Holi, the festival of colours, means different things to various people depending on the region that one comes from and the faith that is practiced. There are, however, basic meanings of Holi that cut across borders and religions. So what does the festival mean?
It has a cultural meaning: During the celebrations, the Indian culture is also celebrated in the way that people dress, how they come together, and also in the types of foods that are eaten during this time.
A festival of colours: This annual festival is a colourful affair filled with coloured lights, paints, powders, clothing and flowers. Holi Festival is also known as the Festival of Colours. Another alternative name is The Festival of Sharing Love.
A spring festival: Holi is a spring festival, usually taking place around mid March. Holi is a festival that celebrates the arrival of spring both literally and metaphorically.
A religious festival: Holi is a religious festival that is part of the Hindu calendar. Holi is celebrated to pay tribute to Lord Krishna and other religious legends found in Hindu mythologies. It is not just a time to make merry but also to worship and do good in the community.
It means that good will always win over evil: Some people trace Holi back to a Hindu mythology in which demons are vanquished. The name Holi comes from the name of one of these female demons. It symbolizes that at the end of it all, good will always emerge victorious over bad.
In Hinduism, the day of Holi festival marks a day of love, compassion, colour, happiness, as well as agricultural productivity. The Holi festival, therefore, is significant religiously, socially, and culturally. To some people, however, it presents a good opportunity to generate sales and high profits. Thus, the festival means different things to different people.
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