Associated with throwing colored powder, dancing, and poking water balloons, Holi has become one of India’s most enthralling festivals. This celebration happens yearly in March, and the date depends on the lunar cycle.
On that day, besides Hindus, different religions and races come together to celebrate new beginnings with great enthusiasm. Here are 8 fascinating facts that make Holi a renowned celebration.
8 Colors Have Symbolic Meanings
While the colors provide festival-goers with an incredible sense of ritual, tradition, and beauty, each hue has a specific meaning. Red is the most used color in Holi, and it symbolizes love and fertility. It’s also the color of weddings since it’s mostly worn by married women and brides.
Yellow, which is derived from turmeric, represents health and happiness. It’s pretty understandable as most Hindus use it when cooking and as a natural remedy for inflammation. In most cultures, green stands up for nature, but it symbolizes new beginnings, harvest, and life among Hindus.
7 It Lasts For Two Days
On the first day, Hindus celebrate Holika Dahan, where they light a bonfire between 8 p.m and midnight. This period marks the end of evil to celebrate the good. As per the narrative, it’s the day Hiranyakashyap, the demon, tried to kill his son, who was an avid follower of Lord Vishnu.
However, he called out Lord Vishnu’s name, who saved him from the burning pyre. Simply put, it reminds people that staying on the righteous path will always protect them from evil.
The second day is celebrated as Dhulandi (Rangwali Holi), where participants rub colors on each other. That’s not all. Some fill balloons with colored water to smear around, adding more excitement.
6 Food Is Important
Splashing colors, dancing, and chasing friends around are fun activities. But no party is complete without some mouth-watering dishes. After all, people are bound to get hungry amidst the amusing activities. Food is the center of the Holi festival, and it fuels people’s energy to keep the party lit. The gathering has something for everyone, from street snacks and dried fruits to delicious desserts.
A must-have meal is Ghujiya, a snack that wows with its crispy outer later and delectable stuffings. Other delicacies include Barfi, Dahi Bhalla, Puran Poli, Rasmalai, Jaggery malpua, and more.
5 Adults Drink Bhaang Thandai
This edible cannabis juice takes the top spot for special drinks served during Holi. Also known as Bhang Lassi, this sweet drink is crafted from milk, almonds, melon seeds, peppercorns, pistachios, and some bhang toppings. The sweetened combo has a magical way of uplifting the crowd’s spirit to keep the festival alive.
However, consumers should take the drink on a full stomach, keep away from direct sunlight, have lots of water, and avoid mixing the beverage with alcohol. Bhaang Thandai is also not ideal for kids and pregnant women.
4 Holika Dahan Has Some Do’s And Dont’s
Before lighting Holika, there are some crucial things that should be done on the right muhurta. For instance, people should place a lit ghee lamp facing the northern direction to attract peace and prosperity. Another must-do practice is applying a mixture of turmeric and sesame oil on the body. Once it dries, individuals should rub the scrapes and throw them into the Holika bonfire.
Additionally, collecting the Holika ash and smearing it on the body is believed to cleanse the body and soul. However, there are things to avoid, like wearing white, yellow, or bright-colored clothes when performing Holika Dahan Puja. Hindus should also dismiss food offered by outsiders and avoid touching random objects on the road since they could bring misfortunes to their homes.
3 It’s For People Of All Ages
Anyone who thinks the Holi festival is for children and teens only is forgiven. It’s understandable, noting all the goofiness that happens during the two days. However, Holi is for all ages, from youngsters to the aged. It’s a chance for everyone to enjoy the moment without receiving judgment from anyone.
Children can run after older people while splashing water and powders on them without it being a sign of disrespect. Holi presents a once-in-a-year chance to be open-minded. It shows adults that being playful is fantastic.
2 It Marks The End Of Winter
Holi takes place after winter to celebrate the beginning of spring. Not only does it symbolize a blooming season but also new beginnings. In older days, or even now, some people developed severe skin conditions due to taking baths regularly. The natural colors help remove such skin eruptions and other unwanted particles.
Thanks to the carefree activities, people take this chance to end conflicts and release emotional baggage. People in broken relationships also act goofy around each other, which is a thoughtful way to rekindle their love.
1 It’s Celebrated Across Different States
With the fun activities associated with Holi, it’s hard for non-Hindus not to be lured. Holi has no limits. No wonder thousands of people worldwide, despite their culture and faith, celebrate this day. While this day pulls a large crowd in India, some communities in the United States, Australia, Mauritius, Guyana, and Bangladesh, among others, honor Holi with great energy.
Undoubtedly, it’s a fascinating way for others to understand, recognize, and appreciate the Hindu culture.