Color Me Holi!
The colorful festival of Holi is celebrated annually among Indian communities across the world on the day after the full moon in March (this year Holi falls on March 22). It marks the arrival of spring, with hopes of good harvest and fertility, but also commemorates various events in Hindu mythology. Considered the least religious of all Hindu festivals, Holi is now considered an excuse to set aside the very traditional lines drawn by color, caste, gender and religion and enjoy a good party.
There are a number of Hindu legends associated with Holi. A popular one involves the arrogant King Hiranyakashyapu who wanted everyone to worship him and him alone. He resented his son Prahlada for worshipping Lord Vishnu and therefore made many attempts to kill him. After a series of unsuccessful attempts, the king’s sister, Holika, tricks Prahlada into sitting with her in a huge fire. Holika, who was meant to be immune to fire, also ended up burning to death however because she used her powers for evil. This fable is symbolized during holi with huge bonfires.
Holi is drastically different from most Hindu festivals because it allows freedom from the normally rigid Indian social and cultural customs. Colored powder (gulal) and colored water are thrown on people, and sweets and gifts are often exchanged. Holi is a loud, frenzied, and often messy celebration, enhanced by the consumption of a milk-based drink called “thandai” that is made with a dash of “bhang” (hemp). Perhaps that is why people seem a little happier than usual on Holi. But by late afternoon revelers are back home, washing off the colors from their hair and skin, and the streets are eerily silent as life returns to normal.
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