Holi 2016: Why is Holi celebrated? All you need to know about the festival of colours!

Holi- the festival of colors falls on the Phalgun Purnima which begins from February end or early March. Holi is an ancient traditional Hindu festival which signifies the triumph of 'good' over 'bad'.

Edited By: Zainab Mulla

Updated: March 24, 2016, 9:29 AM IST

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Holi- the festival of colors falls on the Phalgun Purnima which begins from February end or early March. Holi is an ancient traditional Hindu festival which signifies the triumph of ‘good’ over ‘bad’. It is one of the most awaited Indian festivals, marks the beginning of spring. The fest welcomes and embraces bright sunny days and everyone rejoices at the new season’s arrival.On this day, people express their love and form sweet relationships. ALSO READ: Holi 2016 Wishes: Best Holi SMS, WhatsApp & Facebook Messages to send Happy Holi greetings!

Holi is a two-day festival which begins with lighting up of bonfire on the Holi eve which is celebrated on March 23, 2016. The fire puja is known as Holika Dahan or Chhoti Holi. People gather around the Holika bonfire, pray and sing various songs.On the next day, people splash colors and celebrate Holi which falls on March 24, 2016.  Numerous legends & myths are being associated with Holi celebration which makes it even more vivid. People use gulal on Holi and say, ‘bura na maano Holi hai‘. ALSO READ: Holi 2016 Puja Vidhi: How to perform Holika Dahan and Holi puja to celebrate the victory of ‘good’ over ‘bad!

We often see children play with dry powdered color, or use pichkari (water gun) on the day of Holi. Holi is celebrated with much fervor, zeal and enthusiasm all around the globe. Why do we celebrate Holi?

Mythological Significance of Holi

According to Hindu mythological stories, once there was a demon king Hiranyakashyap or Hiranyakashipu, who was powerful and had gained a boon of immortality. Due to which he wanted everyone to worship him, but his own son Prahlada was a devotee of Lord Vishnu and did not worship his father. So, the king wanted Prahlad to be killed and ordered his sister Holika to enter a blazing bonfire with Prahlada in her lap. Holika had a special cover to protect her from fire, so she could not be harmed. Luckily Lord Vishnu came to the rescue of Prahlada. Holika’s protection was destroyed and she was burnt in the fire, while the Lord himself killed King Hiranyakashyap.

Colors – Essential part of Holi

So, how did colors become part of Holi? It was believed that Lord Krishna used to celebrate this festival with colors. And he used to play holi with his friends at Vrindavan and Gokul. Further he used to apply colors on his beloved Radha. As we all know, Holi is a spring festival and is often associated with spring harvest. Holi is also known as ‘Vasant Mahotsava’ and ‘Kama Mahotsava’. During earlier days, Holi colors were made by using flowers of ‘tesu’ or ‘palash’ tree which are known as gulal. Bright red or deep orange color were made by collecting flowers from the forest which were further dried and then used.

Lath Mar Holi

In some parts of North India, women get an opportunity to playfully hit their men, whereas men try to save themselves with shields.

Traditional Holi Recipes

On this day, people prepare traditional delicacies which includes Puran Poli, Malpua, Thandai, Papri and the most loved traditional intoxicating drinks, bhang. ALSO READ: Holi 2016 Special: Thandai, Malpua, Gujia, Puran Poli – Top 10 lip-smacking recipes to make Holi enjoyable!

Cultural rituals associated with Holi

People start gathering wood, bamboo, cow dung and combustible materials for the bonfire. This bonfire signifies Holika who tricked Prahalad into the fire and was burnt into ashes. On this day, people prepare lot of dishes and celebrate the auspicious festival.

1. Holika dahan (March 23, 2016)

On the eve of Holi, mostly after the sunset, people burn the bonfire and celebrate Holika Dahan. This traditional ritual symbolises the victory of good over evil. Before burning the pyre and that, devotees pray and seek divine blessings from the Dahan.

2. Playing with colors, water and gulal – (March 24, 2016)

Holi celebrations get started since morning and the entire goes for partying, chilling and spraying colors. Children use pichkaris and water ballons filled with coloured water and chase their friends.

3. The after party

It’s time for a Holi party! After playing with colours for the entire day, people prefer spending the rest of the evening meeting their family members, friends and relatives. It is often said that the Holi festival encourages a feeling of brotherhood. Happy Holi!