The festival of Holi is celebrated on the day after the full moon in early March (Phalguna) every year.
Holi celebration begins with lighting up of bonfire symbolizing the victory of good over evil.
A public bonfire is held, commemorating the burning of Holika. Traditionally, Hindu boys spend the weeks prior to holi combing the neighborhood for any waste wood they can find for the bonfire.
On the second day, known as Dhulhendi (Dhulwad), people spend the day throwing coloured powder and water at each other. The spring season, during which the weather changes, is believed to cause viral fever and cold. Thus, the playful throwing of the coloured powders has a medicinal significance: the colours are traditionally made of Neem, kukmkum, Haldi, Bilva and other medicinal herbs prescribed by Ayurvedic doctors. A special drink called thandai is prepared, sometimes containing Bhaang. People invite each other to their houses for feasts and celebrations.
Legends & stories associated with Holi.
Holi is now a symbolic commemoration of a legend from Hindu Mythology. The story centres around an arrogant king who resents his son Prahlada worshipping Lord Vishnu. He attempts to kill his son but fails each time. Finally, the king's sister Holika who is said to be immune to burning, sits with the boy in a huge fire. However, the prince Prahlada emerges without injury, while his aunt burns to death. Holi commemorates this event from mythology, and huge bonfires are burnt on the eve of Holi as its symbolic representation.
Holi in different parts of
In
Holi differs from North India in
In
In Punjab, they call it 'Hola Mohalla', Holla Mohalla is celebrated a day after Holi in
In Rajasasthan, The Braj Festival is held in honour of Lord Krishna a few days before Holi, in the month of March. There are different holi traditions in rajasthan like
In the towns of Rajasthan — especially Jaisalmer — the music's great, and clouds of pink, green, and turquoise powder fill the air. The grounds of Jaisalmer's
Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holi
http://www.indiaexpress.com/rangoli/holi.html
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