Holi

Introduction

Holi can be described as one of the most common festivals among Indians. It is a festivity that usually takes place during the spring season in the country of India. The name Holi is believed to have originated from ancient Sanskrit texts and records. The origin of the festival is believed to be India but through the years, the festivity has gained popularity on other parts of the world where people engage in similar acts as those that the people of India take part in.

Examples of other countries where the celebrations have spread to include Nepal and other Western countries. It is festival that is used to mark how evil can be defeated by good. This is symbolized by the beginning of the spring season after the winter season. Holi is a festival that is also known by other names such as festival of colours or the festival of love.

History

Holi is a festival that has been celebrated in India since the ancient times. Ancient records have shown that the festival was initially known as Holika. Dasakumara Charita and Puranas are the first to have acknowledged the festival as seen from records as old as from the 4^th century. The ‘Ratnavali’ drama that took place in the 7^th century also mentioned the festivity. The British colonial rulers and the early traders who came to India got to learn of the festivity. The old English Oxford dictionary has also mentioned the festivity in its earlier records.

Festival of colours

Holi is a festival that is also known as the festival of colours. It is a day when people get to play with colours where they playfully fight each other with colours. The day that is set aside for people to play with colours does not involve any Puja. The day is rather set aside for friends and families to have fun. People purchase liquid colours or powdered colours prior to the festivity which they will apply on the face and other body parts of their friends and families. Playing with colours is a ritual that can take place anywhere including on the streets, parks, homes and temples.

The colours that are currently being used to commemorate Holi as a festival are different from the ancient colours. The ancient people used traditional colours that were extracted directly from plants. However, currently, people are using commercially purchased colours. Any colour can be used to mark Holi as a festival of colours and no colours are restricted. Holi as a festival of colours also sees other practices taking place such as dancing, singing and sharing meals.

Why we celebrate Holi

1. One of the reasons as to why people celebrate Holi is to commemorate the Vishnu legend. It is a legend that is used to show how evil can be defeated by good. The legend talks about King Hiranyakashipu who had five powers that made him special. The powers gave him pride and he hence forced the people to worship him as he considered himself to be a god. His son Prahlada however, did not support his actions as he was a firm believer of the Hindu called Vishnu. His faith made his father angry. Prahlada’s aunt who was called Holika tricked him on one occasion to sit with her on a pyre. Holika had a cloak that she used to cover her from being burnt but Prahlada did not have one. The cloak however flew from Holika and went to Prahlada and covered him while Holika The Hindu god Vishnu was also able to defeat Hiranyakashipu. The victories of both Vishnu and Prahlada are the reason as to why the festival marks the defeat of evil by good.
2. The Krishna legend is also another reason as to why people celebrate Holi. The legend gives the festivity the name of festival of love as it remembers the love that Radha had for Krishna.
3. People also celebrate Holi for cultural reasons. The day offers a perfect platform where people can go and make new friends and reconcile with friends and family.
4. People celebrate Holi so that they can bond with their friends and families. The activities that take place on this day make it possible for people to play and bond with each other.
5. The Holi festival is also celebrated to mark a new beginning. It marks the beginning of the winter season after the end of the spring season.

What happens during Holi?

1. The main activity that happens during Holi is people playing with colours. Friends and families play with different colours where they smear each other on their faces and clothes.
2. People also get to enjoy traditional meals which they share with their friends and family members.
3. People also get involved in song and dance. The singing and dancing takes place after people break from the colour fighting ritual. People dance in groups and traditional drums are also played.
4. In the Braj region, the women playfully beat the men in a ritual where the men are expected to surrender themselves.

Celebrating Holi in an eco-friendly way

1. One of the ways of celebrating Holi in an eco-friendly way is ensuring that they do not take part in the festival of colours near water bodies. The colours that people play with may cause the pollution of water bodies once they get swept away.
2. One can also ensure that they do not use heavy metal pigment colours. These are hazardous to the environment. Instead, one can opt to use traditional colour

Conclusion

Holi is a festival that has been celebrated since the ancient day India. The festival originated in India due to religious ties that make up the history of the festivity. However, over time, this festival has gained worldwide popularity and it is now celebrated on other countries apart from India. The festival of colours has been attributed to causing environmental damage due to the bonfires and colours that people play with. However, one should ensure that they find ways that they celebrate Holi in an eco-friendly way.