Author: Pratik Pandey | Last Updated: Mon 30 Jan 2017 5:22:59 PM
In India, Holi is two days festival which is enjoyed by each and every person with great joy and bliss. According to the Gregorian Calendar, it will be enjoyed on 13th March 2017. It falls on a full moon day of Hindi month Phalguna. On the day prior to Holi, Choti Holi or Holika Dahan is celebrated. From the night of Holika Dahan, the celebrations of Holi are started. The commencement of Holi is done by the lighting of bonfire. To know more about this festival, read on..
The joyous season of Holi convey the message of love, affection and brotherhood. The festival of Holi is marked every year in the month of Falgun’s Purnima to the middle of Pratipada. The festival of colors brings positive energy in the atmosphere. Colors not only lure us but also influence our body and inner soul.
It is speculated by some scholars that the ancient festival of Madanotsav changed as Holi celebration with the time. However, largely it is believed to be associated with Lord Krishna. In Brij region i.e. Mathura, Vrindavan, Gokul, Barsana and place near them, people celebrate the festival of Holi with special enthusiasm, zeal and heartiness. It is celebrated all across the country; nonetheless it is one of the biggest festivals in north India.
Traditionally, Holi celebration begins three days before Holika Dahan on the day of Rang Pashi. On the day of Holika Dahan, people lit bonfire to remember Prahlada. Prahlada was devotee of Lord Vishnu. His aunt Holika tried to kill him with consent of his father Demon king Hiranyakashipu by taking him along with her into the fire. Holika possessed the supernatural power that used to protect her from burning. Demon Hiranyakashipu wanted to kill him because his ego could not tolerate that his own son had worshiped Lord Vishnu. But by divine blessings of Sri Hari Vishnu, fire didn’t touch Prahlad and Holika got burnt instead. Vishnu incarnated himself as God Narasimha and destroyed demon king Hiranyakashipu too.
The next day of Holika Dahan is celebrated as Dhulandi, when people play with colors and wish each other. No one will keep any grudge in their heart against anyone and will forgive the enemies. Holi is not about keeping grudges and continuing the arguments but it is about forgiving everyone for their faults and accepting them the way they are. Be joyous and enjoy the festive season of holi.