Holi Is Not Just a Festival of Colors but Also Of Sagaciousness
Holi- The spring festival of colors and magnificence is celebrated predominantly in India and Nepal as the festival of sharing love, frolic and joy. It is an ancient Hindu religious festival which has become popular with non-Hindus in many parts of South Asia, as well as people of other communities outside Asia. In recent years the festival has spread to parts of Europe and North.
Before we begin to dwell into its effervescent celebrations, let us take an insight into its significant history.
THE HOLIKA DEHAN
KingHiranyakashipuwas a demon king who was known for his arrogance. He thought he was God and ordered his countrymen to wordship him. His own son, Prahlada disagreed to this and was a keen worshipper of Lord Vishnu. The King was infuriated and tricked him into sitting on a pyre with his evil sister Holika. Holika was immune from fire as she wore a cloak but as the fire roared, the cloak flew onto Prahlad and Holika was killed. Today the bonfire is lit as a symbol of victory of good over evil.
IMPORTANCE OF HOLI
Holi is identified as a festival of agriculture and spring harvests. It is also celebrated as a farewell to the winter season by greeting each other with abundance of colors. All kinds of social taboos are put down today and people from all origins indulge in the rituals.
The Mouthwatering Delicacies
The most interesting part of the festival is the delightful and delicious snacks that are prepared at homes. Making of Gujhias and Papris are the primary traditions of the color festival.
The Colors
Holi is incomplete without the mention of colors. The wet color ‘Rang’ and the dry color ‘Gulal’ are prepared from flowers and from produces that have dyeing capacity. In today’s time artificial colors have found their prominence in the celebrations but are said to have harmful effects on the body. Despite of knowing this fact, people celebrate Holi in full swing worriless.
