Holi celebrates the arrival of spring and the end of winter and provides a refreshing break from the mundane norms of society.  During this period Hindus celebrate by throwing coloured powder (gulal) and water on each other.  Holi is a celebration of joy and hope and brings with it vibrant colours, jubilation, and harmony.  Holi is celebrated on the full moon day in the month of Phalguna.  People are in their joyous spirits and celebrate Holi all day by throwing coloured water and power at each other.  Sweets are also distributed to family and friends during Holi.

There are many stories about the origin of Holi.  The best known story is that of Prahlad.  Prahlad was the son of King Hiranyakashyap, who declared himself to be the most powerful king in the universe, and the only person who was to be worshipped.  However, his son Prahlad continued to worship Lord Vishnu and steadfastly refused to acknowledge the supremacy of his father as God.  After many attempts to convert Prahlad, King Hiranyakashyap decided to kill his son.

King Hiranyakashyap attempted to dispose of Prahlad many times, but in every instance where Prahlad was about to die, Lord Vishnu saved Prahlad from sure destruction.  After many of these endeavours, King Hiranyakashyap decided to seek the assistance of his sister, Holika, who had the boon of immunity from fire.  King Hiranyakashyap decided that Holika should hold Prahlad on her lap, and enter a bonfire.  But, with God’s grace, Prahlad survived, while Holika burnt to ashes!  To commemorate this incident, conflagrations are created to symbolize the burning of Holika.  The incident reminds us that truth, faith and goodness will always prevail, even though one may first have to go through many hardships.  It also serves to remind us that God is our savoir, and will always be with us in our moments of need.

The Hindu calendar is based on the movement of the moon.  There are 12 lunar months.  Holi is a celebrated in the lunar month of Phalguna (late March-early April) and is celebrated over several days.  The first day is called Holi proper.  On the evening of Holi proper bonfires are lit, marking both the end of winter and the beginning of spring.  The burning of Holika is done during this time and proceeds from the seasonal harvest (grains, coconuts, etc) are offered to the flames.  The second day is called Dhuleti or Rangapanchami, and over the duration of this second day, people throw coloured powder and water at each other.  Rangapanchami can be broken down into 2 words-ranga, which means colour, and panchami, which means fifth day.  Holi was originally a 5-day festival, and the fifth day was called Rangapanchami-in earlier times it was celebrated on the fifth day of the fortnight.

India is a vast country with many different regions.  Hindus from these various regions celebrate the same festivals, but in a multitude of different ways. The tradition of colour throwing dates back to the time of Lord Krishna and Radha.  When he was young, Lord Krishna was extremely mischievous and loved to play tricks on people.  One day, he decided to liven everyone’s moods and started throwing coloured power at Radha.  She retaliated, and soon everyone joined in on the fun.  The trend was set, and ever since that day colour throwing has become an integral part of Holi.

Author: Ravi Purushuttam