Kab hai holi? Holi kab hai? Mr. Gabbar Singh has been repeatedly asking this question year over year so to him we say 16th and 17th of March ko hai iss baar Holi!
Holi the harvest festival is also known as the festival of colours is celebrated usually across two days across India, day 1 bieng the Holika Dahan, where a pyre of wood symbolizing evil is burnt in the evening.
The next day popularly called as ‘Rangpanchami’ is celebrated with a lot of pomp and fanfare. Colours are smeared over each other; a lot of music, dancing and a variety of delicious culinary delights are savored.
The very interesting legend behind the celebration of the Holi festival is that the word “Holi” originates from “Holika”, the evil sister of demon king Hirnyakashipu. King Hiranyakashipu had earned a boon that made him virtually indestructible. The special powers blinded him, he grew arrogant, felt he was God, and demanded that everyone worship only him.
Hiranyakashipu’s own son, Prhalada however, disagreed. He was and remained devoted to Lord Vishnu. This infuriated Hiranyakashipu. He subjected Prahlada to cruel punishments, none of which affected the boy or his resolve to do what he thought was right. Finally, Holika – Prahlada’s evil aunt – tricked him into sitting on a pyre with her.
 Holika was wearing a cloak (shawl) that made her immune to injury from fire, while Prahlada was not. As the fire roared, the cloak flew from Holika and encased Prahlada.Holika burned, Prahlada survived. Vishnu appeared and killed Hiranyakashipu. The bonfire is a reminder of the symbolic victory of good over evil, of Prahlada over Hiranyakashipu, of fire that burned Holika. The day after Holika bonfire is celebrated as Holi.
India is a secular country where all the diverse regions have their own customs and traditions pertaining to the festival of Holi. The Birthplace of Lord Krishna Vrindavan holds the most well known Holi celebration, apart from there each different region in the North, West, East, South and Central parts of India have their own unique customs and traditions. Want to know about them? Its right here:Â
 The festival of Holi is celebrated not only due to its mythological significance but it also has a lot of Biological advantages. Don’t believe me? Read this:
Of course how can we forget food, when we are talking about a celebration in India? Holi like all other Indian festivals has its own special sweet-meats, food items and beverages. Read the 5 best Holi special recipes right here:
The main attraction of the festival of Holi are the colours and for those who have a skin problem or are worried about the toxic effects of these colours on your hair, eyes and respiratory system don’t worry. Here are some very amazing cost-effective tips to help you make completely home based natural Holi colours:
With this beautiful festival also come news and horror stories of eve-teasing and balloon pelting resulting into severe mental and physical damages to the victim. Hopefully this year India will see a brighter and better Holi free from all of this. Hoping for an amazing Holi weekend ahead and extremely warm wishes this Holi to everyone.
Make this Holi special for your loved one’s by sending great Happy Holi messages, wallpapers, quotes, shayari’s and images:
Â
62 Comments