Holi, the festival of colors

Holi, the festival of colors

Today is Holi, is known as Festival of Colours. It is a popular Hindu spring festival observed in India, Guyana, Trinidad, the UK and Nepal. In West Bengal, it is known as Dolyatra (Doljatra) or Boshonto Utsav ("spring festival"). Holi takes place over two days in the later part of February or March. As per the Hindu calendar, it falls on the 

Phalgun Purnima (or Pooranmashi, Full Moon).Although rooted mainly in Hindu religious mythology, its enthusiastic adoption across various religious sects attests to its popularity as a community event.The festival is a celebration of spring and heralds the beginning of a new crop season for farmers. India, historically having been an agricultural economy, celebrates many festivals in tandem with crop cycles. Holi has been historically celebrated by farming communities as a ritual that seeks to usher in a successful harvest. It is the community’s show of hope as well as a collective rejoicing in the spring.

Mythology:
Holi is often narrated as having various mythological beginnings. However, it is important for teachers to convey that most of these myths have a moral, meant to impart knowledge on ethics and the right ways of life. Two of the stories are reproduced here as guidelines.

Prahlad:
This story is about a young prince named Prahlad who was fiercely devoted to Vishnu, one of the three main deities of the Hindu pantheon. (The three main Gods of the Hindu pantheon are Brahma the Creator, Vishnu the Preserver and Shiva the Destroyer. Together they symbolize the circle of life. Most practicing Hindus,  although recognizing all Gods, identify themselves as either Vaishnavites orSaivities, i.e Vishnu or Shiva worshippers.) His father, Hiranyakashipu, was a demon king and demanded that everyone in his kingdom worship him instead of Vishnu. Prahlad was however, so devoted, that he stubbornly continued to worship Vishnu. His father then made repeated attempts to kill Prahlad. Finally he had his sister, Holika, who due to a boon, was immune to fire, hold Prahlad on a burning pyre. The story goes that Vishnu then saved Prahlad, who emerged unscathed while Holika was burnt in the fire. The bonfire that is lit on the night before the main day of the festival, signifies this victory of good over evil.

Radha and Krishna:

Radha And Krishna

Holi is also said to originate in Krishna’s boyhood. Krishna is an incarnation of Vishnu and is often considered one of the most human of gods. Krishna is known for playing pranks on the young women of his village, the gopis.

The story goes that Krishna is playing with his favorite gopi, Radha and notices that her skin is fair while his is dark. He sulks to his mother and she tells him to throw color on Radha’s face so that the difference can be erased. Hence during the morning of the main festivities, people play with color and water, hoping to erase difference of color, creed and religion, in the hope that this is what will make it a truly equal society.

Holika bonfire

Holika Bonfire

This fire is a symbol of rejuvenation and a new start. The whole community helps to build the bonfire, bringing various old things that they no longer need or want. Neighborhood kids also collect wood in the days leading upto the bonfire. Around midnight, everyone gathers around a designated bonfire site to set it ablaze. People sing, chant prayers, cheer and yell. The community also often shares sweets and small treats.

Rangpanchami
The final day of Holi is characterized by a loosening of social norms and codes, where the whole community comes together to celebrate the festival of colors. People fill the streets and squirt one another with colored water, water balloons and paint each other’s faces. Everybody looks like one another, symbolizing the erasure of difference. The bright colors also signify the beginning of spring. They are often made from naturally occurring vegetable dyes.