5 Ways To Celebrate The Hindu Spring Festival Of Holi
Holi is one of Hinduism’s major festivals celebrating new seasons and joy. Holi takes place on the full moon day in the month of Phalgun on the Hindu calendar, which falls in March. This year, Holi falls on March 18.
Hinduism is unique in that it’s not a single religion but a compilation of many traditions and philosophies. For this reason, the Holi festival goes by a variety of names in different traditions. Nonetheless, the spirit of the festival remains the same throughout the country and across the globe.
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Whether you have celebrated this beloved holiday every year or would love to experience it for the first time, here is a list of five ways to celebrate Holi and the meaning behind each tradition:
The Evening of Bonfires
Festivities begin on the eve of Holi. This day is commonly referred to as Chhoti Holi or the “Small Holi.” The tradition associated with this holiday is Holika Dahan, or “the light of the bonfire.”
Holika Dahan is one tradition celebrated across India. This tradition signifies the destruction of evil through the burning of Holika and the triumph of good, represented by Prahlad. During the 40 days before the bonfire, people gather wood and other combustible items in a public place. On Chhoti Holi, an effigy, or sculpture, of Holika with child Prahlad in her lap is placed on the heap.
According to the Sanskrit texts of Narada Purana, there is a legend about a demon king who wished for all in his kingdom to worship him. His son, Prahlad, chose not to worship his father. Instead, he became a follower of Lord Narayana, a Hindu deity. Angered by his son’s choice, the demon king instructed his sister, Holika, to sit in the fire with Prahlad in her lap, blessing her with the ability to not be burned. In the end, the opposite occurred to commemorate the victory of virtue over evil.
This event is reenacted through the bonfire ritual. The effigy of Holika is made from combustible material, whereas Prahlad’s effigy is not. This ritual — commonly combined with the chanting of Rakshoghna mantras found in the Rig Veda, one of Hinduism’s sacred texts — is meant to ward off evil spirits. The next morning, the ashes are collected and smeared on each person to end the ritual.
Festival of Colors
Many celebrate Holi to welcome the warmth and new growth of spring. In India, Holi has always been an opportunity to set aside caste or social status and unite humankind. People of all ages go outside and smear each other with bright shades of “gulal,” which are colored powders used during Hindu rituals. Kids commonly enjoy throwing water balloons and playing with “pichkari,” or water guns.
Holi festival is known to celebrate the eternal love of Radha and Krishna. Both Hindu deities together represent the purest bond, love and emotions. They not only teach others how to love one another but also teach that it is necessary to have patience, sacrifice and strength to support that love.
This story encourages people to set aside their differences and choose to love and feel joy. The festivity works to bring colors into the monotonous lives of many.
Song and Dance
Regions of Nepal and Northern India celebrate Holi more so through song and dance than through color. In these areas, it is common for people to wear traditional clothes, sing “deuda” songs — folk songs from Nepal based on spiritualism — and dance in groups. The men would often sing and dance with drum-like instruments called “dholak.” In other parts of India, the people would sing folk songs from their areas.
It is common for people to shout chants to Radha and Krishna. These chants are incorporated into Holi songs and emphasize the love one shares with another. As a holiday meant to bring humanity together in love and joy, these songs help remind the people why they should unite in love.
Festival Delicacies
A festival is not a festival without food! Holi is associated with many specific foods and snacks passed down from generation to generation.
In Maharashtra, western India, “puran poli” is a typical dish cooked in households during Holi. The meal consists of a thick “roti,” a type of flatbread, filled with “channa dal” mixed with jaggery, creating a sweet spread. This recipe dates back to around the 14th century, when it was mentioned in “Manucharita,” a poem written in Telugu.
One of the most famous sweets of Holi is “gujiya.” Essentially, gujiya is a deep-fried, sweet dumpling. This sweet originated in the royal kitchens of Bundelkhand, prepared as a royal delicacy. Not much is known as to how gujiya became a Holi dish. However, the sweetness of the food serves as a reminder of the festival's theme.
A famous beverage served during Holi is “thandai” — cold milk topped with almonds, saffron and a host of spices. This drink traditionally comes in two ways. For a more wholesome beverage, fennel seeds, pepper and cardamom are added to the drink. Or, for more of a kick, thandai is mixed with “bhang” (cannabis).
Bhang and Sobriety
Outside of Holi, bhang has a long history with Hindu practices and Indian culture. Bhang is another word for cannabis. According to Hindu texts such as Atharvaveda, the gods gave the earth nectar that, when spilled on the ground, created the cannabis plant. Bhang is said to be a tool to ward off evil, which makes this drug synonymous with Holi.
Additionally, bhang is closely associated with Shiva, the meditating hermit. At major Shiva temples, bhang is often offered as “prasad” — a substance presented during worship to a deity, who consecrates it and returns the offering. It is then distributed and consumed by the worshippers.
As mentioned, Holi stems from a host of myths and legends, including one associated with Shiva. The story begins with Shiva in deep meditation while his wife, Parvati, desired his attention. Parvati then required the assistance of Kamadeva, the god of love, to bring Shiva out of his meditation. Kamadeva shot many arrows at Shiva, causing him to get up angrily and open his third eye, thus incinerating Kamadeva to ashes. Kamadeva’s wife, Kamadevi, begged Shiva to restore her husband and performed severe penance for the next forty days. Shiva gave in and restored Kamadeva to life. The day Kamadeva returned is Holi, commemorating the rebirth of love. As gratitude to Shiva, the people consume bhang.
After the festivities and intoxicated fun, the people spend the evening in sobriety. Evenings of Holi are set apart as time to spend with close friends and family. Relatives commonly exchange gifts or sweet treats and candy.
This holiday is deeply rooted in tradition, religion and family. It is no surprise that Holi has become one of India’s most celebrated festivals. Furthermore, it is no surprise that people across the globe celebrate this festival.
Myrian Garcia is a student at The King’s College majoring in Journalism, Culture and Society. She is participating in the New York City Semester in Journalism Program, where she is interning at the daily amNY.