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Holi

Hinduism is the world’s oldest civilizations and dominates a major part of the country, with a belief that all paths lead to the same god. This quality of accommodating cultures has given birth to many festivals, one of which is holi-a festival of colors. Holi is celebrated on the full moon day of phagun in March or April. It is also known as the spring festival as the numerous spring flowers bloom everywhere.

Holi has a special significance. Among the various myths attached to the festival the most prominent one are:
It is believed that prahalad, the son of harinyakashyap, was a great devotee of lord Vishnu. His father, asked him to stop worshipping lord Vishnu. When prahlad refused, his father got annoyed and ordered his sister holika to sit on a burning pyre and burn prahlad, but prahalad did not get hurt, rather holika died and was burnt to ashes. Thus holi signifies the victory of good over evil.

Another legend associated to the sacred day says that it is associated with the immortal love of Lord Krishna and Radha. Due to this fact the festival lasts for around two weeks in the spiritual cities of Varanasi and Vrindavana. Here not only colored powder, but also water and cow dung is used to smear other people and is considered to be radial. The festival is celebrated for two days whereas in some places it may be extended to five or more days. In the dusky hour of the first day, the bonfires are lit and people worship the holy fire, sing hymns and pray for the protection of their family. Next day is celebrated with gaiety, fun and frolic. People throw colored powder at each other and enjoy themselves. Various dishes are cooked and served to celebrate happiness. People embrace each other and forgive and forget any differences they might have had.

In Bengal the celebration of this festival is more subtle than the other parts of the nation. Here it is known by the name of Dolayatra. On this day the idols and images of God are placed on platforms decorated especially for the occasion and women dance around it in full rapture. Holi is a festival filled with fun, colors and humor.