Holi is one of those rare festivals where people participate irrespective of their religious inclinations. Rightly called the festival of colors and the festival of love, Holi has won hearts not only in Asia but even in the farthest corners of Europe and the United States. All people also say their best Happy Holi wishes with a color. People also enjoy the traditional Gujiya sweet, which is made especially for Holi.
Historical Significance:
The word Holi has its origin in “Holika” the demonic sister of King Hiranyakashipu. The king through years of ardent devotion had earned a boon that made him immeasurably strong. This invincibility enhanced his arrogance and started demanding everyone address him as God. But, his son Prahlad, continued with his unabated devotion to Lord Vishnu. This irritated the king to such an extent that he subjected his son to cruel punishments, but none had any effect on Prahlad since Lord Vishnu protected him each time. Finally, Holika decided to help her brother out. She tricked him into entering a huge burning pyre with her, first ensuring she was clad in a fire-proof shawl. As the story goes, she burned herself to death in the fire and Prahlad escaped unhurt. Lord Vishnu appears and kills King Hiranyakashipu. Thus Holi commemorates the victory of good over evil and the day after Holika was burned in the bonfire began to be celebrated as Holi.
Here are some interesting facts about Holi
1. Holi is also known as the "Festival of Colors" and is celebrated on the full moon day in the Hindu month of Phalguna.
2. It is believed that Holi originated as a Hindu festival to celebrate the victory of good over evil and the arrival of spring.
3. One of the most interesting aspects of Holi is the throwing of colors. People use a variety of colored powders, water, and sometimes even flowers to smear each other.
4. The throwing of colors is said to symbolize the breaking down of social barriers and the celebration of equality.
5. Another important aspect of Holi is the bonfires that are lit the night before the festival. These bonfires are called Holika Dahan and are said to represent the burning of the demon Holika, who tried to kill the god Vishnu.
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6. Holi is also known as the "Day of Forgiveness" and is a time when people come together to forget their differences and forgive each other.
7. The Holi festival is celebrated not just in India but also in Nepal, Sri Lanka, and other parts of the world.
8. It is said that the colors used during Holi have medicinal properties and are good for the skin and hair.
9. During Holi, people also indulge in traditional foods like gujiya (a sweet pastry filled with coconut and nuts) and thandai (a drink made with milk and spices).
10. In recent years, Holi has become a popular event for people of all backgrounds to come together and celebrate the spirit of the festival. Many cities around the world now host their own Holi festivals, complete with music, dancing, and of course, lots of colors.
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Final Thought
Holi is a beautiful and vibrant festival that celebrates the triumph of good over evil and the arrival of spring. It is a time for people to come together, forget their differences, and forgive each other. The throwing of colors is a particularly unique aspect of the festival that symbolizes the breaking down of social barriers and the celebration of equality. Whether you celebrate Holi in India or in your community, it is a wonderful opportunity to connect with others, spread joy, and embrace the beauty of diversity.
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