Holi is known in India as the “festival of spring,” “festival of colours” or even the “festival of love.” The Indian festival tradition celebrates the end of winter and the arrival of spring, the most flowery season of the year. festival of colours celebrates the victory of good over evil and spreads happiness, unity, forgiveness and love.
The ancient festival is mentioned in several Jaimini sutras, although the festival is Hindu, it has become commonly popular among non-Hindus. Holi has existed since ancient times, long before Jesus Christ, in the past it was celebrated only by married women, but over the years the festival has changed its conception.
The legends of Holi
Holika’s Bonfire
The legend revolves around King Hiranyakashyap, known as the demonic king of Asuras. Hiranyakashipu could not be killed by any man or animal so he ordered everyone to worship him as a god. But his son Prahlada went against this order and continued his worship of the Hindu god Vishnu, the father was furious at his son Prahlad’s disobedience and ordered him to be punished.
King Holika’s sister tricked Prahlad into a pyre, Sister Holika wore a cloak to protect her body from the fire, but the cloak flew and enveloped Prahlad saving his life. A while later the beloved Vishnu appeared as Narasimha (half lion and half man) and slew Hiranyakashyap. It is said that it is because of this legend that every year the festival begins with Holika’s bonfire, which symbolizes the rise and victory of good over evil.
the colours of Krishna
Krishna was turned blue-skinned after he was poisoned by a demon named Putana. Krishna then became afraid of Radha and his companions not liking him because of his skin color, so his mother told him to paint Radha in whatever color he wanted. This game ended up becoming a tradition and gave rise to Holi.
How is Holi celebrated?
The Holi Festival begins the night before with the Holika Dahan Bonfire, where Hindus perform rituals for the devil and evil to be destroyed. There is a specific time to light the bonfire, which can never be done before sunset, even in India they advise the indicated times to do the bonfire ritual (it may vary from one city to another).
The next morning, colors take over the streets, people come out of their homes and play with each other with coloured powder and paint, bringing out a lot of positivity and good energy for their lives.
Holi is not just about colors and flowers, there are also delicacies that are very popular on this occasion, such as gujiya, mathri, malpua, dahi vada, puran poli and a drink based on milk and various spices thandai.
When will the Holi Festival of Colors be celebrated in 2020?
Vibrant and full of colours, Holi is celebrated according to the Hindu calendar in the month of Phalgun on the day of the full moon. This year Bonfire Night, or Holika Dahan, takes place on March 9th and Holi is held on the following day, March 10th.
Tourism in India at Holi Festival
You can take advantage of your vacation to discover the Golden Triangle of India and also see the Holi celebration. Below is a very interesting itinerary suggestion:
Day 1: Arrival in Delhi
Day 2: Tours in Delhi
Day 3: Delhi – Jaipur
Day 4: Holi Festival in Jaipur
Day 5: Jaipur – Amber – Jaipur
Day 6: Agra
Day 7: Delhi
Holi teaches humanity to transcend differences, it is a festival that renews good spirits and positivity. Popular songs take over the streets, people of all ages gather and celebrate together. The festival brings colours not only to cities but to people’s lives.
Holi is a festival of great importance to Indians, considered one of the biggest in all of India, it is celebrated in all parts of the country. As India is a huge country with a very diverse culture, naturally Holi ends up gaining different characteristics and traditions in each region,