Spring is riddled with dozens of holidays to celebrate winter finally leaving and spring taking center stage: Easter, St. Patrick’s Day, and Mardi Gras are just a few examples. But in India there is one holiday that embodies the coming of the much awaited season: Holi.
What Is Holi?Holi is one of the most celebrated festivals in South Asia, specifically India, taking place on the last full moon of the Hindu lunar calendar (usually in March). People celebrate and welcome spring into their lives. Known as a day to forgive and forget, apologies are made, forgiveness is given, and conflict is resolved. There is a religious significance as well: Krishna, the 8th reincarnation of the God of Preservation Vishnu, fell in love with a woman named Radha. Afraid she would not love him back because of his dark skin (unfortunately, colorism was and still is ingrained in Indian culture), he begs his mother for advice. His mother tells him to go to Radha and ask her to paint him any color she wishes. And so Holi was born! The holiday has been observed for as long as Hindus have remembered and is recognized by not only India, but also Pakistan, Nepal, Bengal, Bali, Trinidad, Fiji and more.
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Radha and Krishna playing with colors on Holi.
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How is Holi Celebrated?One of the most common ways to celebrate Holi is by playing with colors. Partygoers dress in white and take colored powders, as well as water balloons and/or water guns, and throw them at each other, dying everyone head to toe in every shade of the rainbow. Parties will last well into the night where people will dance, sing, eat, and drink all around a cleansing bonfire. Some might go home early to change into clean clothes and have dinner with friends and family. There are many variations throughout the numerous states of India. In some areas, Holi lasts for two days: one for religious rituals around a bonfire and the other for the party. Others parade statues or pictures of Krishna and Radha through the streets. No matter how people celebrate, it is always filled with love and joy.
Overall, Holi is filled with enjoyment and excitement for the coming of spring. It is a huge part of Indian culture and is really fun to participate in! So next year, wear white, get some colored powder, forgive those around you, and create a fresh start. |
Me and my friend at a party for Holi.
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Minali Brosnan
