Holi, often called the “festival of colors,” is a vibrant and joyful Hindu celebration that marks spring’s arrival, the triumph of good over evil, and the legendary love between Radha and Krishna.
This festival, mainly observed in South Asia but also recognized globally, typically spans two days and is rooted in ancient traditions, mythology and community gatherings. Its date changes, as it is based on the full moon in the month of Phalguna, part of the Hindu lunar calendar, usually falling in late February or March.Holi, dating back to the 4th century, stands alongside Diwali, the festival of lights, as one of the most prominent Hindu celebrations and is famous for the playful tossing of colored powders and water.
The origin of Holi can be traced back to various legends and mythological stories, the most popular being the tale of Holika and Prahlad from Hindu scriptures.
According to Hindu mythology, there was a demon king named Hiranyakashipu, who was granted a boon that made him invincible .However, his son, Prahlad, remained devoted to Lord Vishnu, much to his father’s dismay. To punish Prahlad for his devotion, Hiranyakashipu enlisted the help of his sister, Holika, who was immune to fire. Holika tricked Prahlad into sitting on a pyre with her, hoping to burn him alive. But as the flames engulfed the pyre, it was Holika who perished, while Prahlad emerged unscathed due to his unwavering faith .This triumph of good over evil is celebrated during Holi, with the burning of bonfires symbolizing the victory of righteousness.
Traditional sources of colours
“Holi is a day to forget all your worries and let loose in the world of colors.”
The spring season, during which the weather changes, is believed to cause viral fever and cold. The playful throwing of natural coloured powders, called gulal has a medicinal significance: the colors are traditionally made of neem, kumkum, haldi, bilva, and other medicinal herbs suggested by ayurvedic doctors.
Many colors are obtained by mixing primary colors. Artisans produce and sell many of the colors from natural sources in dry powder form, in weeks and months preceding Holi. Flowers of Dhak or Palash are used to make traditional colors.
