Holi - The Festival of Colours

Holi – the Festival of Colors is marked as the opening festival in Hindu calendar, falls on the full moon day in the month of Phalgun. People enjoy themselves playing with several colours and celebrate the whole day with much pump and gaiety.

Originally Holi was regarded to be the festival to celebrate good harvests and fertility of the land. There are several legends and stories behind Holi. A popular legend says that Holi is remembered for the sacrifice of Holika who burnt herself in fire on this day.

Holi is therefore regarded one of the most ancient festivals of the Aryans who finds an honHoli 2011ored mention in our old Sanskrit texts like Dashakumar Charit and Garud Puran. Even the play "Ratnavali" written by Harshdev states a delightful description of Holi as a festival. In those days this very festival was celebrated as "Vasantotsav". Latter everybody started calling it "MADANOTSAV".

Celebration of Holi festival is characterized by performing Holi puja as per Hindu tradition. Dhuleti, which falls day after Holi Puja, is considered to be the actual festival of colors. Children and youngsters vie with each other use fast and sticky colors to celebrate Holi. It is all fun and joy for them.

Holi - Bollywood Style!

The first thing which comes into the mind when we speak of Bollywood and Holi, is definitely 'Holi Khele Raghuveera Awadh Mein' - Amitabh Bachchan's song from the movie 'Baghban'!!

Here's the song from the superhit movie. Holi Hai!


Holi Legends - Holika Dahan

There are several legends on Holi which find mentions in Hindu mythology. Holi is regarded to be the opening festival of the Hindu calendar. The famous stories or sagas related to this festival are stated below:

Legend of Radha Krishna: Krishna, being the mischievous child of Yashoda, was a prankster and was also the creator of many legends for himself. He once asked his mother - why is Radha fair and I am Dark? Mother Yashoda replied to him saying – If you are so much jealous of Radha’s color than go and put dark colors on her and she will also turn dark as you so. Lord Krishna went ahead and did the same. Since then each lover usually puts color on his/her beloved to pay homage to Lord Krishna.

Legend on Pootana: When the female demoness called Pootana tried to kill boy Krishna, by giving him her poisoned nipples to suckle. The miracle boy Krishna is said to have sucked her nipples so intensely that he drained the demoness of her life.
Hence, the biggest celebration of Holi takes place at Mathura where this incident happened with Krishna. After the death of demoness Pootana, people of Mathura till date celebrates this festival in the evening by lighting bourn fire.

Legends of King Hiranyakashyap (Holika Dahan): Hiranyakashyap was the strongest demon of his times; he was considered to be the winner of all God’s whomsoever he fought with became a loser at the end of the battle. So he ordered everybody that everybody should obey him and worship him instead of Almighty. He in his family had one sister named Holika and one son named Prahlad, who was a great devotee of Lord Narayana. However, Prahlad had disobeyed his father’s order of treating Lord Narayana as God.

Thus, Hiranyakashyap discussed this matter with her sister who had the boon granted to her that; Fire will not do any harm to her body no matter what the situation is. Latter, she took the responsibility to burn Prahlad by placing him on her legs and sitting on fire. She did exactly the same and guess what? Prahlad came out from the fire unharmed. As ‘he’ had his faith on God he continuously chanted Vishnu mantras instead fire catch hold of Holika who was granted the so called boon. Since that day people light bourn fire in temples and celebrate Holi on the death of the demoness.

Brij Ki Holi / Lath Mar Holi: Two towns namely Nandagow (where Lord Krishna grew up) and Barsana (where Shri Radha grew up), near Mathura, are considered (till today) as the epicenter of the Holi celebrations. In India it is famously known as BRIJ KI HOLI / LATH MAR HOLI.

While Lord Krishna was growing up in Braj, he popularized the festival with his pranks. Where he played Holi with Gopies of Braj and they also responded him with equal enthusiasm and the festivities have continued ever since. So, continuing this ritual Men and Women of Braj even today clash in a colorful display of battle of the sexes. Men of Nandagow raid Barsana with hopes of raising their flag over Shri Radhikaji's temple. They receive a thunderous welcome as the women of Barsana greet them with long wooden sticks. The men are soundly beaten as they attempt to rush through town to reach the relative safety of Shri Radhikaji's temple. Men are well padded, as they are not allowed to retaliate. In this mock battle the men try their best not to be captured. Unlucky captives can be forcefully lead away, thrashed and dressed in female attire before being made to dance as a custom. This type of Holi is famously known as “Lath Mar Holi”!!


Holi Celebrations

Holi commences about ten days before the full moon of the month called Phalgun (February-March); but it is usually observed for the last three or four days, terminating with the full moon.

Along with Holi, the spring season also arrives which is marked as an auspicious season for the Hindus. In this season, all the ‘tesu’ and other trees are filled with sweet smelling flowers. They all proclaim the glory and everlasting beauty of God and inspire you with hope, joy and a new life and leave you with the thought to find out yourself that; who is the actual creator behind them.

Holi is known by the name of "Kamadahana" in South India, which refers to the day on which Kamadev (Cupid) was burnt by Lord Shiva (as told above in legends of holi). In North India, a tradition is followed on the eve of Holi- huge bundles of woods are accumulated and burnt at night mainly in temples. On the other day, people play Holi (colorful) joyfully with colored water. Almost everywhere one can hear the shouts and laughter of people shouting "Holi-hai! Holi-hai!"

People gather in the streets and pump colored water over the body and clothes even to the strangers who pass by, no matter whether he/she is rich or poor. There is no restriction on this day. People compose and sing special Holi songs (famous bollywood songs) to mark this occasion.

During Holi festival, people clean up their houses by burning all dirty articles in and around the house in the fire. According to them, this practice destroys disease-breeding bacteria and the sanitary condition of the locality is also improved.

Holi is aptly called the festival of color and joy. Its spirit is uniquely Indian, colorful, exotic, happiness and full of energy. Holi is celebrated by everybody. People prepare special recipes on Holi day. Before few days they start cooking (preparing) many delicacies for this day namely Gujia, Papri and Kanji ke Vade.

There are some necessary customs attached to this festival, where firstly, Hindu’s invite their sons-in-law and their families for a meal on Holi. When the meal is over, it is necessary to give the sons-in-law, what is known as a 'pyala' - a crisp note of any denomination from rupees five to rupees five hundred is offered along with a glass of drink.

Secondly, Married daughters on the other hand; are given what is called 'kothli' by their mother-in-law. Other custom is performed by the new bride along with the children of the family. Here the new bride is supposed to play a prank on the older couples of the family, where the bride somehow tempts them so that they enter the room and she can lock them in. Then she demands a present for setting them free from the closed room. The bride is supposed to sing a song specially composed by her on this happy occasion, in which (song) she demands her ransom.

HOLI SWEETS - GUJIA & KANJI KE VADE
The one delicacy which gets its fame from Holi is the GUJIA. It is a northern sweet dish savored popular amongst the people. For more information on Holi Sweets and how to prepare them, CLICK HERE.

PLAYING WITH COLOURS - BURA NA MAANO HOLI HAI!
This dialogue - 'Bura Na Maano Holi Hai', is a customary dialogue on Holi. This means that you cannot say no to anyone who wants to put colours on you on Holi! Holi is generally played with - GULAAL, however a lot of artificial & natural colours are also available in the market. To know more about Holi Colours, CLICK HERE.

'BHANG' - THE FLAVOUR OF HOLI
'Bhang Ka Rang Jamavat....' - Can you recall anything?? Yes!! The ever so loved - Bhang - the Holi Favourite!

Bhang is a preparation from the leaves and flowers of the female cannabis plant. It is used as a beverage on Holi and is widely consumed with milk (Thandai) on Holi. To know more about Bhang, CLICK HERE.


Holi Colours

Phalgun arrives with the promise of warm days and new life - Spring is the season of rejuvenation and rebirth. The earth discards its winter gloom and begins to blossom again. As if to mark this change, Holi flings color into Indian landscape and invites the celebration of life.

The spirit of Holi is color - rich and vibrant, flung into the air and smeared with laughter on friends and loved ones. It recalls, very simply, the secret of life: a shifting panorama of sights, movement and feelings. Colors denote energy - the vivid, passionate pulse of life. Color signifies the vitality that makes the human race unique in the universal scheme. Holi, the festival of color, is also the enactment of spring. It is, in a metaphorical sense, changing earth’s dull garb of winter for the fresh blue of the March skies, the bright colors of new blossoms, the brilliance of the summer sun washing everything with its red-gold hues. Holi comes alive with the colors of 'gulal'.

These are dry colors that are sold days before the festival actually begins. Markets are flooded with heaps Gulaalof gulal - they are arranged in pyramids and sold loose. Vendors sit on street corners selling gulal to passers-by. Gulal is made up of many rich colors like pink, magenta, red , yellow and green. 'Abeer' is made of small crystals or paper like chips of mica. This is usually mixed with the gulal to give it a rich shine. These colors can be used dry, or mixed with water. New brides make silver or gold color from powders especially available in the market. This color is mixed with a little coconut oil and stored in a bottle. It is applied in tiny quantities on the foreheads of near and dear ones, like a 'tilak' or a blaze-like mark.

In the old days, people used to prepare holi colors at home by using flowers blossomed on 'tesu' tree. For arriving at the color, the flowers were dried under the sun and then grounded to a fine power. The fine powder was then mixed with the water for beautiful saffron-red color.


Preparing Natural Colors this Holi

Holi is known as ‘The Festival of Colors’. People enjoy this day playing with colors in different manners. But while playing Holi people use various kinds of harmful (chemical) colors which tend to damage their skin in long run. We suggest you to use herbal colors which are easy to make and use. There are two forms by which one can make colors at home – DRY and WET.

Here, we have listed several techniques of making herbal colors so that one can enjoy Holi without disrupting its significance.

Making of Red Color

Dry:
* Red Sandalwood Powder is used to prepare red color instead of Red Gulal.
* Dry red hibiscus flowers in the shade and powder it till it turns red in color. To increase the quantities add any flour to it.
* Annato in English has a water chestnut shaped fruit which gives out brick color red seeds.

Wet:
* Pour two teaspoons of Red Sandalwood powder in five liters of water and boil. Then, dilute it with 20 liters of water.
* Peels of Red Pomegranate when boiled in water give dark red color.
* Boil a small twig of Madder Tree in water for a deep red color.
* Red color can also be obtained from juice of tomatoes and carrots. This can be diluted with sufficient quantity of water to remove the stickiness.

Making of Green Color

Dry:
* Use henna powder to attain green color. Or simply use dry henna which will not leave any mark of color on your face as chemical colors do.
* Dry some of the leaves of Gulmohur tree for a vibrant color.

Wet:
* Mix two teaspoons of heena in one litre of water. Stir it well so that you can use it.
* Green color can also be obtained by mixing a fine paste of leaves like spinach, coriander, mint, etc. in water.

Making of Yellow Color

Dry:
* Mix two teaspoons of turmeric powder with double quantity of besan. As Turmeric and Besan are extremely healthy for our skin and are also used widely as ‘ubtan’ while taking bath. As ordinary haldi is a fragrant and has enhanced therapeutic effects. Besan on other hand it can be substituted by atta, maida, rice flour, arrow root and even talcum powder.
* Flowers like Marigold and Yellow Chrysanthemums can be dried in shade and crush them to obtain a fine powder Capitulate different shades of yellow.
* Dry the skin of the Bael fruit and grind it to obtain a yellow colored powder.

Wet:
* Add one teaspoon of turmeric to two liters of water and mix it well. This can be boiled to increase the attentiveness of color and it can be further thinned.
* Soak 50 marigold flowers in 2 liters of water overnight. Boil it in the morning and use it.


Holi Sweets

Indian festivals are known for their unique way of celebration. Apart from maintaining various traditions and rituals during the festivals, people also prepare delicious food items to make the occasion more special.

There are famous and delicious dishes prepared during Holi. After playing color one enjoys eating these foods with great pleasure. Holi is also famous for the variety of sweets that are offered to the visitors that come to apply colors and enjoy the sweets offered by the host.

All recipes which are made on this day are cherished by family members and friends with great fervor. This section contains a variety of traditional recipes and cuisines which are prepared during Holi festival and are savored by majority of the families and friends.

Gujia: It is a northern sweet dish savored popular amongst the people.

Puran Poli: These are made in small doughs after which they are fried and served hot.

Papri: It’s a snack containing meethi leaves savored by chutnii.

Dahi Bhalle: This is also the snack which is quite popular among people and eaten with chutnii and curd.

Malpua: It is a sweet dish made of flour served with rabri. This can be stored for weeks to eat.

Saffron Syrup: It is drunk popularly by people on Holi as it is the cold drink.

Bhang: Associated with Lord Shiva, bhang has now become synonymous with Holi. Out of several ways of preparing bhang the most popular is the buds and leaves of cannabis squashed and ground into a green paste. To this mixture milk, ghee, and spices are added. This bhang base is turned to thandai

Thandai: It is a cool drink made of poppy seeds, aniseeds, black peppercorns and rose petals, the buds and leaves of Cannabis using a mortar and pestle into a green paste. It is then mixed with milk, ghee, and spices which is latter on served along with ice cubes in the glass.

Kanji Ke Vade: It is made of urad ki dal and is socked in water of rai and a flavored drink is originated which is sour in flavour.

LEARN HOW TO PREPARE GUJIA


Holi in Bollywood

Holi and Bollywood have a long standing history. The Film Industry never forgets to set a stage on fire every time by producing new songs on Holi. In actual practice also, Bollywood becomes a lively place for Holi celebration.

Earlier, Holi was celebrated in Mumbai’s R.K. Studio, where Raj Kapoor celebrated it with family and friends. This tradition of celebrating Holi was further carried on by other famous Bollywood personalities including superstar of the millennium Mr. Amitabh Bachchan who used to celebrate Holi in his famous residence ‘Pratiksha’. But this ritual did not continue any more after his father’s death.

The spirit of Holi is seen in Bollywood Movies as in the form of songs which are now regarded as Item Songs. But in earlier times, Bollywood represented Movies on Bhakt Prahlad, which is considered to be the chief reason for the celebration of the festivities held during Holi. Then came another record breaking Movie called Sholay which had famous Song ‘holi ke din dil mil jate hai’, Mr. Bachchan was the only hero in the industry who has many songs into his credit such as ‘Rang Barse’ from Silsila and talking about recent times he acted in a Movie called Bhaghban where he danced on the tunes of ‘Holi khele Raghuvera Avadh mein, etc.

And other Movies which depicted Holi as a theme for the songs where ‘Kati Patang’ in which Rajesh Khanna was seen singing for Asha Parekh the popular song known as ‘Aaj Na Chodenge hum humjoli’. One famous song related to Holi was there in the film, Mother India i.e. ‘Holi ayi re knhayi rang chalke suna de zaraa bansuri’. All these filmy songs on Holi show how Bollywood has contributed a lot to our cultural festivities in a very delightful manner.


Holi Songs

If anybody talks about Holi, then he/she first recalls its delicious sweets and next the popular Holi songs. You may remember Amitabh Bachchan singing all time hit song i.e. “Rang Barse”. You may also find hundreds of Bhajans on Holi festival. Here, we have gathered few popular film songs and bhajans on Holi to make you feel the spirit of this so called festival of colors.

Bhajan – Rang de Chuneriya:

Aisi rang de ke rang nahi chhute

dhobiya dhoye chahe yeh sari umaria

Lal na rangaun mein hari na rangaun

apane hi ranga men rangade chunariya.

Bina rangaye mein to ghar nahi jaungi

beet hi jaye chahe yeh sari umariya.

Jal se patala kaun hai

kaun bhumi se bhari

kaun agan se tej hai

kaun kajal se kala.

Jal se patala janam hai

aur paap bhumi se bhari

krodh agan se teja hai

aur kalank kajal se kala.

Mira ke prabhu giridhar nagar

prabhu charanan mein

hari charanan mein

shyam charanan mei n lagi najaria.

Film Songs:

1. Hindi Song Title: Rang barse bheege chunar wali

Hindi Movie/Album Name: SILSILA

Singer(s): AMITABH BACHCHAN

Rang barase bhiige chunaravaalii, rang barase

Are kaine maarii pichakaarii, torii bhiigii angiyaa

O rangarasiyaa rangarasiyaa, ho

Rang barase bhiige chunaravaalii, rang barase ...

Sone kii thaalii mein jonaa parosaa

Are, sone kii thaalii mein, jonaa parosaa

Haan, sone kii thaalii mein jonaa parosaa

Are khaae gorii kaa yaar, balam tarase rang barase

Holi hai!

O rang barase bhiige chunaravaalii, rang barase ...

Laungaa ilaayachii kaa, are laungaa ilaayachii kaa

Laungaa ilaayachii kaa? haan!

Are laungaa ilaayachii kaa biidaa lagaayaa

Haan laungaa ilaayachii kaa biidaa lagaayaa

Chaabe gorii kaa yaar, balam tarase rang barase

Holi hai!

O rang barase bhiige chunaravaalii, rang barase ...

Are belaa chamelii kaa sej bichhaayaa

Belaa chamelii kaa, sej bichhaayaa

Are belaa chamelii kaa sej bichhaayaa

Haan belaa chamelii kaa sej bichhaayaa

Soye gorii kaa yaar, balam tarase rang barase

Holi hai!

O rang barase bhiige chunaravaalii, rang barase.

2. Hindi Song Title: Holi Aayi Re

Hindi Movie/Album Name: MASHAAL

Singer(s): KISHORE KUMAR, MAHENDRA KAPOOR, LATA MANGESHKAR

Holi Aayee Holi Aayee Dekho Holi Aayee Re

Holi Aayee Holi Aayee Dekho Holi Aayee Re

Khelo Khelo Rang Hai Koi Apne Sang Hai Bheega Bheega Ang Hai

Holi Aayee Holi Aayee Dekho Holi Aayee Re

(Holi Aayee Holi Aayee Dekho Holi Aayee Re)

Behki Behki Chaal Hai Chehra Neela Laal Hai Deewane Kya Haal Hai

Ho Maston Par Hai Masti Chhaayee Dekho Holi Aayee Re

(Holi Aayee Holi Aayee Dekho Holi Aayee Re)

Jo Laaye Rang Jeevan Mein

Use Holi Mein Paaya Hai

Jo Laaye Rang Jeevan Mein Use Holi Mein Paaya Hai

Bataaoon Kya Tumhe Yaaron Kise Maine Bulaaya Hai

Ya Mat Bulaa Ya Bataa Dil Ki Baatein Na Chhupa Duniya Se Chori Hai Kya

Yeh Ladki Hai Ya Kaali Maayee Dekho Holi Aayee Re

(Holi Aayee Holi Aayee Dekho Holi Aayee Re)

Yehi Din Tha Yehi Mausam

Zubaan Jab Humne Kholi Thi

Yehi Din Tha Yehi Mausam Zubaan Jab Humne Kholi Thi

Kahan Ab Kho Gaye Woh Din Ki Jab Apni Bhi Holi Thi

Tum Ho To Har Raat Diwali Har Din Meri Holi Hai

Tum Ho To Har Raat Diwali Har Din Meri Holi Hai

Tum Ho To Har Raat Diwali Har Din Meri Holi Hai

Are Yeh Kya Chakkar Hai Bhai Dekho Holi Aayee Re

(Holi Aayee Holi Aayee Dekho Holi Aayee Re)

Hamara Kaun Duniya Mein

Yahan Jo Hai Paraaya Hai

Hamara Kaun Duniya Mein Yahan Jo Hai Paraaya Hai

Magar Apna Laga Koi Yeh Aisa Kaun Aaya Hai

Itna Kya Majboor Hai Dil Kyon Gum Se Choor Hai Tu Hi Sabse Door Hai

Dilon Ko Paas Bahut Le Aayee Dekho Holi Aayee Re

(Holi Aayee Holi Aayee Dekho Holi Aayee Re)

Aa Haan Haan Holi Aayee Re Dekho Ji Holi Aayee Re Aayee Ji Holi Aayee Re

(Holi Aayee Holi Aayee Dekho Holi Aayee Re

Holi Aayee Holi Aayee Dekho Holi Aayee Re)

3. Hindi Song Title: Mohe Chedo Na

Hindi Movie/Album Name: LAMHE Hindi Song Title: Mohe Chedo Na

Hindi Movie/Album Name: LAMHE

Singer(s): LATA MANGESHKAR

Mohe chhedo na

O mohe chhedo na nand ke lala

Ki main hi brij bala

Nahi main radha teri

Mohe chhedo na nand ke lala

Ki main hi brij bala

Nahi main radha teri

Mohe chhedo na nand ke lala

Kahe pakad li meri kalai

Teri duhai o krishna kanahi

Kahe pakad li meri kalai

Teri duhai krishna kanahi

Harzai too bansi wala

Ki main hoon brij bala

Nahi main radha teri

Mohe chhedo na nand ke lala

Radha se hogi

Radha se hogi teri chhichholi

Aankh micholi tum humjoli

Holi main yoon mujhe kyon rang dala

Ki main hoon brij bala

Nahi main radha teri

Mohe chhedo na nand ke lala

Ki main hoon brij bala

Nahi main radha teri

Mohe chhedo na nand ke lala

Tips For Safe Holi

Holi is meant to be a rough festival with tradition of applying colors to the guests, family and friends with or without their consent. Any kind of rudeness or misbehavior is totally forgiven on this day but these kinds of fun related things must be participated under a certain limits. Fun, food and colors is all that should spread on this holy day of Holi.

Holi is regarded as the festival of joy and colors, but one should always be on alert while playing Holi because, if accident happens, it can ruin the spirit of that day. Also, one should always remember to use these small precautions so that no one that you know or love gets hurt unknowingly. Below are some of the ‘Dos and Don'ts’ that are necessary to enjoy Holi to its fullest.

“DO’s”

* Dental caps are a good idea to protect you teeth from staining.

* Sunglasses go a long way in keeping your eyes safe from the harmful chemicals of the colors.

* Wear old and ragged clothes that you can be at easilydiscard while playing Holi, as your clothes may never look wearable again with all those color stains.

* Brightly collared and dark collared clothes are preferable for the mood of the day.

* Wear full-sleeved t-shirt or shirts that cover your arms fully. Socks will be a good idea too.

* Always put some amount of oil on your head and body. Apply thick coating of paint on your nails- both in fingers and toes so that they remain protected.

* Granted that it is almost impossible to save you face from attack of colors, so while being attacked, keep eyes and lips tightly closed or one can apply good amount of oily body lotion or oil to the body so that it does not become dry after taking bath this procedure will help you to wash off colors easily later on.

* If you are traveling, keep the car windows tightly shut. Better still; avoid traveling on Dhuledi, the day of playing colors.

* Use a hat, cap or anything like that to protect your hair from being collared with hard-to Rinse dyes.

* Put on your worst gears so that you won't have to take on the hassles of an immediate Washing.

* Do not bump into the frenzied group of mob if you take to streets. Better you cross the Road to the sidewalk across. Or, simply stay at a safe distance.

* While washing off the color, use lukewarm water and keep your eyes and lips tightly Closed.

“Don’ts”

* Discourage your children to play Holi with eggs, mud or gutter water. Never turn a blind eye to such unclean ways of celebration.

* Avoid use of abir as it has flakes of mica.

* If you do not want your children and family to participate in the revelry, have a nice and quiet holiday at home. Your children should be confident enough to take the decision of not participating in the Holi celebrations. Teach them not to fall prey to pressure.

* Teach your children to respect other’s independence during Holi. For instance, you should stop your children from forcing Holi celebrations on a hesitant neighbor.

* If you fancy a glass of bhang (grass of the opium plant mashed and mixed with milk or sweets), go ahead. But let your family not get carried away. Your children should not get addicted to this intoxicating drink. Holi revelry should be contained within decent limits.

* Avoid loud and rowdy Holi parties, which might spoil the family environment. Children get accustomed to such parties at a very early age and tend to repeat the same type of celebrations later in life.

* Don’t walk alone on the streets on the Holi day. You’ll be a sure target for miscreants. . Play Holi only with a group of close friends and relatives as against strangers.

* Use only powdered color and water.

* Keep a big bucket of water handy for your children, so that they do not resort to gutter water and other unclean sources.

* Roll your windows up while driving your car.

* Be available at one venue throughout Holi, especially if you want to avoid rowdy Holi revelers.

* Always take some moments off to know the cultural significance of Holi. It is a festival of color, a harbinger of the spring season, and not a dirty game.


Holi 2011

Holi festival will be celebrated on the March 19th and 20th this year i.e. 2011.

Holika Dahan will take place on March 19th 2011 and Dulandi will be celebrated on March 20th.

We wish all our visitors a very joyous and colorful Holi.