and spices as well.
- Malpua: a sweet pancake which is made with flour, milk and sugar. However, it is often flavoured with cardamom and saffron.
- Kesar Pista Kulfi: this is Indian version of ice cream which is made with condensed milk, saffron and pistachios.
These dishes add more fun and a reason to bring everyone together. Holi celebration is full of joy, laughter and spirit of togetherness.