Holi is considered as one of the most deified and celebrated carnivals of India and it’s celebrated in nearly every part of the country. It is also occasionally called as the “ Festival of Love & Colors” as on this day people get to unite together forgetting all resentments and all types of sour feeling towards each other. The Holi celebration has a cultural significance among various Hindu traditions of the Indians. It’s the festive day to end and relieve oneself of past misdoings, to end conflicts by meeting others, a day to forget and forgive. Holi also marks the launch of spring, an occasion for people to enjoy the changing seasons and make new buddies.
The great Indian festival lasts for a day and a night, It’s celebrated with the name “Holika Dahan” or “Choti Holi” on first evening of the festival and the following day is called Holi. In different region of the country it’s known with different names.
History of Holi
There are multiple stories behind celebration of Holi, and one of them is related to Hindu Lord Vishnu and his devotee Prahlada. King Hiranyakashipu father of Prahlada, was the king of demonic Asuras, and had earned a boon that gave him five unique powers he could be killed by neither a human being nor an animal, neither indoors nor outside, neither at day nor at night, neither by astra ( projectile weaponries) nor by any shastra (handheld weaponries), and neither on land nor in water or air. Hiranyakashipu was angry because his own son was worshipping his enemy (Lord Vishnu).
He subjected Prahlada to cruel punishments, none of which affected the boy or his determination to do what he supposed was right. Eventually, Holika, Prahlada’s evil aunt, tricked him into sitting on a pyre with her. Holika was wearing a cloak that made her immune to fire, while Prahlada was not. As the fire roared, the cloak flew from Holika and encased Prahlada, who survived while Holika burned. Then Lord Vishnu appears as an avatar to restore Dharma in Hindu beliefs, took the form of Narasimha – partial mortal and partial lion (which is neither a human nor an animal), at dusk (when it was neither day nor night), took Hiranyakashyapu at a doorstep (which was neither indoors nor outside), placed him on his lap (which was neither land, water nor air), and killed the demon king with his lion claws (which were neither a handheld weapon nor a launched weapon).
The Holika bonfire and Holi signifies the celebration of the symbolic victory of good over evil.
When Is Holi in 2022 ?
Many people search for festival date as it keeps changing as per Indian calendar(called Panchang), so in 2022 Holika will be celebrated on 17-March and Holi will be on 18-March.
So, prepare yourself and get ready for Holi 2022 😊.
How to Celebrate Holi ?
People celebrate festival of colors by splashing water and smearing each other with colors, which is also known as ‘Gulal’. Children enjoy the day by playing with water baloons and water guns. Parties are hosted by people where they dance on popular Holi songs.
People also delight on some lip-smacking sweets like Gujiya(a traditional sweet made on Holi) and Thandai (a special drink made of milk). Some people also binge on some bhang, which is cannabis added to Thandai, and it’s intoxicating.
What to gift on Holi ?
There are so many things you can gift your loved one’s on Holi like sweets, Gulal(powdered colors), clothes. So, enjoy this festival of colors with your friends and family ❤️.