Holi

Today is the eighth day of 'A to Z challenge'. My theme is Festivals of India. To day I am enjoying the colours of Holi. I invite you to join .....

Holi hai, Holi hai,have fun! This is a very colourful festival, full of joy, hilarity and fun. Children love this festival. This festival is celebrated in March and signifies end of winter. The celebrations start from the previous night, when Holika is burnt. Holika was the sister of a demon king, Hirayakashpu, who considered himself to be God. His son Prehlad was a devotee of Lord Vishnu. His father tried all means to change his mind but could not succeed. Hiranyakaspu’s sister, Holika had a boon that fire could not burn her. A big bonfire was lit. Holika sat with Prehlad on her lap. Holika was burnt dead and Prehlad came out unscathed from the fire. The Holi signifies victory of good over evil.

People start throwing colors on each other from early morning. Groups of people are seen playing drums and dancing on the streets to the rhythm of the drums. Old rivalries are forgotten and people hug each other. 

Ready to kick off

                                                  
  Holi colours

Holi hai

 The Holi of Brindaban, where lord Krishna played Holi with Gopi’s is very famous. It signifies pure love. In Mathura, Lath Mar Holi is played. Lath is a  heavy stick,with which women kick the men.                                

Colours of Holi

Apart from the usual fun with coloured powder and water, Holi is marked by vibrant processions which are accompanied by folk songs, dances and a general sense of abandoned vitality. The streets are full of people running, shouting, giggling and splashing. Marijuana-based bhang and thandai add to the uninhibited atmosphere. Some people play Holi with complete abandon. They use eggs, beer, and other drinks at each other.There are some who play a very decent Holi. They don’t use  colours.  They play with flowers. After playing Holi, a sudden calm is noticed on the streets.  This is one festival, which every one enjoys, whether young or old.
  Here is a video recording of kicking off the festival.

Video YouTube
Words 275
Pics courtesy Google