Imagine a land bursting with trembling pigments, where joy reveals itself in the path and merry havoc passes through the air. This is the fascination of Holi, India’s cheerful ceremony of colours, and the greeting of the blossoming spring. A ceremony that exceeds established doctrine, bidding residents to accept the heart of affection. As winter draws to a close, the Indian scenery wakes up with numerous colours to greet the coming of spring. On the last full moon day of the Hindu astro-lunar calendar month in March Holi is celebrated with the pound of blossom in the air. As people journey through the path, people of all ages put colourful powder on each other and throw coloured powder water at each other. These colours are believed to highlight different things green for resurgence, red for marriage and productivity, yellow for cleanliness and success and blue for Lord Krishna. Holi is sometimes connected with the spiritual love of Goddess Radha and Lord Krishna so it is known as the festival of love.
On the threshold of Holi, an iconic bonfire known as Holika Dahan is lit sustainably. Crowds of families assemble around the crackling flames, distributing stories and providing prayers for a successful new year. This is not just pure light; it's an icon of victory over evil, a huge fire that lights the stage for the trembling spectacle about to unfold the next day. This tradition has its origin in the saga of the demon king Hiranyakashipu, who planned to end the life of his sacred son Prahlada with the help of his sister Holika. But Holika lost her life in the fire whereas Prahlada survived. From that, this tradition highlights the combustion of bad things and Holi is celebrated as a victory of good over evil. Another fable recounts the cheerful devotion of Lord Krishna and Goddess Radha where Lord Krishna put colours on Goddess Radha cheerfully.
As the bonfires dance to the tune of expectation, people can join by throwing wood, dry leaves, sprays and roasting potatoes in the fire, peeling past mistakes and arguments in the process. This hope soared and the next day Holi came, when people spray coloured water at each other. No one should be amazed to see that they have been drenched with coloured water or that their faces have been covered with colourful powder as it's a colour war where families and friends become rivals.
If someone is taking part in Holi they should have ritualistic foods such as gujiya a crispy pastry loaded with fresh milk and dried fruits or nuts; thandai a unique summer drink loaded with nuts, seeds, spices, and rose petals; and dahi bhalla a pulse dough in yoghurt, served with chutney.
If someone is playing Holi they should wear linen clothes. If a person has blonde hair or chemically treated hair he or she should cover their hair with a scarf, put on a Holi-based wig or wear a hat. If someone doesn't want to put colours on their face, they can wear a mask. People should always apply oil to their bodies before playing Holi so that colours can be easily removed from the body.
