India is one of the most colourful places on earth and it has the most vibrant and fun festival, known as Holi. Celebrated each year at the beginning of spring, the festival is a kaleidoscope of colour. People gather to toss powdered paint or coloured water at each other. It is a huge, playful event where family and friends take the time to have fun, be happy and welcome the start of spring and new beginnings.
Holi is an ancient Hindu festival. It is believed that long ago there was an evil king who had a son, Prahlad and daughter, Holika. The king received blessings from Brahma (God of Creation) and became so powerful that he forced his subjects and his children to worship him as their god but Prahlad refused. Furious, the king, together with his daughter, hatched a plan to kill Prahlad, by inviting him to sit in a pit of fire that Holika was immune to, in the hope that he would burn to death. However, Prahlad’s devotion to Brahma helped him walk away from the fire unhurt whilst Holika did not. The festival, named after her, signifies the triumph of good over evil.
Traditionally the colours used in Holi came from flowers and herbs but now they are synthetic. Vibrant colours such as red, yellow, green, blue, orange and purple are typically used but black and white are avoided. Each colour carries its own meaning. Red is the colour of matrimony, fertility, love and beauty. Yellow is synonymous with turmeric, an important ingredient that was known for its medicinal purposes, treating inflammatory and digestive ailments. Blue reveres the god Krishna, whilst green symbolises new beginnings and harvest. Saffron is associated with piety and strength.
Holi is a wonderfully
joyous event that binds people, regardless of social standing, faith or spoken
language. It creates unity and friendship, an opportunity to end conflict, the
chance to forgive and forget.
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