Holi is a festival of unity, love and colours!
Posted: Wed Dec 18, 2024 9:53 am
Holi, also known as the Festival of Colours and the Festival of Love, is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India and other parts of the world. It is a joyful occasion marked by vibrant colours, delicious food and a sense of togetherness among people of all ages and backgrounds.
The festival marks the end of winter and the arrival of spring in India. It is celebrated over two days, usually in late February or early March, with Holi falling on the full moon day.
The first day, known as Holika Dahan or Chhoti Holi, involves buy special number list lighting a bonfire. The bonfire is made from old things found around the house - broken furniture, brooms and discarded items of clothing. They symbolize the victory of good over evil, the arrival of spring and a good spring harvest.
The second day, known as Rangwali Holi or Dhulandi, is when people play with colours, water guns and water balloons.
Story
The origin of Holi goes back to Hindu religious literature. The word Holi comes from the Sanskrit word Holika , which refers to the evil sister of the demon king Hiranyakashipu in Hindu mythology.
The story of Holika's death is commemorated on the eve of Holi in a ritual called Holika Dahan, where people light bonfires symbolizing the victory of good over evil. The next day, people celebrate Holi by throwing colored powder and water at each other, dancing, and feasting. The festival marks the victory of good over evil, the arrival of spring, and the end of winter.
It is also said that Holi began as a love festival between Lord Krishna and his consort Radha. The story goes that Lord Krishna, who had a dark complexion, was jealous of Radha because of her fair complexion. His mother, Yashoda, suggested that he paint Radha's face so that she would look like him. The playful act of painting each other's faces soon became a tradition and evolved into the festival of Holi.
Meaning
Today, Holi is celebrated by people of all religions and cultures in India. It is quickly catching up with other parts of the world, especially where the Indian diaspora has settled.
It is a time when people come together to celebrate the spirit of love and brotherhood, putting aside differences. The festival is also an occasion for forgiveness and letting go of grudges, with people smearing paint on each other and hugging each other in a spirit of camaraderie.
Overall, there is joy and excitement in the air. Each color of Holi signifies a special emotion that goes beyond the bright faces of people and evokes a sense of community, equality, and unity.
Red: purity
Orange: Endurance
Purple: Magic
Blue: calm
Green: vitality
Yellow: happiness
Pink: love
Holi today is a festival of unity
Preparations for Holi usually begin several days in advance, with people buying paint, water guns and sweets. On the day of the festival, people dress in white and gather at events, public places or homes to play with colours.
Holi is a time to indulge in traditional sweets like gujiyas. And the signature dish of Holi is Thandai, a sweet and spicy milk-based drink that is prepared and shared with family and friends.
Environmental Impact
The main problem that arises when celebrating Holi is the use of artificial or synthetic colours. These powders often contain chemicals that are harmful to both humans and the environment. These colours irritate our skin and eyes. Some of them damage plant life and microorganisms in the soil.
Traditionally, dyes were made from plants, flowers and vegetables such as turmeric, rose petals, beetroot, neem leaves etc. To meet the market demand and reduce the time required to produce dyes from natural materials, chemical pigments and dyes were used to produce dyes on a large scale.
To make Holi more inclusive, environmentalists are working to promote safe and respectful celebrations that do not harm people or the environment. Today, it is common to find colors made from natural elements rather than artificial chemicals.
Did you know that you can make red, yellow, green, grey, purple, pink and other colors at home? Click here to learn how .
Have you played Holi?
Holi is a vibrant and colourful festival that celebrates the spirit of love, unity and togetherness.
It is an occasion to set aside differences and come together in a spirit of camaraderie, forgiveness and joy. As we celebrate this festival, let us remember to respect the environment and celebrate in an eco-friendly way. Happy Holi!
The festival marks the end of winter and the arrival of spring in India. It is celebrated over two days, usually in late February or early March, with Holi falling on the full moon day.
The first day, known as Holika Dahan or Chhoti Holi, involves buy special number list lighting a bonfire. The bonfire is made from old things found around the house - broken furniture, brooms and discarded items of clothing. They symbolize the victory of good over evil, the arrival of spring and a good spring harvest.
The second day, known as Rangwali Holi or Dhulandi, is when people play with colours, water guns and water balloons.
Story
The origin of Holi goes back to Hindu religious literature. The word Holi comes from the Sanskrit word Holika , which refers to the evil sister of the demon king Hiranyakashipu in Hindu mythology.
The story of Holika's death is commemorated on the eve of Holi in a ritual called Holika Dahan, where people light bonfires symbolizing the victory of good over evil. The next day, people celebrate Holi by throwing colored powder and water at each other, dancing, and feasting. The festival marks the victory of good over evil, the arrival of spring, and the end of winter.
It is also said that Holi began as a love festival between Lord Krishna and his consort Radha. The story goes that Lord Krishna, who had a dark complexion, was jealous of Radha because of her fair complexion. His mother, Yashoda, suggested that he paint Radha's face so that she would look like him. The playful act of painting each other's faces soon became a tradition and evolved into the festival of Holi.
Meaning
Today, Holi is celebrated by people of all religions and cultures in India. It is quickly catching up with other parts of the world, especially where the Indian diaspora has settled.
It is a time when people come together to celebrate the spirit of love and brotherhood, putting aside differences. The festival is also an occasion for forgiveness and letting go of grudges, with people smearing paint on each other and hugging each other in a spirit of camaraderie.
Overall, there is joy and excitement in the air. Each color of Holi signifies a special emotion that goes beyond the bright faces of people and evokes a sense of community, equality, and unity.
Red: purity
Orange: Endurance
Purple: Magic
Blue: calm
Green: vitality
Yellow: happiness
Pink: love
Holi today is a festival of unity
Preparations for Holi usually begin several days in advance, with people buying paint, water guns and sweets. On the day of the festival, people dress in white and gather at events, public places or homes to play with colours.
Holi is a time to indulge in traditional sweets like gujiyas. And the signature dish of Holi is Thandai, a sweet and spicy milk-based drink that is prepared and shared with family and friends.
Environmental Impact
The main problem that arises when celebrating Holi is the use of artificial or synthetic colours. These powders often contain chemicals that are harmful to both humans and the environment. These colours irritate our skin and eyes. Some of them damage plant life and microorganisms in the soil.
Traditionally, dyes were made from plants, flowers and vegetables such as turmeric, rose petals, beetroot, neem leaves etc. To meet the market demand and reduce the time required to produce dyes from natural materials, chemical pigments and dyes were used to produce dyes on a large scale.
To make Holi more inclusive, environmentalists are working to promote safe and respectful celebrations that do not harm people or the environment. Today, it is common to find colors made from natural elements rather than artificial chemicals.
Did you know that you can make red, yellow, green, grey, purple, pink and other colors at home? Click here to learn how .
Have you played Holi?
Holi is a vibrant and colourful festival that celebrates the spirit of love, unity and togetherness.
It is an occasion to set aside differences and come together in a spirit of camaraderie, forgiveness and joy. As we celebrate this festival, let us remember to respect the environment and celebrate in an eco-friendly way. Happy Holi!