Праздник ярких красок холи

Холи — один из самых ярких праздников. Фестивали красок устраивают по всему миру. Но немногие знают, где родина этого торжества. У Holi интересная история, связанная с легендами, традициями и древней культурой.

Подробнее о празднике

Холи — древний традиционный праздник, который каждый год отмечают жители Индии. Участники торжества встречают весну весельем, красками, провожают зиму. Три дня празднования приходятся на март и знаменуют начало новой жизни. Холи упоминали еще в Ведах — сборнике древних священных писаний индуизма.

ЭТО ИНТЕРЕСНО. В славянской культуре есть аналогичный праздник прихода весны — Масленица. Как и Холи, он сопровождается весельем, сжиганием чучела, прыжками через огонь, проводами зимы.

Легенды о происхождении торжества

Первые упоминания о Холи датированы 300 годом до нашей эры. Поэтому легенд о появлении праздника много.
Первая версия связана с изгнанием ведьмы. По сказаниям сестра короля Хираньякашипу Холика хотела убить его сына и своего племянника. Женщина заманила юношу в огонь, но он остался жив. А виновница погибла, хотя пекло ей было не страшно. В дни празднования жители Индии разводят костер, чтобы сжечь её чучело. Это символизирует победу добра над злом.
Героиня второй легенды — та же Холика. Она была доброй женщиной и захотела спасти юношу по имени Прахлада, на которого гневался отец. Царь решил испепелить их обоих. Яркий цветной платок, подаренный богами, спас юношу, а Холика погибла. После ее смерти Прахлада уверовал в бога Вишну, который поразил молнией сердце злого царя. С тех пор люди каждый год осыпают друг друга красками цвета волшебного платка в знак спасения жизни. Обливание водой на фестивале символизирует победу над огнем и злом.

Третье поверье связано с весной и цветением. Бог любви Кама потерял свое тело от гнева Шивы. Но ему разрешили лишь 3 месяца в году возвращать свой облик. В это время все деревья вокруг начинают распускаться, города становятся яркими и светлыми. Чтобы встретить Каму, жители Индии украшают все вокруг цветными ленточками, осыпают красками.

Как отмечают Холи

Празднование Холи связано с обычаями и традициями, которые соблюдают из года в год. Торжественнная часть завораживает своей зрелищностью и яркостью. Но не менее интересна и подготовка к фестивалю.

Подготовка к торжеству

Подготовка к предстоящим дням Холи — ритуал для индусов. Они задают настроение, придают городам яркость. Что делают жители Индии:

• Готовят или покупают краски основных цветов. Самые искренние фанаты фестиваля делают заготовки самостоятельно в домашних условиях.
• Украшают город, жилье яркими фигурками, рисунками.
• Ищут предметы, которые годятся для сжигания. Делают чучело ведьмы.

ЭТО ИНТЕРЕСНО. Натуральная краска для Холи состоит из кукурузной муки.

Как развлекаются на фестивале

Торжественная часть начинается вечером перед новолунием.
Что делают индусы:

• Сжигают чучела Холики или дерева, которое ее олицетворяет. А также бросают в костер фрукты и овощи в качестве платы богу огня за то, что он избавил мир от злого духа.
• Перепрыгивают через огонь, ходят по углям для очищения тела от негатива.
• Танцуют, обливают друг друга водой, катаются на качелях.

В следующие дни праздника индусы дарят друг другу подарки, ходят в гости. Жители городов и деревень веселятся, сыплют друг на друга и на животных цветной порошок.

Как в Индии отмечают праздник красок «Холи»

Завершение праздника

Третий день фестиваля в Индии завершающий. Все отправляются по домам, чтобы провести время с семьей и отдохнуть перед работой. А еще предстоит смыть краску, снять с домов украшения. В городах начинается уборка.

Какие блюда едят во время Холи

Во всех странах есть традиционные блюда, которые ассоциируются с Рождеством, Новым годом, Пасхой. В Индии жители на три дня Холи тоже готовят напитки, сладости, вторые и первые блюда.
Какими угощениями встречают весну:

1. Гуджия — сладость из слоеного теста, которую любят жители северных индийских городов. В качестве начинки используют любимые сухофрукты. Их делают в форме полумесяца. На вкус такие слойки сочные и приторно сладкие.
2. Тандай — коктейль, который можно есть. Индусы смешивают молоко со специями и семечками. Получается пряная сладкая смесь.
3. Ладду делают из орехов. Их смешивают с сахаром, жарят до карамельного цвета. Добавляют кокосовую стружку, сухофрукты. Полученную смесь скатывают в шарики размером с грецкий орех. Для аромата добавляют шафран.
4. Мальпуа — индийские праздничные блинчики на уваренном молоке. Украшают блюдо фисташками, для аромата используют кардамон.
5. Дахи Вада — клецки из чечевичного теста под творожным соусом.

Во время приготовления традиционных блюд хозяйки используют цвета Холи. Это розовый, желтый, зеленый. К выпечке добавляют джемы соответствующих оттенков.

Особенности празднования в разных регионах Индии

Во всех городах Индии жители спешат отметить приход весны, посетить фестиваль и приготовить традиционные угощения. Но в каждом регионе есть свои особенности празднования. Основные отличия:

• Центральные города в даты встречи весны украшаются огоньками. Сотни крыш становятся яркими и светящимися. Жители устанавливают на дома флажки и небольшие фонарики.
• На юге веселятся дети и молодые. Бабушки и дедушки предпочитают тихо отдохнуть, посетить соседей и друзей. Малыши получают с утра небольшие презенты в виде сладостей.
• Северные города становятся разноцветными, яркими. Жители украшают ленточками и букетами цветов все, что доступно.

ЭТО ИНТЕРЕСНО. Иногда за две недели до фестиваля красок на улицах городов начинают собирать деньги для его организации.

Празднование Холи в России и других странах

Яркий фестиваль с радостью проводят в России, Украине, Белоруссии, Казахстане. Чаще всего красочная вечеринка проходит в дни города, государственные праздники и другие важные даты. Поклонники красок есть в Великобритании, США, на Кубе, на юге Африки.
Православные и католики идут на фестиваль для развлечения и часто не знают о его происхождении и значении на родине. Это повод отвлечься от бытовых дел, рабочих проблем и других неурядиц. Но представители церкви негативно относятся к красочному событию. В России на фестивале священнослужители и религиозные активисты разносили листовки с агитацией. Православные священники регулярно предупреждают россиян, что этот языческий обряд способен навредить здоровью.

Дата в 2021 году

Особенность фестиваля в плавающей дате. Холи символизирует начало весны и окончание зимнего сезона, поэтому его празднуют в Пхальгуну — последний 12-й месяц года по единому национальному календарю Индии. Он соответствует февралю-марту по григорианской системе исчисления времени. Фестиваль начинается в последний день полнолуния. Для индусов эта фаза Луны означает начало чего-то нового. В это время также людям является нечистая сила. Поэтому празднование начинается с изгнания духов огнями и продолжается еще 2 дня.
Даты празднования:

• 2021 год — 28 марта;
• 2022 год — 18 марта;
• 2023 год — 7 марта;
• 2024 год — 25 марта.

За последние 7 лет самая ранняя дата празднования приходилась на 2 марта. Это было в 2018 году.

ЭТО ИНТЕРЕСНО. Ступени храмов становятся центром празднования, но попасть под дождь из красок можно в любом месте города.

Советы туристам

Туристы должны быть готовы к красочной встрече в индийском городе, если летят туда в марте. Чтобы избежать неприятных последствий, стоит учесть некоторые нюансы. Местные жители во время фестиваля:

1. Не надевают лучшие наряды. Искусственные или естественные красители сложно отмыть. С футболкой или джинсами после Холи можно попрощаться.
2. Выходят на улицу в головных уборах, чтобы не выпачкать все волосы.
3. Оставляют питомцев дома, чтобы не отмывать от порошка и их.
4. Защищают глаза очками.
5. Стирают испачканные вещи после праздника холодной водой.
6. Открытые участки тела мажут жирным кремом.

Туристов может удивить неожиданное окончание танцев и веселья. Все заканчивается как по щелчку пальцев. Как только фестиваль закончен, все жители отправляются по домам.

ЭТО ИНТЕРЕСНО. Во время фестиваля в Индии пьют и раздают особый напиток, в составе которого есть немного конопли.

Холи (Holi) — один из наиболее красочных праздников индуизма, бенгальский новый год. Отмечается в день полнолуния месяца Пхалгуны, приходящегося на февраль-март.

Холи — праздник весны, наполненный солнечным светом и веселым неистовством пышно расцветающей природы. По-видимому, он старше легенд, которыми объясняют его происхождение в наши дни, — в нем много элементов первобытных оргий в честь божеств и сил плодородия, элементов, близких праздникам разных народов мира.

Существует несколько легенд, связанных с происхождением праздника Холи. По одной из них, название Холи произошло от имени демоницы Холики. Прахлада — сын злого царя, поклонялся Вишну, и ничто не могло разубедить его в этом. Тогда сестра царя демоница Холика, которая, как считалось, не горит в огне, уговорила Прахладу взойти на костер во имя Бога. К всеобщему изумлению, Холика сгорела, а Прахлада, спасенный Вишну, вышел невредимым. В память об этих событиях накануне праздника Холи сжигают чучело злой Холики.

Кроме того, праздник Холи связывают с историей о том, как Шива испепелил своим третьим глазом бога любви Каму, который пытался вывести его из медитации, после чего Кама остался бестелесным. Но по просьбе жены Шивы Парвати и жены Камы богини Рати Шива вернул Каме тело на 3 месяца в году. Когда Кама обретает тело, все вокруг расцветает, и счастливые люди празднуют самый веселый праздник любви.

Праздник Холи также часто связывают с именем Кришны и его играми с пастушками, которые нашли отражения и в земном мире. Заигрывания молодого человека и девушки во время праздника Холи — излюбленная тема для танца. Юноша выманивает девушку, отвлекает ее, она засматривается на что-нибудь, а он в этот момент перемазывает ее цветной пудрой или обливает подкрашенной водой. Девушка обижается, он просит прощения (характерный жест — берется за мочки ушей). Она его прощает и тоже в ответ обливает его цветной водой. Редкая возможность для молодых людей при общей строгости индийских нравов.

Если на Дивали съедаются тонны сладостей, то на Холи все напиваются бхангом — напитком, в состав которого входят либо сок, либо листья конопли и молочные продукты. Разновидности бханга: бханг ласси — йогурт с соком конопляных листьев, тхандаи ласси — смесь молока, сахара, специй, миндаля и, конечно же, листьев (сока) конопли. Индийская кухня отличается обилием приправ, которые добавляются во все блюда, даже в молоко.

В этот же день празднуется Гаура Пурнима — день явления Гауранги, праздник, посвященный явлению Гауранги (Чайтанья Махапрабху), который около 500 лет назад положил начало движению Санкиртана, поклонению богу через воспевание его святых имен. Санкиртана-яги (поклонение) дало основу гаудивайшнавизму, одному из духовных направлений ведической религии (индуизма). Этот праздник и сегодня широко отмечается в Индии и за её пределами.

Фестиваль красок Холи – это не только яркое торжество, веселые гулянья и море эмоций. Это гораздо более значимое событие – многовековая традиция, которую в Индии очень почитают.

Холи празднуют ежегодно в конце февраля или в марте на протяжении пяти дней. Олицетворяет она собой начало весны и прощание с зимой, ведь именно тогда пробуждается природа. А начинается торжество со сожжения чучела. Напоминает ли вам это что-то? Верно, в России есть праздник Масленицы, который чем-то схожий с Холи. Правда, легенда возникновения идеи проведения фестиваля красок совсем иная.

Если вы хотите больше узнать о том, что такое индийский праздник Холи, как его отмечают, а также если вас интересуют красочные фотографии с этого необычайно красивого торжества, то эта статья нашего сайта indiada.ru точно для вас.

Подробнее о празднике Холи

Праздник Холи в Индии пестрит всяческими красками, отовсюду звучит смех и веселые голоса. Люди искренне радуются приходу весны, так как она всегда остаётся олицетворением новой жизни, надежд, зарождения чего-то прекрасного. Поэтому неспроста гулянья начинаются в конце февраля – начале марта. Проходит фестиваль в день полнолуния, который в Индии именуют Пхалгун Пурнима. Из-за этого получается, что каждый год Холи проводится в разные дни. Например, в 2017 году фестиваль отмечался 13-14 марта, а в 2018 – 2-3 марта.

Холи – старый праздник, о котором есть упоминания в древних санскритских текстах. Даже многоуважаемые и почитаемые Веды содержат детальные описания этого торжества. Не менее удивляет то, что о Холи нашли запись, которая датируется возрастом минимум 300 лет до н. э.

А теперь мы расскажем историю появления Холи и почему обязательная часть празднования – сожжение чучела, обсыпание разноцветными красками и обливание водой.

Удивительные легенды о происхождении Холи

Есть минимум три легенды, которые объясняют, откуда произошёл праздник Холи.

1. Первая легенда гласит, что своё название праздник получил в честь имени демоницы Холики. Будучи сестрой злого царя Хираньякашипу, она попыталась убедить своего племянника Прахладу, сына того же правителя, взойти на костёр во имя Вишну. Прахлада почитал своего бога, и ничто не могло заставить его отказаться от своей веры. Сын царя был вынужден войти в огонь и, к всеобщем изумлению, был спасён Вишну. В то же время Холика, которой, как полагали, не страшно пламя, сгорела. С тех пор так и повелось: в первый день праздника следует разводить костры и испепелять чучело злой ведьмы, пытавшейся обмануть истинно верующего Прахладу.
2. Вторая легенда опять же связана с Холикой – сестрой злого царя. Но, в этом придании она была доброй, красивой и жертвенной. Царь, получивший от одного из богов ценнейший дар – бессмертие – сам возомнил себя богом и приказал всем поклоняться ему. Но, на его сына не действовали сии приказы и угрозы, поэтому он как ни в чём ни бывало продолжил веровать в истинного бога. Юноше было бы очень тяжело, если б не его добрая тётушка Холика. Она всячески поддерживала своего племянника, за что царь приказал сжечь свою сестру и сына. И тогда принц стал ещё больше молиться своему богу, чтобы тот помог спасти его любимую тётю. И молитвы были услышаны – юноша получил в дар от всех богов разноцветный шарф, который способен уберечь от огня. Когда настал день сожжения непокорных, принц накрыл ярким платком свою тётушку. Но, внезапно подул ветер и шарф прикрыл самого принца, благодаря чему он был спасён. Как не пытался он спасти Холику, было поздно. Даже когда пламя охватило несчастную женщину, она продолжала смотреть на своего племянника с любовью.

Холику не удалось спасти, но вера принца стала ещё сильнее. Бог не смог остаться в стороне и решил поразить жестокого царя, пронзив его ледяное сердце молнией. Так зло было наказано.

Эта легенда объясняет, почему жители Индии во время фестиваля Холи обмазываются разноцветными красками и поливают друг друга водой, почему искренне радуются и веселятся от души.

1. Есть и третья легенда. Согласно ей Бог Шива своим третьим глазом испепелил бога любви Каму за то, что тот пытался вывести его из глубокой медитации. Из-за этого он не погиб, а потерял своё тело. Но взмолилась жена Камы Рати и жена Шивы Парвати, чтобы он вернул богу любви его тело. И тогда Шива дал возможность Каме три месяца в году возвращать себе свой телесный облик. В это время всё вокруг расцветает, становится прекрасным. Радостные люди отмечают это событие как праздник любви, возрождения, весны.

Конечно, всё это красивые легенды, которые больше похожи на фантастические истории. Пусть так и есть. Но ведь во время фестиваля последователи индуизма объединяются для того, чтобы отметить праздник всем вместе, получить яркие эмоции, повеселиться и порадоваться наступающей весне. Возможно, именно так люди находят в себе силы надеяться на лучшее будущее несмотря на возможные жизненные невзгоды.

Как проходит фестиваль красок Холи в разных регионах Индии

Холи – это тот праздник, который вызывает благоговейный трепет у всех индусов, поэтому они прикладывают много усилий и времени, чтобы отпраздновать его достойно. Торжество проводится по всей территории Индии, в каждом её уголке. И оно настолько многолико, красочно и незабываемо, что является идеальным воплощением самого индийского народа.

Особенности празднования Холи в каждом регионе Индии свои. Кроме того, могут быть разные «виновники» торжества, то есть, в разных частях страны праздник посвящен различным божествам.

В центре государства принято украшать крыши строений множеством маленьких огоньков. Обязательно должен присутствовать символ огня – оранжевые флажки, развевающиеся и создающие иллюзию языков пламени. Зрелище очень яркое и магическое.

Южные регионы Индии имеют другие особенности празднования фестиваля красок. Мероприятия проходят в основном при участии молодёжи, в то время как старшее поколение или ходит в гости, или проводит время дома. Мамы подготавливают своим детишкам различные подарочки, сладости, цветы. Дарят они их поутру в Новый год.

В северной части страны есть свои отличительные особенности отмечания Холи. Яркая традиция вывешить повсюду белые, фиолетовые, розовые, красные украшения делают всё вокруг невероятно пёстрым.

Как готовятся к празднованию

Так как фестиваль Холи особенный для всех последователей индуистской религии и имеет особое значение, подготовка к нему ведётся заранее. Везде царит приподнятое настроение, стремление повеселиться от души, радоваться приходящей весне. Готовиться к празднику начинают за несколько недель до его начала. Заготавливается различный материал, который пригодится для проведения фестиваля, собирают средства, начинаются концерты и ритуальные игры.

Особое рвение у молодых людей наблюдается в поисках всего, что можно сжечь на огнях в честь Холи. Они повсюду рыщут, собирая тряпки, хворост, дрова и всё остальное, что может гореть. Кстати, особая гордость в таком случае – если удалось что-то украсть для создания большого и яркого огня.

Стены различных сооружений красят в пёстрые оттенки, всё украшают цветами. В глазах прямо рябит от невероятного колорита. Но, это ещё не всё. Необходимо заготовить краски и брызгалки для воды. Они свободно имеются в продаже, так что проблем с этим нет ни у местных, ни у приезжих на период праздника.

Традиционно используются краски зелёного, красного, жёлтого и розового цветов. Они имеют вид порошка. Их изготавливают из безопасных для здоровья гипоаллергенных красителей и кукурузной муки. Но, настоящие фанаты Холи ни за что не купят готовую атрибутику праздника. Они создадут её самостоятельно.

Огненная ночь: торжественные гулянья

Празднование начинается в тот день, когда должно наступить полнолуние. Главное мероприятие стартует вечером. Обязательно должно произойти наиболее значимое событие – сожжение чучела злой и коварной Холики. Вместо него могут предавать пламени украшенное дерево, олицетворяющее Холику.

Разведение костра – это демонстрация уничтожения злых духов, властвовавших зимой и мешавших наступлению весны. Помимо чучела или дерева сжигают цветы, зерно, фрукты и другие подношения богу, который правит стихией огня. Всё это сопровождается танцами, хороводами, пением. Наиболее отважные ходят по раскалённым углям и перепрыгивают через костёр. Многие верят в благодатную силу огня и пепла, поэтому не редкость, когда скот заставляют проходить по затухающему костру.

На улицах можно увидеть постановочные танцы, олицетворяющие заигрывания Кришны с юными красавицами. Участвуют в этом действе парни и девушки, которые ещё и обливают друг друга слега подкрашенной цветной водой. Чтобы умилостивить и других своих богов, верующие раскачивают на качелях статуэтки многочисленных божеств.

Что ещё происходит во время Холи

Гулянья проходят несколько дней, в течение которых люди ходят друг к другу в гости, предлагают сладости и фрукты. Мужья своим женам дарят платья, а поклонники и женихи девушкам – различные подарки. В это время принято пить традиционный торжественный напиток – бханг, который готовят из молочной продукции, сахара, сока или листьев конопли. Он помогает сделать и без того весёлое настроение ещё более поднесённым.

Праздник красок Холи многие знают благодаря традицию щедро осыпать другу друга и всё вокруг разноцветной пудрой. Эта часть торжества называется Дхалунди. Что происходит в эти моменты! Люди любого возраста, от мала до велика начинают разбрасывать повсюду рассыпчатые краски. Вокруг цветное всё – руки, лица, одежда, земля, всяческие предметы и даже очутившиеся поблизости животные.

Для тех, кто хочет и обожает расслабляться, предаваясь шалостям, здесь будет очень весело. Многие из таких опытных посетителей торжества специально надевают наряд, который не жалко будет выбросить после праздника. Именно поэтому людям, которые боятся испачкаться, выглядеть смешно и нелепо, лучше держаться подальше от этой традиции.

Как завершается Холи

К сожалению, ничто не длится вечно, в том числе, такой замечательный праздник как Холи. Уничтожив злых духов, задобрив всесильных богов, вдоволь навеселившись, жители Индии начинают возвращаться к своему привычному ритму жизни.

На третий день гуляний примерно в четыре часа дня они уставшие, но весёлые и довольные бредут домой, вспоминая все самые интересные мгновения. Возможно, им придётся отмываться не один час, но масса положительных эмоций, полученных в результате, того стоит.

Да, замечательный праздник подошёл к концу. Но повеселившиеся на славу участники мероприятия не унывают. Получив энергию на весь год, они зарядились позитивом и ещё долго будут преисполненными надеждой на исполнение заветных желаний.

Какого числа праздник Холи в 2019 году?

Фестиваль проводится спустя две недели после Махашиваратри – очень важного религиозного праздника в Индии, являющегося «Великой Ночью Шивы», в полнолуние (пурнима). Это происходит в месяц пхалгун по индуистскому календарю (примерно месяц март по григорианскому календарю).

Из-за этого ежегодно на Холи приходится разная дата празднования. В 2019 году мероприятия и гулянья, приуроченные к торжеству, рассчитаны на 21-22 марта.

Полезные советы путешественникам

Если вы планируете отправиться в Индию в период празднования Холи, вам не помешало бы ознакомиться с несколькими рекомендациями:

• Если вы не хотите испачкаться красками, которые будут летать повсюду, не выходите в это время на улицу. Если же вы решили принять участие во всеобщем веселье, наденьте одежду, которую вы могли бы без сожаления выбросить. Также подумайте о том, как хотя бы частично защитить свою кожу. Нанесите перед выходом на лицо, шею, руки и грудь жирный крем. Так вам затем будет легче смыть краску, которая в сухую кожу впитывается более стойко.
• В некоторых индийских городах на период проведения Холи закрываются кафе, рестораны, лавки, магазины и прочие заведения. Побеспокойтесь заранее о том, чтобы у вас было всё необходимое.
• Детишки во время Холи могут с крыш поливать всё и всех вокруг водой. Перед выходом на улицу тщательно упакуйте ноутбуки и фотоаппараты в полиэтиленовые пакеты, надёжно спрячьте телефон и прочие гаджеты.
• На Холи могут выходить не только те, кто хочет отметить праздник и повеселиться, но и те, кто желает обогатиться за чужой счёт. Вокруг могут быть воришки, которые будут искать удачный момент, чтобы облапошить зазевавшихся туристов. Прячьте ценные вещи под одеждой, сумки и рюкзаки спереди, обязательно придерживая их рукой.
• Будьте осторожны. Во время Холи немало жителей страны выпивают избыточное количество алкоголя, из-за чего возможны случаи хулиганства.

Если вы хотите увидеть фестиваль во всех его наиболее ярких и лучших проявлениях, то вам стоит отправиться в Джайпур, Вриндаван или Матхур. Говорят, что здесь самый красочный праздник.

Есть также места, в которых не проводится Холи. Обычно речь идёт об ашрамных городах (например, Путтапарти). Во всех остальных городах и регионах Индии празднование идёт во всю силу. Множество путешественников прибывают в страну только для того, чтобы стать не просто пассивным наблюдателем, но и активным участником массовых гуляний.

Отмечают ли Холи в России?

Такой позитивный и наполненный яркими эмоциями праздник не мог обойти стороной и Россию. Сегодня множество городов организовывают мероприятия с музыкой, разноцветными красками и прочими весёлыми действами.

Не только в Москве и Санкт-Петербурге, но также других крупных городах страны проводятся массовые гулянья. Приурочены они могут к другим праздникам – таким, как День молодёжи и пр. Например, в Люберцах летом состоялся фестиваль красок «Colorave», который объединил много взрослых и детей, желающих на несколько часов погрузиться в радостную атмосферу беззаботности, счастья, безудержных забав.

Холи – это чудесный, красочный, жизнерадостный праздник, вселяющий надежды в души всех участников торжества. Его пышно отмечают не только в Индии, но также в Шри-Ланке, Непале, Бангладеше.

Фестиваль празднуют и в тех странах, где есть крупные диаспоры индусов – в Гайане, Суринаме, Южной Африке, Великобритании, Тринидаде, США, на островах Фиджи и Маврикий.

«Basanta Utsav» and «Holli» redirect here. For the film, see Basanta Utsav (film). For the ice hockey player, see Antti Hölli.

Holi
Krishna playing Holi with Radha and other gopis
Observed by	Hindus,[1] Sikhs, Jains,[2][3] and others[4]
Type	Religious, cultural, spring festival
Celebrations	Night after ((Holika Dahan)), Kama Dahan On Holi: spraying coloured dye, playing with coloured powder, dancing, greetings, festival delicacies[5]
Date	māsa (amānta) / māsa (purnimānta), pakṣa, tithi
2022 date	17-18 March in India[6][7] 17-18 March in Nepal[8]
Frequency	Annual
Related to	Hola Mohalla

Explanatory note

Hindu festival dates The Hindu calendar is lunisolar but most festival dates are specified using the lunar portion of the calendar. A lunar day is uniquely identified by three calendar elements: māsa (lunar month), pakṣa (lunar fortnight) and tithi (lunar day). Furthermore, when specifying the masa, one of two traditions are applicable, viz. amānta / pūrṇimānta. Iff a festival falls in the waning phase of the moon, these two traditions identify the same lunar day as falling in two different (but successive) masa. A lunar year is shorter than a solar year by about eleven days. As a result, most Hindu festivals occur on different days in successive years on the Gregorian calendar.

v t e

Holi () is an ancient Hindu tradition and also one of the most popular festivals in Hinduism.^[1][9] It celebrates the eternal and divine love of Radha Krishna.^[10][11]
The day also signifies the triumph of good over evil,^[12][13] as it commemorates the victory of Lord Vishnu as Narasimha Narayana over Hiranyakashipu.^[14][15] It originated and is predominantly celebrated in the Indian subcontinent but has also spread to other regions of Asia and parts of the Western world through the Indian diaspora.^{[16][17][18][19][20][21]}

Holi celebrates the arrival of spring, the end of winter, the blossoming of love and for many, it is a festive day to meet others, play and laugh, forget and forgive, and repair broken relationships.^[17][22] The festival is also an invocation for a good spring harvest season.^[17][22] It lasts for a night and a day, starting on the evening of the Purnima (Full Moon Day) falling in the Hindu calendar month of Phalguna, which falls around the middle of March in the Gregorian calendar. The first evening is known as «Holika Dahan» or «Chhoti Holi» and the following day as «Holi», «Rangwali Holi», «Dol Purnima», «Dhuleti», «Dhulandi»,^[23] «Ukuli», «Manjal Kuli»,^[24] «Yaosang», «Shigmo»,^[25] «Phagwah»,^[26] or «Jajiri».^[27]

Holi celebrations are also known as the Festival of Colours, the Festival of Spring, and the Festival of Love.^[1][16][28] Holi celebrations start on the night before Holi with a Holika Dahan where people gather, perform religious rituals in front of a bonfire, and pray that their internal evil be destroyed the way Holika, the sister of the demon king Hiranyakashipu, was killed in the fire. The next morning is celebrated as Rangwali Holi (Dhuleti) where people smear and drench each other with colours. Water guns and water-filled balloons are often used to play and colour each other, with anyone and anyplace being considered fair game to color. Groups often carry drums and other musical instruments going from place to place singing and dancing. Throughout the day people visit family, and friends and foes come together to chat, enjoy food and drink, and partake in Holi delicacies.^[29][30]

Cultural significance[edit]

The Holi festival has a cultural significance among various Hindu traditions of the Indian subcontinent. It is the festive day to end and rid oneself of past errors, to end conflicts by meeting others, a day to forget and forgive. People pay or forgive debts, as well as deal anew with those in their lives. Holi also marks the start of spring, an occasion for people to enjoy the changing seasons and make new friends.^[22][31]

Radha Krishna[edit]

In the Braj region of India, where the Hindu deities Radha and Krishna grew up, the festival is celebrated until Rang Panchmi in commemoration of their divine love for each other. The festivities officially usher in spring, with Holi celebrated as a festival of love.^[10][32] Garga Samhita, a puranic work by Sage Garga was the first literature to mention the romantic description of Radha and Krishna playing Holi.^[33] There is also a popular symbolic legend behind the festival. In his youth, Krishna despaired whether the fair-skinned Radha would like him because of his dark skin colour. His mother Yashoda, tired of his desperation, asks him to approach Radha and ask her to colour his face in any colour she wanted. This Radha did, and Radha and Krishna became a couple. Ever since, the playful colouring of Radha and Krishna’s face has been commemorated as Holi.^[11][34] Beyond India, these legends help to explain the significance of Holi (Phagwah) are common in some Caribbean and South American communities of Indian origin such as Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago.^[35][36] It is also celebrated with great fervour in Mauritius.^[37]

Vishnu[edit]

There is a symbolic legend to explain why Holi is celebrated as a festival of triumph of good over evil in the honour of Hindu god Vishnu and his devotee Prahlada. King Hiranyakashipu father of Prahlada, according to a legend found in chapter 7 of Bhagavata Purana,^[14][15] was the king of demonic Asuras, and had earned a boon that gave him five special powers: he could be killed by neither a human being nor an animal, neither indoors nor outdoors, neither at day nor at night, neither by astra (projectile weapons) nor by any shastra (handheld weapons), and neither on land nor in water or air. Hiranyakashipu grew arrogant, thought he was God, and demanded that everyone worship only him.^[5]
Hiranyakashipu’s own son, Prahlada, however, disagreed. He was and remained devoted to Vishnu.^[29] 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.^[5] Holika was wearing a cloak that made her immune to injury from fire, while Prahlada was not. As the fire roared, the cloak flew from Holika and encased Prahlada,^[29] who survived while Holika burned. Vishnu, the god who appears as an avatar to restore Dharma in Hindu beliefs, took the form of Narasimha – half human and half lion (which is neither a human nor an animal), at dusk (when it was neither day nor night), took Hiranyakashyapu at a doorstep (which was neither indoors nor outdoors), placed him on his lap (which was neither land, water nor air), and then eviscerated and killed the king with his lion claws (which were neither a handheld weapon nor a launched weapon).^[38]

The Holika bonfire and Holi signifies the celebration of the symbolic victory of good over evil, of Prahlada over Hiranyakashipu, and of the fire that burned Holika.^[22]

Kama and Rati[edit]

Among other Hindu traditions such as Shaivism and Shaktism, the legendary significance of Holi is linked to Shiva in yoga and deep meditation. Goddess Parvati wanting to bring back Shiva into the world, seeks help from the Hindu god of love called Kamadeva on Vasant Panchami. The love god shoots arrows at Shiva, the yogi opens his third eye and burns Kama to ashes. This upsets both Kama’s wife Rati (Kamadevi) and his own wife Parvati. Rati performs her own meditative asceticism for forty days, upon which Shiva understands, forgives out of compassion and restores the god of love. This return of the god of love, is celebrated on the 40th day after Vasant Panchami festival as Holi.^[39][40] The Kama legend and its significance to Holi has many variant forms, particularly in South India.^[41]

Other Indian religions[edit]

The festival has traditionally been also observed by non-Hindus, such as by Jains^[2] (Nepal).^[3]

In Mughal India, Holi was celebrated with such exuberance that people of all castes could throw colour on the Emperor.^[42] According to Sharma (2017), «there are several paintings of Mughal emperors celebrating Holi».^[43] Grand celebrations of Holi were held at the Lal Qila, where the festival was also known as Eid-e-gulaabi or Aab-e-Pashi.^[42] Mehfils were held throughout the walled city of Delhi with aristocrats and traders alike participating.^[42] This changed during the rule of Emperor Aurangzeb. He banned the public celebration of Holi using a Farman issue in November 1665.^[44] However, the celebration were later restarted after the death of Emperor Aurangzeb. Bahadur Shah Zafar himself wrote a song for the festival, while poets such as Amir Khusrau, Ibrahim Raskhan, Nazeer Akbarabadi and Mehjoor Lakhnavi relished it in their writings.^[42]

Sikhs have traditionally celebrated the festival, at least through the 19th century,^[45] with its historic texts referring to it as Hola.^[46] Guru Gobind Singh – the last human guru of the Sikhs – modified Holi with a three-day Hola Mohalla extension festival of martial arts. The extension started the day after the Holi festival in Anandpur Sahib, where Sikh soldiers would train in mock battles, compete in horsemanship, athletics, archery and military exercises.^[47][48][49]

Holi was observed by Maharaja Ranjit Singh and his Sikh Empire that extended across what are now northern parts of India and Pakistan. According to a report by Tribune India, Sikh court records state that 300 mounds of colours were used in 1837 by Ranjit Singh and his officials in Lahore. Ranjit Singh would celebrate Holi with others in the Bilawal gardens, where decorative tents were set up. In 1837, Sir Henry Fane who was the commander-in-chief of the British Indian army joined the Holi celebrations organised by Ranjit Singh. A mural in the Lahore Fort was sponsored by Ranjit Singh and it showed the Hindu god Krishna playing Holi with gopis. After the death of Ranjit Singh, his Sikh sons and others continued to play Holi every year with colours and lavish festivities. The colonial British officials joined these celebrations.^[50]

Description[edit]

Holi is a sacred ancient tradition of Hindus, a national holiday in India and Nepal with regional holidays in other countries. To many Hindus and some non-Hindus, it is a playful cultural event and an excuse to throw coloured water at friends or strangers in jest. It is also observed broadly in the Indian subcontinent. Holi is celebrated at the end of winter, on the last full moon day of the Hindu luni-solar calendar month marking the spring, making the date vary with the lunar cycle.^{[note 1]} The date falls typically in March, but sometimes late February of the Gregorian calendar.^[53][54]

The festival has many purposes; most prominently, it celebrates the beginning of Spring. In 17th century literature, it was identified as a festival that celebrated agriculture, commemorated good spring harvests and the fertile land.^[17] Hindus believe it is a time of enjoying spring’s abundant colours and saying farewell to winter. To many Hindus, Holi festivities mark an occasion to reset and renew ruptured relationships, end conflicts and rid themselves of accumulated emotional impurities from the past.^[22][31]

It also has a religious purpose, symbolically signified by the legend of Holika. The night before Holi, bonfires are lit in a ceremony known as Holika Dahan (burning of Holika) or Little Holi People gather near fires, sing and dance. The next day, Holi, also known as Dhuli in Sanskrit, or Dhulheti, Dhulandi or Dhulendi, is celebrated.^[55]

In Northern parts of India, Children and youth spray coloured powder solutions (gulal) at each other, laugh and celebrate, while adults smear dry coloured powder (abir) on each other’s faces.^[5][31] Visitors to homes are first teased with colours, then served with Holi delicacies (such as puranpoli, dahi-bada and gujia), desserts and drinks.^[30][56][57] After playing with colours, and cleaning up, people bathe, put on clean clothes, and visit friends and family.^[22]

Like Holika Dahan, Kama Dahanam is celebrated in some parts of India. The festival of colours in these parts is called Rangapanchami, and occurs on the fifth day after Poornima (full moon).^[58]

History and rituals[edit]

The Holi festival is an ancient Hindu festival with its cultural rituals. It is mentioned in the Puranas, Dasakumara Charita, and by the poet Kālidāsa during the 4th century reign of Chandragupta II.^[16] The celebration of Holi is also mentioned in the 7th-century Sanskrit drama Ratnavali.^[59] The festival of Holi caught the fascination of European traders and British colonial staff by the 17th century. Various old editions of Oxford English Dictionary mention it, but with varying, phonetically derived spellings: Houly (1687), Hooly (1698), Huli (1789), Hohlee (1809), Hoolee (1825), and Holi in editions published after 1910.^[17]

There are several cultural rituals associated with Holi:^[60]

Holika Dahan[edit]

Preparation[edit]

Days before the festival, people start gathering wood and combustible materials for the bonfire in parks, community centers, near temples and other open spaces. On top of the pyre is an effigy to signify Holika who tricked Prahalad into the fire. Inside homes, people stock up on pigments, food, party drinks and festive seasonal foods such as gujiya, mathri, malpuas and other regional delicacies.

Bonfire[edit]

On the eve of Holi, typically at or after sunset, the pyre is lit, signifying Holika Dahan. The ritual symbolises the victory of good over evil. People gather around the fire to sing and dance.^[22]

Playing with colours[edit]

In North and Western India, Holi frolic and celebrations begin the morning after the Holika bonfire. Children and young people form groups armed with dry colours, coloured solution and water guns (pichkaris), water balloons filled with coloured water, and other creative means to colour their targets.^[60]

Traditionally, washable natural plant-derived colours such as turmeric, neem, dhak, and kumkum were used, but water-based commercial pigments are increasingly used nowadays. All colours are used. Everyone in open areas such as, streets and parks is game, but inside homes or at doorways only dry powder is used to smear each other’s face. People throw colours and get their targets completely coloured up. It is like a water fight, but with coloured water. People take delight in spraying coloured water on each other. By late morning, everyone looks like a canvas of colours. This is why Holi is given the name «Festival of Colours».

Groups sing and dance, some playing drums and dholak. After each stop of fun and play with colours, people offer gujiya, mathri, malpuas and other traditional delicacies.^[61] Cold drinks, including drinks made with marijuana,^[62] are also part of the Holi festivity.

Other variations[edit]

In the Braj region around Mathura, in north India, the festivities may last more than a week. The rituals go beyond playing with colours, and include a day where men go around with shields and women have the right to playfully beat them on their shields with sticks.^[63] It is known as Latthmaar Holi, traditionally celebrated in the Barsana village. Barsana is the village of Radha and women assume the role of gopikas (Radha’s friends) and men as gopas (Krishna’s friends).

In southern India, some worship and make offerings to Kamadeva, the god of love in Indian mythology.

Later in the day[edit]

After a day of play with colours, people clean up, wash and bathe, sober up and dress up in the evening and greet friends and relatives by visiting them and exchanging sweets. Holi is also a festival of forgiveness and new starts, which ritually aims to generate harmony in society.^[60] Many cities in Uttar Pradesh also organise Kavi Sammelan in the evening.

Regional names, rituals and celebrations[edit]

Holi (Hindi: होली, Kannada: ಹೋಳಿ, Marathi: होळी, Nepali: होली, Punjabi: ਹੋਲੀ, Telugu: హోళి) is also known as Basanto Utsav (Bengali: বসন্ত উত্সব) («Spring festival») in West Bengal and Assam; Festival of Colours, or Dol Jatra (Assamese: দ’ল যাত্ৰা) in Assam, Phagu Purnima (Nepali: फागु पूर्णिमा) in hilly region of Nepal, Dola jātra (Odia: ଦୋଳଯାତ୍ରା) in Odisha; also known as Phakuwa or Phagwah (Assamese: ফাকুৱা). The customs and celebrations vary between regions of India.

Holi is of particular significance in the Braj region, which includes locations traditionally associated with the Krishna: Mathura, Vrindavan, Nandgaon, Uttar Pradesh, and Barsana, which become touristic during the season of Holi.^[32]

Outside India and Nepal, Holi is observed by Hindus in Bangladesh and Pakistan as well in countries with large Indian subcontinent diaspora populations such as Suriname, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, South Africa, Malaysia, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, Mauritius, and Fiji. The Holi rituals and customs outside South Asia also vary with local adaptations.

Celebrations[edit]

India[edit]

Bihar/Jharkhand[edit]

Holi is known as Phaguwa in the local Bhojpuri dialect. In this region as well, the legend of Holika is prevalent. On the eve of Phalgun Poornima, people light bonfires. They put dried cow dung cakes, wood of the Araad or Redi tree and Holika tree, grains from the fresh harvest and unwanted wood leaves in the bonfire. At the time of Holika people assemble near the pyre. The eldest member of the gathering or a purohit initiates the lighting. He then smears others with colour as a mark of greeting. Next day the festival is celebrated with colours and a lot of frolic. Traditionally, people also clean their houses to mark the festival.^[64]

Holi Milan is also observed in Bihar, where family members and well-wishers visit each other’s family, apply colours (abeer) on each other’s faces, and on feet, if elderly. Usually, this takes place on the evening of Holi, day after Holi with wet colours is played in the morning through the afternoon. Due to large-scale internal migration issues faced by the people, recently, this tradition has slowly begun to transform, and it is common to have Holi Milan on an entirely different day either before or after the actual day of Holi.^[65]

Children and youths take extreme delight in the festival. Though the festival is usually celebrated with colours, in some places, people also enjoy celebrating Holi with water solutions of mud or clay. Folk songs are sung at high pitch and people dance to the sound of the dholak (a two-headed hand-drum) and the spirit of Holi. Intoxicating bhang, made from cannabis, milk and spices, is consumed with a variety of mouth-watering delicacies, such as pakoras and thandai, to enhance the mood of the festival.^[66]

Goa[edit]

Holi is locally called Ukkuli in Konkani. It is celebrated around the Konkani temple called Gosripuram temple. It is a part of the Goan or Konkani spring festival known as Śigmo or शिगमो in Koṅkaṇī or Śiśirotsava, which lasts for about a month. The colour festival or Holi is a part of longer, more extensive spring festival celebrations.^[67] Holi festivities (but not Śigmo festivities) include: Holika Puja and Dahan, Dhulvad or Dhuli vandan, Haldune or offering yellow and saffron colour or Gulal to the deity.

Gujarat[edit]

In Gujarat, Holi is a two-day festival. On the evening of the first day people light the bonfire. People offer raw coconut and corn to the fire. The second day is the festival of colour or «Dhuleti», celebrated by sprinkling coloured water and applying colours to each other. Dwarka, a coastal city of Gujarat, celebrates Holi at the Dwarkadheesh temple and with citywide comedy and music festivities.^[68] Falling in the Hindu month of Phalguna, Holi marks the agricultural season of the rabi crop.

In some places, there is a custom in undivided Hindu families that the woman beats her brother-in-law with a sari rolled up into a rope in a mock rage and tries to drench him with colours, and in turn, the brother-in-law brings sweets (Indian desserts) to her in the evening.^[69]

Jammu and Kashmir[edit]

In Jammu and Kashmir, Holi celebrations are much in line with the general definition of Holi celebrations: a high-spirited festival to mark the beginning of the harvesting of the summer crop, with the throwing of coloured water and powder and singing and dancing.^[70]

Karnataka[edit]

Traditionally, in rural Karnataka, children collect money and wood in the weeks prior to Holi, and on «Kamadahana» night, all the wood is put together and lit. The festival is celebrated for two days. People in northern parts of Karnataka prepare special food on this day.

In Sirsi, Karnataka, Holi is celebrated with a unique folk dance called «Bedara Vesha», which is performed during the nights beginning five days before the actual festival day. The festival is celebrated every alternate year in the town, which attracts a large number of tourists from different parts of India.^[71]

Maharashtra[edit]

In Maharashtra, Holi Purnima is also celebrated as Shimga, festivities that last five to seven days. A week before the festival, youngsters go around the community, collecting firewood and money. On the day of Shimga, the firewood is heaped into a huge pile in each neighbourhood. In the evening, the fire is lit. Every household brings a meal and dessert, in the honour of the fire god. Puran Poli is the main delicacy and children shout «Holi re Holi puranachi poli». Shimga celebrates the elimination of all evil. The colour celebrations here take place on the day of Rang Panchami, five days after Shimga. During this festival, people are supposed to forget and forgive any rivalries and start new healthy relations with all.

Manipur[edit]

Manipuris celebrate Holi for 6 days. Here, this holiday merges with the festival of Yaosang. Traditionally, the festival commences with the burning of a thatched hut of hay and twigs. Young children go from house to house to collect money, locally known as nakadeng (or nakatheng), as gifts on the first two days. The youths at night perform a group folk dance called Thabal chongba on the full moon night of Lamta (Phalgun), traditionally accompanied by folk songs and rhythmic beats of the indigenous drum, but nowadays by modern bands and fluorescent lamps. In Krishna temples, devotees sing devotional songs, perform dances and celebrate with aber (gulal) wearing traditional white and yellow turbans. On the last day of the festival, large processions are taken out to the main Krishna temple near Imphal where several cultural activities are held. In recent decades, Yaosang, a type of Indian sport, has become common in many places of the valley, where people of all ages come out to participate in a number of sports that are somewhat altered for the holiday.

Odisha[edit]

The people of Odisha celebrate «Dola» on the day of Holi where the icons of Jagannath replace the icons of Krishna and Radha. Dola Melana, processions of the deities are celebrated in villages and bhoga is offered to the deities. «Dola yatra» was prevalent even before 1560 much before Holi was started where the idols of Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra used to be taken to the «Dolamandapa» (podium in Jagannath temple).^[73] People used to offer natural colours known as «abira» to the deities and apply on each other’s feats.^[74]

Punjab[edit]

In Punjab, the eight days preceding Holi are known as luhatak.^[75] Sekhon (2000) states that people start throwing colours many days before Holi.^[76]

Holi is preceded by Holika Dahan the night before when a fire is lit. Historically, the Lubana community of Punjab celebrated holi «with great pomp and show. The Lubanas buried a pice and betel nut. They heaped up cow-dung cakes over the spot and made a large fire. When the fire had burnt out, they proceeded to hunt for the pice and betel-nut. Whosoever found these, was considered very lucky.»^[77] Elsewhere in Punjab, Holi was also associated with making fools of others. Bose writing in Cultural Anthropology: And Other Essays in 1929 noted that «the custom of playing Holi-fools is prevalent in Punjab».^[78]

On the day of Holi, people engage in throwing colours^[79] on each other.^[80] For locals, Holi marks the end of winter. The Punjabi saying Phaggan phal laggan (Phagun is the month for fructifying) exemplifies the seasonal aspect of Holi. Trees and plants start blossoming from the day of Basant and start bearing fruit by Holi.^[81]

During Holi in Punjab, walls and courtyards of rural houses are enhanced with drawings and paintings similar to rangoli in South India, mandana in Rajasthan, and rural arts in other parts of India. This art is known as chowk-poorana or chowkpurana in Punjab and is given shape by the peasant women of the state. In courtyards, this art is drawn using a piece of cloth. The art includes drawing tree motifs, flowers, ferns, creepers, plants, peacocks, palanquins, geometric patterns along with vertical, horizontal and oblique lines. These arts add to the festive atmosphere.^[82]

Folk theatrical performances known as swang or nautanki take place during Holi,^[83] with the latter originating in the Punjab.^[84] According to Self (1993), Holi fairs are held in the Punjab which may go on for many days.^[85] Bose (1961) states that «in some parts of Punjab, Holi is celebrated with wrestling matches».^[86]

Tamil Nadu[edit]

In Tamil Nadu, it is celebrated as the Panguni Uthiram festival that signifies the blossoming of love and marriage. Rati and Kamadeva are worshipped in many parts. Temples also celebrate the marriages of Parvati and Parameswara, Murugan and Deivanai, Kodhai Aandaal and Rangamannar on this day. In the Sarangapani temple in Kumbakonam, Narayana marries Komalavalli Naachiyar and gave Kalyana Kola Seva to his Bhakthas on this day. Valmiki’s Ramayana says it is on this day that Sita’s marriage with Rama was celebrated. Devotees throng to temples to witness the divine wedding ceremonies. It is also an auspicious date for engagements and weddings to finalise. From Brahmanda Puranam, it is said that on this Panguni Uthiram, all holy waters join the seven sacred tanks in Tirupati Tirumala.

Telangana[edit]

Holi is called as Kamuni Punnami/Kama Purnima or Jajiri in Telugu. Hindus celebrate Holi as it relates to the legend of Kamadeva. Holi is also known by different names: Kamavilas, Kamuni Panduga and Kama-Dahanam.^[87]

It is a 10-day festival in Telangana, of which last two days are of great importance. As in other parts of India, in rural Telangana, the 9 days preceding Holi, children celebrate kamuda by playing Kolata sticks along with singing folk songs called jajiri and collect money, rice, corn and wood.^[27] For this reason Holi is well known for «Jajiri Paatalu Kamudi aatalu», which means festival of «Jajiri songs and Kamudi games» and on 9th night i.e. Holy eve, all the wood is put together and set on fire representing Kama Dahanam.

Next morning i.e. 10th day is celebrated as Holi, with colours traditionally extracted from Moduga/Gogu Flowers (Palash/Butea monosperma).^[88]

Tripura[edit]

In Tripura Holi is known as «Pali» which means colour in Tripuri language, it’s celebrated all over Tripura.

Uttar Pradesh[edit]

• 

  Colour drenched gopis in Krishna Temple, Mathura, India.

• 

  In the Braj region of North India, women have the option to playfully hit men who save themselves with shields; for the day, men are culturally expected to accept whatever women dish out to them. This ritual is called Lath Mar Holi.^[89]

• 

  A play of colours then a dance at a Hindu temple near Mathura, at Holi.

Barsana, a town near Mathura in the Braj region of Uttar Pradesh, celebrates Lathmar Holi in the sprawling compound of the Radha Rani temple. Thousands gather to witness the Lath Mar Holi when women beat up men with sticks as those on the sidelines become hysterical, sing Holi songs and shout «Radhe Radhe» or «Sri Radhe Krishna».^[90] The Holi songs of Braj Mandal are sung in pure Braj, the local language. Holi celebrated at Barsana is unique in the sense that here women chase men away with sticks. Males also sing provocative songs in a bid to invite the attention of women. Women then go on the offensive and use long staves called lathis to beat the men, who protect themselves with shields.^[91]

Mathura, in the Braj region, is the birthplace of Krishna. In Vrindavan this day is celebrated with special puja and the traditional custom of worshipping Radha Krishna; here the festival lasts for sixteen days.^[32] All over the Braj region^[92] and neighbouring places like Hathras, Aligarh, and Agra, Holi is celebrated in more or less the same way as in Mathura, Vrindavan and Barsana.

A traditional celebration includes Matki Phod, similar to Dahi Handi in Maharashtra and Gujarat during Krishna Janmashtami, both in the memory of god Krishna who is also called makhan chor (literally, butter thief). This is a historic tradition of the Braj region as well as the western region of India.^[93] An earthen pot filled with butter or other milk products is hung high by a rope. Groups of boys and men climb on each other’s shoulders to form pyramids to reach and break it, while girls and women sing songs and throw coloured water on the pyramid to distract them and make their job harder.^[94] This ritual sport continues in Hindu diaspora communities.^[95]

Outside Braj, in the Kanpur area, Holi lasts seven days with colour. On the last day, a grand fair called Ganga Mela or the Holi Mela is celebrated. This Mela (fair) was started by freedom fighters who fought British rule in the First Indian War of Independence in 1857 under the leadership of Nana Saheb. The Mela is held at various ghats along the banks of the River Ganga in Kanpur, to celebrate the Hindus and Muslims who together resisted the British forces in the city in 1857. On the eve of Ganga Mela, all government offices, shops, and courts generally remain closed. The Ganga Mela marks the official end of «The Festival of Colours» or Holi in Kanpur.^{[citation needed]}

In Gorakhpur, the northeast district of Uttar Pradesh, the day of Holi starts with a special puja. This day, called «Holi Milan», is considered to be the most colourful day of the year, promoting brotherhood among the people. People visit every house and sing Holi songs and express their gratitude by applying coloured powder (Abeer).

Uttarakhand[edit]

Kumaoni Holi in Uttarakhand includes a musical affair. It takes different forms such as the Baithki Holi, the Khari Holi and the Mahila Holi. In Baithki Holi and Khari Holi, people sing songs with a touch of melody, fun, and spiritualism. These songs are essentially based on classical ragas. Baithki Holi (बैठकी होली), also known as Nirvan Ki Holi, begins from the premises of temples, where Holiyars (होल्यार) sing Holi songs and people gather to participate, along with playing classical music. The songs are sung in a particular sequence depending on the time of day; for instance, at noon the songs are based on Peelu, Bhimpalasi and Sarang ragas, while evening songs are based on the ragas such as Kalyan, Shyamkalyan and Yaman. The Khari Holi (खड़ी होली) is mostly celebrated in the rural areas of Kumaon. The songs of the Khari Holi are sung by the people, who, sporting traditional white churidar payajama and kurta, dance in groups to the tune of ethnic musical instruments such as the dhol and hurka.^[96]

In the Kumaon region, the Holika pyre, known as Cheer (चीर), is ceremonially built in a ceremony known as Cheer Bandhan (चीर बंधन) fifteen days before Dulhendi. The Cheer is a bonfire with a green Paiya tree branch in the middle. The Cheer of every village and neighbourhood is rigorously guarded as rival mohallas try to playfully steal each other’s cheer.^[97]

The colours used on Holi are derived from natural sources. Dulhendi, known as Charadi (छरड़ी) (from Chharad (छरड़)), is made from flower extracts, ash and water. Holi is celebrated with great gusto much in the same way all across North India.^[98]

West Bengal[edit]

In West Bengal, Holi is known by the name of «Dol Jatra», «Dol Purnima» or the «Swing Festival». The festival is celebrated in a dignified manner by placing the icons of Radha and Krishna on a picturesquely decorated palanquin which is then taken round the main streets of the city or the village. On the Dol Purnima day in the early morning, students(mainly in Shantiniketan) dress up in saffron-coloured or pure white clothes and wear garlands of fragrant flowers. They sing and dance to the accompaniment of musical instruments, such as the ektara, dubri, and Veena. The devotees take turns to swing them while women dance around the swing and sing songs. During these activities, the people keep throwing coloured water and dry colours, abir, at them.^{[citation needed]}

Nepal[edit]

• 

  Preparing for Holika Dahan, Kathamandu, Nepal.

• 

  Women celebrating Holi in Kathmandu, Nepal.

• 

  Tourists celebrating Holi in Pokhara, Nepal (2012)

Holi, also known as Phagu Purnima, along with many other Hindu festivals, is celebrated in Nepal as a national festival. It is an important major Nepal-wide festival along with Dashain and Tihar (Dipawali).^[99] It is celebrated in the Nepali month of Falgun (Terai region celebrates on the same date as Indian Holi, while rest of the country celebrates it a day earlier), and signifies the legends of the Hindu god Krishna.^[99] They worship Saraswati shrine in Vajrayogini temples and celebrate the festival with their Hindu friends.^[100]

Traditional concerts are held in most cities in Nepal, including Kathmandu, Narayangarh, Pokhara, Itahari, Hetauda, and Dharan, and are broadcast on television with various celebrity guests.

People walk through their neighbourhoods to celebrate Holi by exchanging colours and spraying coloured water on one another. A popular activity is the throwing of water balloons at one another, sometimes called lola (meaning water balloon).^[101] Many people mix bhang (made from cannabis, milk and spices) in their drinks and food, as is also done during Shivaratri. It is believed that the combination of different colours at this festival takes all sorrow away and makes life itself more colourful.

Pakistan[edit]

Holi is celebrated by the minority Hindu population in Pakistan. Community events by Hindus have been reported by Pakistani media in various cities such as Karachi,^[102] Hazara,^[103] Rawalpindi, Sindh, Hyderabad, Multan and Lahore.^[104] The Hindu tribes of Cholistan in the Punjab province of Pakistan play the game called Khido in the days leading up to the Holi. The game Khido is considered sacred by them as it is believed that Parhlad used to play this game during his childhood.^[105]

Holi was not a public holiday in Pakistan from 1947 to 2016. Holi along with Diwali for Hindus, and Easter for Christians, was adopted as public holiday resolution by Pakistan’s parliament in 2016, giving the local governments and public institutions the right to declare Holi as a holiday and grant leave for its minority communities, for the first time.^[106] This decision has been controversial, with some Pakistanis welcoming the decision, while others criticising it, with the concern that declaring Holi a public holiday advertises a Hindu festival to Pakistani children.^[107]

Indian diaspora[edit]

• 

  Drummers of Indo-Caribbean community celebrating Phagwah (Holi) in New York City, 2013.

• 

  A celebration of Holi Festival in the United States.

Over the years, Holi has become an important festival in many regions wherever Indian diaspora were either taken as indentured labourers during colonial era, or where they emigrated on their own, and are now present in large numbers such as in Africa, North America, Europe, Latin America, and parts of Asia such as Fiji.^{[20][21][108][109]}

Suriname[edit]

Holi is a national holiday in Suriname. It is called Phagwa festival, and is celebrated to mark the beginning of spring and Hindu mythology. In Suriname, Holi Phagwa is a festival of colour. It is customary to wear old white clothes on this day, be prepared to get them dirty and join in the colour throwing excitement and party.^[110][111]

Trinidad and Tobago[edit]

Phagwa is celebrated with a lot of colour and splendour, along with the singing on traditional Phagwah songs or Chowtal (gana).

Guyana[edit]

Phagwah is a national holiday in Guyana, and peoples of all races and religions participate in the celebrations.^[112] The main celebration in Georgetown is held at the Mandir in Prashad Nagar.^[113]

Fiji[edit]

Indo-Fijians celebrate Holi as the festival of colours, folksongs, and dances. The folksongs sung in Fiji during Holi season are called phaag gaaian. Phagan, also written as Phalgan, is the last month of the Hindu calendar. Holi is celebrated on the full moon of Phagan. Holi marks the advent of spring and ripening of crops in Northern India. Not only it is a season of romance and excitement, folk songs and dances, it is also an occasion of playing with powder, perfumes, and colours. Many of the Holi songs in Fiji are around the theme of love-relationship between Radha and Krishna.^[114]

Mauritius[edit]

Holi in Mauritius comes close on the heels of Shivaratri. It celebrates the beginning of spring, commemorating good harvests and the fertile land. Hindus believe it is a time of enjoying spring’s abundant colours and saying farewell to winter. It is considered one of the most exhilarating religious holidays in existence. During this event, participants hold a bonfire, throw coloured powder at each other, and celebrate wildly.^[115]

United States[edit]

Holi is celebrated in many US states by mainly Asian Americans, particularly those with Indian ancestry. It is usually hosted in Hindu temples or cultural halls. Members of Hindu associations and volunteers assist in hosting the event along with temple devotees. Some of the places known to celebrate Holi are New Brunswick (NJ), Spanish Fork (Utah), Houston (TX), Dallas (TX), South El Monte (CA), Milpitas (CA), Boston (MA), Potomac (MD), and Chicago (IL).^[116]

Indonesia[edit]

In Indonesia, Indian Indonesians and Balinese Hindu people celebrate Holi as festival of colours. The main celebrations are in Medan and Bali.^[117]

Sometimes the Indian immigrants from other countries may also celebrate a small-scale version of Holi.

Holi colours[edit]

Traditional sources of colours[edit]

The spring season, during which the weather changes, is believed to cause viral fever and cold. The playful throwing of natural coloured powders, called gulal has a medicinal significance: the colours are traditionally made of neem, kumkum, haldi, bilva, and other medicinal herbs suggested by Āyurvedic doctors.

Many colours are obtained by mixing primary colours. Artisans produce and sell many of the colours from natural sources in dry powder form, in weeks and months preceding Holi. Some of the traditional natural plant-based sources of colours are:^{[17][118][119]}

Orange and red[edit]

The flowers of palash or tesu tree, also called the flame of the forest, are typical source of bright red and deep orange colours. Powdered fragrant red sandalwood, dried hibiscus flowers, madder tree, radish, and pomegranate are alternate sources and shades of red. Mixing lime with turmeric powder creates an alternate source of orange powder, as does boiling saffron (kesar) in water.

Green[edit]

Mehendi and dried leaves of gulmohur tree offer a source of green colour. In some areas, the leaves of spring crops and herbs have been used as a source of green pigment.

Yellow[edit]

Haldi (turmeric) powder is the typical source of yellow colour. Sometimes this is mixed with chickpea (gram) or other flour to get the right shade. Bael fruit, amaltas, species of chrysanthemums, and species of marigold are alternate sources of yellow.

Blue[edit]

Indigo plant, Indian berries, species of grapes, blue hibiscus, and jacaranda flowers are traditional sources of blue colour for Holi.

Magenta and purple[edit]

Beetroot is the traditional source of magenta and purple colour. Often these are directly boiled in water to prepare coloured water.

Brown[edit]

Dried tea leaves offer a source of brown coloured water. Certain clays are alternate source of brown.

Black[edit]

Species of grapes, fruits of amla (gooseberry) and vegetable carbon (charcoal) offer grey to black colours.

The Holi powder[edit]

Health impact[edit]

A 2007 study found that malachite green, a synthetic bluish-green dye used in some colours during Holi festival, was responsible for severe eye irritation in Delhi, if eyes were not washed upon exposure. Though the study found that the pigment did not penetrate through the cornea, malachite green is of concern and needs further study.^[120]

Another 2009 study reports that some colours produced and sold in India contain metal-based industrial dyes, causing an increase in skin problems to some people in the days following Holi. These colours are produced in India, particularly by small informal businesses, without any quality checks and are sold freely in the market. The colours are sold without labelling, and the consumer lacks information about the source of the colours, their contents, and possible toxic effects. In recent years, several non-governmental organisations have started campaigning for safe practices related to the use of colours. Some are producing and marketing ranges of safer colours derived from natural sources such as vegetables and flowers.^[121]

These reports have galvanised a number of groups into promoting more natural celebrations of Holi. Development Alternatives, Delhi’s CLEAN India campaign,^[122] Kalpavriksh Environment Action Group, Pune,^[123] Society for Child Development through its Avacayam Cooperative Campaign^[124] have launched campaigns to help children learn to make their own colours for Holi from safer, natural ingredients. Meanwhile, some commercial companies such as the National Botanical Research Institute have begun to market «herbal» dyes, though these are substantially more expensive than the dangerous alternatives. However, it may be noted that many parts of rural India have always resorted to natural colours (and other parts of festivities more than colours) due to availability.

In urban areas, some people wear nose masks and sunglasses to avoid inhaling pigments and to prevent chemical exposure to eyes.^[125]

Environmental impact[edit]

An alleged environmental issue related to the celebration of Holi is the traditional Holika bonfire, which is believed to contribute to deforestation. Activists estimate Holika 30,000 bonfires every year during Holi, with each one burning approximately 100 kilograms (220.46 lbs) of wood.^[126] This represents less than 0.0001% of 350 million tons of wood India consumes every year, as one of the traditional fuels for cooking and other uses.^[127]

The use of heavy metal-based pigments during Holi is also reported to cause temporary wastewater pollution, with the water systems recovering to pre-festival levels within 5 days.^[128]

Application[edit]

During traditional Holi celebrations in India, Rinehart writes, colours are exchanged in person by «tenderly applying coloured powder to another person’s cheek», or by spraying and dousing others with buckets of coloured water.^[129]

Influence on other cultures[edit]

Holi is celebrated as a social event in parts of the United States.^[130] For example, at Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple in Spanish Fork, Utah, NYC Holi Hai in Manhattan, New York^[131] and Festival of Colors: Holi NYC in New York City, New York,^{[130][132][4][133]}

Holi-inspired events[edit]

A number of Holi-inspired social events have also surfaced, particularly in Europe and the United States, often organised by companies as for-profit or charity events with paid admission, and with varying scheduling that does not coincide with the actual Holi festival. These have included Holi-inspired music festivals such as the Festival Of Colours Tour and Holi One^[134] (which feature timed throws of Holi powder), and 5K run franchises such as The Color Run, Holi Run and Color Me Rad,^[135] in which participants are doused with the powder at per-kilometre checkpoints.^[136][19] The BiH Color Festival is a Holi-inspired electronic music festival held annually in Brčko, Bosnia and Herzegovina.^[137][138] In recent years, schools across Australia have also adopted Holi inspired fund raising activites which leverage fundraising platforms such as Australian Fundraising, School Fun Run and Colour Frenzy to conduct such events.

There have been concerns that these events appropriate and trivialise aspects of Holi for commercial gain—downplaying or completely ignoring the cultural and spiritual roots of the celebration.^[136][19] Organisers of these events have argued that the costs are to cover various key aspects of their events, such as safe colour powders, safety and security, and entertainment.^[19]

See also[edit]

• Lathmar Holi
• Kha b-Nisan – Assyrian New Year
• Midsummer – Holiday held close to the summer solstice
• Nowruz – Iranian new year/spring equinox festival
• Songkran (Thailand) – Traditional Khmer New Year’s holiday, famous for ritualised public water fights

Notes[edit]

References[edit]

External links[edit]

• Holi at Curlie

«Basanta Utsav» and «Holli» redirect here. For the film, see Basanta Utsav (film). For the ice hockey player, see Antti Hölli.

Holi
Krishna playing Holi with Radha and other gopis
Observed by	Hindus,[1] Sikhs, Jains,[2][3] and others[4]
Type	Religious, cultural, spring festival
Celebrations	Night after ((Holika Dahan)), Kama Dahan On Holi: spraying coloured dye, playing with coloured powder, dancing, greetings, festival delicacies[5]
Date	māsa (amānta) / māsa (purnimānta), pakṣa, tithi
2022 date	17-18 March in India[6][7] 17-18 March in Nepal[8]
Frequency	Annual
Related to	Hola Mohalla

Explanatory note

Hindu festival dates The Hindu calendar is lunisolar but most festival dates are specified using the lunar portion of the calendar. A lunar day is uniquely identified by three calendar elements: māsa (lunar month), pakṣa (lunar fortnight) and tithi (lunar day). Furthermore, when specifying the masa, one of two traditions are applicable, viz. amānta / pūrṇimānta. Iff a festival falls in the waning phase of the moon, these two traditions identify the same lunar day as falling in two different (but successive) masa. A lunar year is shorter than a solar year by about eleven days. As a result, most Hindu festivals occur on different days in successive years on the Gregorian calendar.

v t e

Holi () is an ancient Hindu tradition and also one of the most popular festivals in Hinduism.^[1][9] It celebrates the eternal and divine love of Radha Krishna.^[10][11]
The day also signifies the triumph of good over evil,^[12][13] as it commemorates the victory of Lord Vishnu as Narasimha Narayana over Hiranyakashipu.^[14][15] It originated and is predominantly celebrated in the Indian subcontinent but has also spread to other regions of Asia and parts of the Western world through the Indian diaspora.^{[16][17][18][19][20][21]}

Holi celebrates the arrival of spring, the end of winter, the blossoming of love and for many, it is a festive day to meet others, play and laugh, forget and forgive, and repair broken relationships.^[17][22] The festival is also an invocation for a good spring harvest season.^[17][22] It lasts for a night and a day, starting on the evening of the Purnima (Full Moon Day) falling in the Hindu calendar month of Phalguna, which falls around the middle of March in the Gregorian calendar. The first evening is known as «Holika Dahan» or «Chhoti Holi» and the following day as «Holi», «Rangwali Holi», «Dol Purnima», «Dhuleti», «Dhulandi»,^[23] «Ukuli», «Manjal Kuli»,^[24] «Yaosang», «Shigmo»,^[25] «Phagwah»,^[26] or «Jajiri».^[27]

Holi celebrations are also known as the Festival of Colours, the Festival of Spring, and the Festival of Love.^[1][16][28] Holi celebrations start on the night before Holi with a Holika Dahan where people gather, perform religious rituals in front of a bonfire, and pray that their internal evil be destroyed the way Holika, the sister of the demon king Hiranyakashipu, was killed in the fire. The next morning is celebrated as Rangwali Holi (Dhuleti) where people smear and drench each other with colours. Water guns and water-filled balloons are often used to play and colour each other, with anyone and anyplace being considered fair game to color. Groups often carry drums and other musical instruments going from place to place singing and dancing. Throughout the day people visit family, and friends and foes come together to chat, enjoy food and drink, and partake in Holi delicacies.^[29][30]

Cultural significance[edit]

The Holi festival has a cultural significance among various Hindu traditions of the Indian subcontinent. It is the festive day to end and rid oneself of past errors, to end conflicts by meeting others, a day to forget and forgive. People pay or forgive debts, as well as deal anew with those in their lives. Holi also marks the start of spring, an occasion for people to enjoy the changing seasons and make new friends.^[22][31]

Radha Krishna[edit]

In the Braj region of India, where the Hindu deities Radha and Krishna grew up, the festival is celebrated until Rang Panchmi in commemoration of their divine love for each other. The festivities officially usher in spring, with Holi celebrated as a festival of love.^[10][32] Garga Samhita, a puranic work by Sage Garga was the first literature to mention the romantic description of Radha and Krishna playing Holi.^[33] There is also a popular symbolic legend behind the festival. In his youth, Krishna despaired whether the fair-skinned Radha would like him because of his dark skin colour. His mother Yashoda, tired of his desperation, asks him to approach Radha and ask her to colour his face in any colour she wanted. This Radha did, and Radha and Krishna became a couple. Ever since, the playful colouring of Radha and Krishna’s face has been commemorated as Holi.^[11][34] Beyond India, these legends help to explain the significance of Holi (Phagwah) are common in some Caribbean and South American communities of Indian origin such as Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago.^[35][36] It is also celebrated with great fervour in Mauritius.^[37]

Vishnu[edit]

There is a symbolic legend to explain why Holi is celebrated as a festival of triumph of good over evil in the honour of Hindu god Vishnu and his devotee Prahlada. King Hiranyakashipu father of Prahlada, according to a legend found in chapter 7 of Bhagavata Purana,^[14][15] was the king of demonic Asuras, and had earned a boon that gave him five special powers: he could be killed by neither a human being nor an animal, neither indoors nor outdoors, neither at day nor at night, neither by astra (projectile weapons) nor by any shastra (handheld weapons), and neither on land nor in water or air. Hiranyakashipu grew arrogant, thought he was God, and demanded that everyone worship only him.^[5]
Hiranyakashipu’s own son, Prahlada, however, disagreed. He was and remained devoted to Vishnu.^[29] 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.^[5] Holika was wearing a cloak that made her immune to injury from fire, while Prahlada was not. As the fire roared, the cloak flew from Holika and encased Prahlada,^[29] who survived while Holika burned. Vishnu, the god who appears as an avatar to restore Dharma in Hindu beliefs, took the form of Narasimha – half human and half lion (which is neither a human nor an animal), at dusk (when it was neither day nor night), took Hiranyakashyapu at a doorstep (which was neither indoors nor outdoors), placed him on his lap (which was neither land, water nor air), and then eviscerated and killed the king with his lion claws (which were neither a handheld weapon nor a launched weapon).^[38]

The Holika bonfire and Holi signifies the celebration of the symbolic victory of good over evil, of Prahlada over Hiranyakashipu, and of the fire that burned Holika.^[22]

Kama and Rati[edit]

Among other Hindu traditions such as Shaivism and Shaktism, the legendary significance of Holi is linked to Shiva in yoga and deep meditation. Goddess Parvati wanting to bring back Shiva into the world, seeks help from the Hindu god of love called Kamadeva on Vasant Panchami. The love god shoots arrows at Shiva, the yogi opens his third eye and burns Kama to ashes. This upsets both Kama’s wife Rati (Kamadevi) and his own wife Parvati. Rati performs her own meditative asceticism for forty days, upon which Shiva understands, forgives out of compassion and restores the god of love. This return of the god of love, is celebrated on the 40th day after Vasant Panchami festival as Holi.^[39][40] The Kama legend and its significance to Holi has many variant forms, particularly in South India.^[41]

Other Indian religions[edit]

The festival has traditionally been also observed by non-Hindus, such as by Jains^[2] (Nepal).^[3]

In Mughal India, Holi was celebrated with such exuberance that people of all castes could throw colour on the Emperor.^[42] According to Sharma (2017), «there are several paintings of Mughal emperors celebrating Holi».^[43] Grand celebrations of Holi were held at the Lal Qila, where the festival was also known as Eid-e-gulaabi or Aab-e-Pashi.^[42] Mehfils were held throughout the walled city of Delhi with aristocrats and traders alike participating.^[42] This changed during the rule of Emperor Aurangzeb. He banned the public celebration of Holi using a Farman issue in November 1665.^[44] However, the celebration were later restarted after the death of Emperor Aurangzeb. Bahadur Shah Zafar himself wrote a song for the festival, while poets such as Amir Khusrau, Ibrahim Raskhan, Nazeer Akbarabadi and Mehjoor Lakhnavi relished it in their writings.^[42]

Sikhs have traditionally celebrated the festival, at least through the 19th century,^[45] with its historic texts referring to it as Hola.^[46] Guru Gobind Singh – the last human guru of the Sikhs – modified Holi with a three-day Hola Mohalla extension festival of martial arts. The extension started the day after the Holi festival in Anandpur Sahib, where Sikh soldiers would train in mock battles, compete in horsemanship, athletics, archery and military exercises.^[47][48][49]

Holi was observed by Maharaja Ranjit Singh and his Sikh Empire that extended across what are now northern parts of India and Pakistan. According to a report by Tribune India, Sikh court records state that 300 mounds of colours were used in 1837 by Ranjit Singh and his officials in Lahore. Ranjit Singh would celebrate Holi with others in the Bilawal gardens, where decorative tents were set up. In 1837, Sir Henry Fane who was the commander-in-chief of the British Indian army joined the Holi celebrations organised by Ranjit Singh. A mural in the Lahore Fort was sponsored by Ranjit Singh and it showed the Hindu god Krishna playing Holi with gopis. After the death of Ranjit Singh, his Sikh sons and others continued to play Holi every year with colours and lavish festivities. The colonial British officials joined these celebrations.^[50]

Description[edit]

Holi is a sacred ancient tradition of Hindus, a national holiday in India and Nepal with regional holidays in other countries. To many Hindus and some non-Hindus, it is a playful cultural event and an excuse to throw coloured water at friends or strangers in jest. It is also observed broadly in the Indian subcontinent. Holi is celebrated at the end of winter, on the last full moon day of the Hindu luni-solar calendar month marking the spring, making the date vary with the lunar cycle.^{[note 1]} The date falls typically in March, but sometimes late February of the Gregorian calendar.^[53][54]

The festival has many purposes; most prominently, it celebrates the beginning of Spring. In 17th century literature, it was identified as a festival that celebrated agriculture, commemorated good spring harvests and the fertile land.^[17] Hindus believe it is a time of enjoying spring’s abundant colours and saying farewell to winter. To many Hindus, Holi festivities mark an occasion to reset and renew ruptured relationships, end conflicts and rid themselves of accumulated emotional impurities from the past.^[22][31]

It also has a religious purpose, symbolically signified by the legend of Holika. The night before Holi, bonfires are lit in a ceremony known as Holika Dahan (burning of Holika) or Little Holi People gather near fires, sing and dance. The next day, Holi, also known as Dhuli in Sanskrit, or Dhulheti, Dhulandi or Dhulendi, is celebrated.^[55]

In Northern parts of India, Children and youth spray coloured powder solutions (gulal) at each other, laugh and celebrate, while adults smear dry coloured powder (abir) on each other’s faces.^[5][31] Visitors to homes are first teased with colours, then served with Holi delicacies (such as puranpoli, dahi-bada and gujia), desserts and drinks.^[30][56][57] After playing with colours, and cleaning up, people bathe, put on clean clothes, and visit friends and family.^[22]

Like Holika Dahan, Kama Dahanam is celebrated in some parts of India. The festival of colours in these parts is called Rangapanchami, and occurs on the fifth day after Poornima (full moon).^[58]

History and rituals[edit]

The Holi festival is an ancient Hindu festival with its cultural rituals. It is mentioned in the Puranas, Dasakumara Charita, and by the poet Kālidāsa during the 4th century reign of Chandragupta II.^[16] The celebration of Holi is also mentioned in the 7th-century Sanskrit drama Ratnavali.^[59] The festival of Holi caught the fascination of European traders and British colonial staff by the 17th century. Various old editions of Oxford English Dictionary mention it, but with varying, phonetically derived spellings: Houly (1687), Hooly (1698), Huli (1789), Hohlee (1809), Hoolee (1825), and Holi in editions published after 1910.^[17]

There are several cultural rituals associated with Holi:^[60]

Holika Dahan[edit]

Preparation[edit]

Days before the festival, people start gathering wood and combustible materials for the bonfire in parks, community centers, near temples and other open spaces. On top of the pyre is an effigy to signify Holika who tricked Prahalad into the fire. Inside homes, people stock up on pigments, food, party drinks and festive seasonal foods such as gujiya, mathri, malpuas and other regional delicacies.

Bonfire[edit]

On the eve of Holi, typically at or after sunset, the pyre is lit, signifying Holika Dahan. The ritual symbolises the victory of good over evil. People gather around the fire to sing and dance.^[22]

Playing with colours[edit]

In North and Western India, Holi frolic and celebrations begin the morning after the Holika bonfire. Children and young people form groups armed with dry colours, coloured solution and water guns (pichkaris), water balloons filled with coloured water, and other creative means to colour their targets.^[60]

Traditionally, washable natural plant-derived colours such as turmeric, neem, dhak, and kumkum were used, but water-based commercial pigments are increasingly used nowadays. All colours are used. Everyone in open areas such as, streets and parks is game, but inside homes or at doorways only dry powder is used to smear each other’s face. People throw colours and get their targets completely coloured up. It is like a water fight, but with coloured water. People take delight in spraying coloured water on each other. By late morning, everyone looks like a canvas of colours. This is why Holi is given the name «Festival of Colours».

Groups sing and dance, some playing drums and dholak. After each stop of fun and play with colours, people offer gujiya, mathri, malpuas and other traditional delicacies.^[61] Cold drinks, including drinks made with marijuana,^[62] are also part of the Holi festivity.

Other variations[edit]

In the Braj region around Mathura, in north India, the festivities may last more than a week. The rituals go beyond playing with colours, and include a day where men go around with shields and women have the right to playfully beat them on their shields with sticks.^[63] It is known as Latthmaar Holi, traditionally celebrated in the Barsana village. Barsana is the village of Radha and women assume the role of gopikas (Radha’s friends) and men as gopas (Krishna’s friends).

In southern India, some worship and make offerings to Kamadeva, the god of love in Indian mythology.

Later in the day[edit]

After a day of play with colours, people clean up, wash and bathe, sober up and dress up in the evening and greet friends and relatives by visiting them and exchanging sweets. Holi is also a festival of forgiveness and new starts, which ritually aims to generate harmony in society.^[60] Many cities in Uttar Pradesh also organise Kavi Sammelan in the evening.

Regional names, rituals and celebrations[edit]

Holi (Hindi: होली, Kannada: ಹೋಳಿ, Marathi: होळी, Nepali: होली, Punjabi: ਹੋਲੀ, Telugu: హోళి) is also known as Basanto Utsav (Bengali: বসন্ত উত্সব) («Spring festival») in West Bengal and Assam; Festival of Colours, or Dol Jatra (Assamese: দ’ল যাত্ৰা) in Assam, Phagu Purnima (Nepali: फागु पूर्णिमा) in hilly region of Nepal, Dola jātra (Odia: ଦୋଳଯାତ୍ରା) in Odisha; also known as Phakuwa or Phagwah (Assamese: ফাকুৱা). The customs and celebrations vary between regions of India.

Holi is of particular significance in the Braj region, which includes locations traditionally associated with the Krishna: Mathura, Vrindavan, Nandgaon, Uttar Pradesh, and Barsana, which become touristic during the season of Holi.^[32]

Outside India and Nepal, Holi is observed by Hindus in Bangladesh and Pakistan as well in countries with large Indian subcontinent diaspora populations such as Suriname, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, South Africa, Malaysia, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, Mauritius, and Fiji. The Holi rituals and customs outside South Asia also vary with local adaptations.

Celebrations[edit]

India[edit]

Bihar/Jharkhand[edit]

Holi is known as Phaguwa in the local Bhojpuri dialect. In this region as well, the legend of Holika is prevalent. On the eve of Phalgun Poornima, people light bonfires. They put dried cow dung cakes, wood of the Araad or Redi tree and Holika tree, grains from the fresh harvest and unwanted wood leaves in the bonfire. At the time of Holika people assemble near the pyre. The eldest member of the gathering or a purohit initiates the lighting. He then smears others with colour as a mark of greeting. Next day the festival is celebrated with colours and a lot of frolic. Traditionally, people also clean their houses to mark the festival.^[64]

Holi Milan is also observed in Bihar, where family members and well-wishers visit each other’s family, apply colours (abeer) on each other’s faces, and on feet, if elderly. Usually, this takes place on the evening of Holi, day after Holi with wet colours is played in the morning through the afternoon. Due to large-scale internal migration issues faced by the people, recently, this tradition has slowly begun to transform, and it is common to have Holi Milan on an entirely different day either before or after the actual day of Holi.^[65]

Children and youths take extreme delight in the festival. Though the festival is usually celebrated with colours, in some places, people also enjoy celebrating Holi with water solutions of mud or clay. Folk songs are sung at high pitch and people dance to the sound of the dholak (a two-headed hand-drum) and the spirit of Holi. Intoxicating bhang, made from cannabis, milk and spices, is consumed with a variety of mouth-watering delicacies, such as pakoras and thandai, to enhance the mood of the festival.^[66]

Goa[edit]

Holi is locally called Ukkuli in Konkani. It is celebrated around the Konkani temple called Gosripuram temple. It is a part of the Goan or Konkani spring festival known as Śigmo or शिगमो in Koṅkaṇī or Śiśirotsava, which lasts for about a month. The colour festival or Holi is a part of longer, more extensive spring festival celebrations.^[67] Holi festivities (but not Śigmo festivities) include: Holika Puja and Dahan, Dhulvad or Dhuli vandan, Haldune or offering yellow and saffron colour or Gulal to the deity.

Gujarat[edit]

In Gujarat, Holi is a two-day festival. On the evening of the first day people light the bonfire. People offer raw coconut and corn to the fire. The second day is the festival of colour or «Dhuleti», celebrated by sprinkling coloured water and applying colours to each other. Dwarka, a coastal city of Gujarat, celebrates Holi at the Dwarkadheesh temple and with citywide comedy and music festivities.^[68] Falling in the Hindu month of Phalguna, Holi marks the agricultural season of the rabi crop.

In some places, there is a custom in undivided Hindu families that the woman beats her brother-in-law with a sari rolled up into a rope in a mock rage and tries to drench him with colours, and in turn, the brother-in-law brings sweets (Indian desserts) to her in the evening.^[69]

Jammu and Kashmir[edit]

In Jammu and Kashmir, Holi celebrations are much in line with the general definition of Holi celebrations: a high-spirited festival to mark the beginning of the harvesting of the summer crop, with the throwing of coloured water and powder and singing and dancing.^[70]

Karnataka[edit]

Traditionally, in rural Karnataka, children collect money and wood in the weeks prior to Holi, and on «Kamadahana» night, all the wood is put together and lit. The festival is celebrated for two days. People in northern parts of Karnataka prepare special food on this day.

In Sirsi, Karnataka, Holi is celebrated with a unique folk dance called «Bedara Vesha», which is performed during the nights beginning five days before the actual festival day. The festival is celebrated every alternate year in the town, which attracts a large number of tourists from different parts of India.^[71]

Maharashtra[edit]

In Maharashtra, Holi Purnima is also celebrated as Shimga, festivities that last five to seven days. A week before the festival, youngsters go around the community, collecting firewood and money. On the day of Shimga, the firewood is heaped into a huge pile in each neighbourhood. In the evening, the fire is lit. Every household brings a meal and dessert, in the honour of the fire god. Puran Poli is the main delicacy and children shout «Holi re Holi puranachi poli». Shimga celebrates the elimination of all evil. The colour celebrations here take place on the day of Rang Panchami, five days after Shimga. During this festival, people are supposed to forget and forgive any rivalries and start new healthy relations with all.

Manipur[edit]

Manipuris celebrate Holi for 6 days. Here, this holiday merges with the festival of Yaosang. Traditionally, the festival commences with the burning of a thatched hut of hay and twigs. Young children go from house to house to collect money, locally known as nakadeng (or nakatheng), as gifts on the first two days. The youths at night perform a group folk dance called Thabal chongba on the full moon night of Lamta (Phalgun), traditionally accompanied by folk songs and rhythmic beats of the indigenous drum, but nowadays by modern bands and fluorescent lamps. In Krishna temples, devotees sing devotional songs, perform dances and celebrate with aber (gulal) wearing traditional white and yellow turbans. On the last day of the festival, large processions are taken out to the main Krishna temple near Imphal where several cultural activities are held. In recent decades, Yaosang, a type of Indian sport, has become common in many places of the valley, where people of all ages come out to participate in a number of sports that are somewhat altered for the holiday.

Odisha[edit]

The people of Odisha celebrate «Dola» on the day of Holi where the icons of Jagannath replace the icons of Krishna and Radha. Dola Melana, processions of the deities are celebrated in villages and bhoga is offered to the deities. «Dola yatra» was prevalent even before 1560 much before Holi was started where the idols of Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra used to be taken to the «Dolamandapa» (podium in Jagannath temple).^[73] People used to offer natural colours known as «abira» to the deities and apply on each other’s feats.^[74]

Punjab[edit]

In Punjab, the eight days preceding Holi are known as luhatak.^[75] Sekhon (2000) states that people start throwing colours many days before Holi.^[76]

Holi is preceded by Holika Dahan the night before when a fire is lit. Historically, the Lubana community of Punjab celebrated holi «with great pomp and show. The Lubanas buried a pice and betel nut. They heaped up cow-dung cakes over the spot and made a large fire. When the fire had burnt out, they proceeded to hunt for the pice and betel-nut. Whosoever found these, was considered very lucky.»^[77] Elsewhere in Punjab, Holi was also associated with making fools of others. Bose writing in Cultural Anthropology: And Other Essays in 1929 noted that «the custom of playing Holi-fools is prevalent in Punjab».^[78]

On the day of Holi, people engage in throwing colours^[79] on each other.^[80] For locals, Holi marks the end of winter. The Punjabi saying Phaggan phal laggan (Phagun is the month for fructifying) exemplifies the seasonal aspect of Holi. Trees and plants start blossoming from the day of Basant and start bearing fruit by Holi.^[81]

During Holi in Punjab, walls and courtyards of rural houses are enhanced with drawings and paintings similar to rangoli in South India, mandana in Rajasthan, and rural arts in other parts of India. This art is known as chowk-poorana or chowkpurana in Punjab and is given shape by the peasant women of the state. In courtyards, this art is drawn using a piece of cloth. The art includes drawing tree motifs, flowers, ferns, creepers, plants, peacocks, palanquins, geometric patterns along with vertical, horizontal and oblique lines. These arts add to the festive atmosphere.^[82]

Folk theatrical performances known as swang or nautanki take place during Holi,^[83] with the latter originating in the Punjab.^[84] According to Self (1993), Holi fairs are held in the Punjab which may go on for many days.^[85] Bose (1961) states that «in some parts of Punjab, Holi is celebrated with wrestling matches».^[86]

Tamil Nadu[edit]

In Tamil Nadu, it is celebrated as the Panguni Uthiram festival that signifies the blossoming of love and marriage. Rati and Kamadeva are worshipped in many parts. Temples also celebrate the marriages of Parvati and Parameswara, Murugan and Deivanai, Kodhai Aandaal and Rangamannar on this day. In the Sarangapani temple in Kumbakonam, Narayana marries Komalavalli Naachiyar and gave Kalyana Kola Seva to his Bhakthas on this day. Valmiki’s Ramayana says it is on this day that Sita’s marriage with Rama was celebrated. Devotees throng to temples to witness the divine wedding ceremonies. It is also an auspicious date for engagements and weddings to finalise. From Brahmanda Puranam, it is said that on this Panguni Uthiram, all holy waters join the seven sacred tanks in Tirupati Tirumala.

Telangana[edit]

Holi is called as Kamuni Punnami/Kama Purnima or Jajiri in Telugu. Hindus celebrate Holi as it relates to the legend of Kamadeva. Holi is also known by different names: Kamavilas, Kamuni Panduga and Kama-Dahanam.^[87]

It is a 10-day festival in Telangana, of which last two days are of great importance. As in other parts of India, in rural Telangana, the 9 days preceding Holi, children celebrate kamuda by playing Kolata sticks along with singing folk songs called jajiri and collect money, rice, corn and wood.^[27] For this reason Holi is well known for «Jajiri Paatalu Kamudi aatalu», which means festival of «Jajiri songs and Kamudi games» and on 9th night i.e. Holy eve, all the wood is put together and set on fire representing Kama Dahanam.

Next morning i.e. 10th day is celebrated as Holi, with colours traditionally extracted from Moduga/Gogu Flowers (Palash/Butea monosperma).^[88]

Tripura[edit]

In Tripura Holi is known as «Pali» which means colour in Tripuri language, it’s celebrated all over Tripura.

Uttar Pradesh[edit]

• 

  Colour drenched gopis in Krishna Temple, Mathura, India.

• 

  In the Braj region of North India, women have the option to playfully hit men who save themselves with shields; for the day, men are culturally expected to accept whatever women dish out to them. This ritual is called Lath Mar Holi.^[89]

• 

  A play of colours then a dance at a Hindu temple near Mathura, at Holi.

Barsana, a town near Mathura in the Braj region of Uttar Pradesh, celebrates Lathmar Holi in the sprawling compound of the Radha Rani temple. Thousands gather to witness the Lath Mar Holi when women beat up men with sticks as those on the sidelines become hysterical, sing Holi songs and shout «Radhe Radhe» or «Sri Radhe Krishna».^[90] The Holi songs of Braj Mandal are sung in pure Braj, the local language. Holi celebrated at Barsana is unique in the sense that here women chase men away with sticks. Males also sing provocative songs in a bid to invite the attention of women. Women then go on the offensive and use long staves called lathis to beat the men, who protect themselves with shields.^[91]

Mathura, in the Braj region, is the birthplace of Krishna. In Vrindavan this day is celebrated with special puja and the traditional custom of worshipping Radha Krishna; here the festival lasts for sixteen days.^[32] All over the Braj region^[92] and neighbouring places like Hathras, Aligarh, and Agra, Holi is celebrated in more or less the same way as in Mathura, Vrindavan and Barsana.

A traditional celebration includes Matki Phod, similar to Dahi Handi in Maharashtra and Gujarat during Krishna Janmashtami, both in the memory of god Krishna who is also called makhan chor (literally, butter thief). This is a historic tradition of the Braj region as well as the western region of India.^[93] An earthen pot filled with butter or other milk products is hung high by a rope. Groups of boys and men climb on each other’s shoulders to form pyramids to reach and break it, while girls and women sing songs and throw coloured water on the pyramid to distract them and make their job harder.^[94] This ritual sport continues in Hindu diaspora communities.^[95]

Outside Braj, in the Kanpur area, Holi lasts seven days with colour. On the last day, a grand fair called Ganga Mela or the Holi Mela is celebrated. This Mela (fair) was started by freedom fighters who fought British rule in the First Indian War of Independence in 1857 under the leadership of Nana Saheb. The Mela is held at various ghats along the banks of the River Ganga in Kanpur, to celebrate the Hindus and Muslims who together resisted the British forces in the city in 1857. On the eve of Ganga Mela, all government offices, shops, and courts generally remain closed. The Ganga Mela marks the official end of «The Festival of Colours» or Holi in Kanpur.^{[citation needed]}

In Gorakhpur, the northeast district of Uttar Pradesh, the day of Holi starts with a special puja. This day, called «Holi Milan», is considered to be the most colourful day of the year, promoting brotherhood among the people. People visit every house and sing Holi songs and express their gratitude by applying coloured powder (Abeer).

Uttarakhand[edit]

Kumaoni Holi in Uttarakhand includes a musical affair. It takes different forms such as the Baithki Holi, the Khari Holi and the Mahila Holi. In Baithki Holi and Khari Holi, people sing songs with a touch of melody, fun, and spiritualism. These songs are essentially based on classical ragas. Baithki Holi (बैठकी होली), also known as Nirvan Ki Holi, begins from the premises of temples, where Holiyars (होल्यार) sing Holi songs and people gather to participate, along with playing classical music. The songs are sung in a particular sequence depending on the time of day; for instance, at noon the songs are based on Peelu, Bhimpalasi and Sarang ragas, while evening songs are based on the ragas such as Kalyan, Shyamkalyan and Yaman. The Khari Holi (खड़ी होली) is mostly celebrated in the rural areas of Kumaon. The songs of the Khari Holi are sung by the people, who, sporting traditional white churidar payajama and kurta, dance in groups to the tune of ethnic musical instruments such as the dhol and hurka.^[96]

In the Kumaon region, the Holika pyre, known as Cheer (चीर), is ceremonially built in a ceremony known as Cheer Bandhan (चीर बंधन) fifteen days before Dulhendi. The Cheer is a bonfire with a green Paiya tree branch in the middle. The Cheer of every village and neighbourhood is rigorously guarded as rival mohallas try to playfully steal each other’s cheer.^[97]

The colours used on Holi are derived from natural sources. Dulhendi, known as Charadi (छरड़ी) (from Chharad (छरड़)), is made from flower extracts, ash and water. Holi is celebrated with great gusto much in the same way all across North India.^[98]

West Bengal[edit]

In West Bengal, Holi is known by the name of «Dol Jatra», «Dol Purnima» or the «Swing Festival». The festival is celebrated in a dignified manner by placing the icons of Radha and Krishna on a picturesquely decorated palanquin which is then taken round the main streets of the city or the village. On the Dol Purnima day in the early morning, students(mainly in Shantiniketan) dress up in saffron-coloured or pure white clothes and wear garlands of fragrant flowers. They sing and dance to the accompaniment of musical instruments, such as the ektara, dubri, and Veena. The devotees take turns to swing them while women dance around the swing and sing songs. During these activities, the people keep throwing coloured water and dry colours, abir, at them.^{[citation needed]}

Nepal[edit]

• 

  Preparing for Holika Dahan, Kathamandu, Nepal.

• 

  Women celebrating Holi in Kathmandu, Nepal.

• 

  Tourists celebrating Holi in Pokhara, Nepal (2012)

Holi, also known as Phagu Purnima, along with many other Hindu festivals, is celebrated in Nepal as a national festival. It is an important major Nepal-wide festival along with Dashain and Tihar (Dipawali).^[99] It is celebrated in the Nepali month of Falgun (Terai region celebrates on the same date as Indian Holi, while rest of the country celebrates it a day earlier), and signifies the legends of the Hindu god Krishna.^[99] They worship Saraswati shrine in Vajrayogini temples and celebrate the festival with their Hindu friends.^[100]

Traditional concerts are held in most cities in Nepal, including Kathmandu, Narayangarh, Pokhara, Itahari, Hetauda, and Dharan, and are broadcast on television with various celebrity guests.

People walk through their neighbourhoods to celebrate Holi by exchanging colours and spraying coloured water on one another. A popular activity is the throwing of water balloons at one another, sometimes called lola (meaning water balloon).^[101] Many people mix bhang (made from cannabis, milk and spices) in their drinks and food, as is also done during Shivaratri. It is believed that the combination of different colours at this festival takes all sorrow away and makes life itself more colourful.

Pakistan[edit]

Holi is celebrated by the minority Hindu population in Pakistan. Community events by Hindus have been reported by Pakistani media in various cities such as Karachi,^[102] Hazara,^[103] Rawalpindi, Sindh, Hyderabad, Multan and Lahore.^[104] The Hindu tribes of Cholistan in the Punjab province of Pakistan play the game called Khido in the days leading up to the Holi. The game Khido is considered sacred by them as it is believed that Parhlad used to play this game during his childhood.^[105]

Holi was not a public holiday in Pakistan from 1947 to 2016. Holi along with Diwali for Hindus, and Easter for Christians, was adopted as public holiday resolution by Pakistan’s parliament in 2016, giving the local governments and public institutions the right to declare Holi as a holiday and grant leave for its minority communities, for the first time.^[106] This decision has been controversial, with some Pakistanis welcoming the decision, while others criticising it, with the concern that declaring Holi a public holiday advertises a Hindu festival to Pakistani children.^[107]

Indian diaspora[edit]

• 

  Drummers of Indo-Caribbean community celebrating Phagwah (Holi) in New York City, 2013.

• 

  A celebration of Holi Festival in the United States.

Over the years, Holi has become an important festival in many regions wherever Indian diaspora were either taken as indentured labourers during colonial era, or where they emigrated on their own, and are now present in large numbers such as in Africa, North America, Europe, Latin America, and parts of Asia such as Fiji.^{[20][21][108][109]}

Suriname[edit]

Holi is a national holiday in Suriname. It is called Phagwa festival, and is celebrated to mark the beginning of spring and Hindu mythology. In Suriname, Holi Phagwa is a festival of colour. It is customary to wear old white clothes on this day, be prepared to get them dirty and join in the colour throwing excitement and party.^[110][111]

Trinidad and Tobago[edit]

Phagwa is celebrated with a lot of colour and splendour, along with the singing on traditional Phagwah songs or Chowtal (gana).

Guyana[edit]

Phagwah is a national holiday in Guyana, and peoples of all races and religions participate in the celebrations.^[112] The main celebration in Georgetown is held at the Mandir in Prashad Nagar.^[113]

Fiji[edit]

Indo-Fijians celebrate Holi as the festival of colours, folksongs, and dances. The folksongs sung in Fiji during Holi season are called phaag gaaian. Phagan, also written as Phalgan, is the last month of the Hindu calendar. Holi is celebrated on the full moon of Phagan. Holi marks the advent of spring and ripening of crops in Northern India. Not only it is a season of romance and excitement, folk songs and dances, it is also an occasion of playing with powder, perfumes, and colours. Many of the Holi songs in Fiji are around the theme of love-relationship between Radha and Krishna.^[114]

Mauritius[edit]

Holi in Mauritius comes close on the heels of Shivaratri. It celebrates the beginning of spring, commemorating good harvests and the fertile land. Hindus believe it is a time of enjoying spring’s abundant colours and saying farewell to winter. It is considered one of the most exhilarating religious holidays in existence. During this event, participants hold a bonfire, throw coloured powder at each other, and celebrate wildly.^[115]

United States[edit]

Holi is celebrated in many US states by mainly Asian Americans, particularly those with Indian ancestry. It is usually hosted in Hindu temples or cultural halls. Members of Hindu associations and volunteers assist in hosting the event along with temple devotees. Some of the places known to celebrate Holi are New Brunswick (NJ), Spanish Fork (Utah), Houston (TX), Dallas (TX), South El Monte (CA), Milpitas (CA), Boston (MA), Potomac (MD), and Chicago (IL).^[116]

Indonesia[edit]

In Indonesia, Indian Indonesians and Balinese Hindu people celebrate Holi as festival of colours. The main celebrations are in Medan and Bali.^[117]

Sometimes the Indian immigrants from other countries may also celebrate a small-scale version of Holi.

Holi colours[edit]

Traditional sources of colours[edit]

The spring season, during which the weather changes, is believed to cause viral fever and cold. The playful throwing of natural coloured powders, called gulal has a medicinal significance: the colours are traditionally made of neem, kumkum, haldi, bilva, and other medicinal herbs suggested by Āyurvedic doctors.

Many colours are obtained by mixing primary colours. Artisans produce and sell many of the colours from natural sources in dry powder form, in weeks and months preceding Holi. Some of the traditional natural plant-based sources of colours are:^{[17][118][119]}

Orange and red[edit]

The flowers of palash or tesu tree, also called the flame of the forest, are typical source of bright red and deep orange colours. Powdered fragrant red sandalwood, dried hibiscus flowers, madder tree, radish, and pomegranate are alternate sources and shades of red. Mixing lime with turmeric powder creates an alternate source of orange powder, as does boiling saffron (kesar) in water.

Green[edit]

Mehendi and dried leaves of gulmohur tree offer a source of green colour. In some areas, the leaves of spring crops and herbs have been used as a source of green pigment.

Yellow[edit]

Haldi (turmeric) powder is the typical source of yellow colour. Sometimes this is mixed with chickpea (gram) or other flour to get the right shade. Bael fruit, amaltas, species of chrysanthemums, and species of marigold are alternate sources of yellow.

Blue[edit]

Indigo plant, Indian berries, species of grapes, blue hibiscus, and jacaranda flowers are traditional sources of blue colour for Holi.

Magenta and purple[edit]

Beetroot is the traditional source of magenta and purple colour. Often these are directly boiled in water to prepare coloured water.

Brown[edit]

Dried tea leaves offer a source of brown coloured water. Certain clays are alternate source of brown.

Black[edit]

Species of grapes, fruits of amla (gooseberry) and vegetable carbon (charcoal) offer grey to black colours.

The Holi powder[edit]

Health impact[edit]

A 2007 study found that malachite green, a synthetic bluish-green dye used in some colours during Holi festival, was responsible for severe eye irritation in Delhi, if eyes were not washed upon exposure. Though the study found that the pigment did not penetrate through the cornea, malachite green is of concern and needs further study.^[120]

Another 2009 study reports that some colours produced and sold in India contain metal-based industrial dyes, causing an increase in skin problems to some people in the days following Holi. These colours are produced in India, particularly by small informal businesses, without any quality checks and are sold freely in the market. The colours are sold without labelling, and the consumer lacks information about the source of the colours, their contents, and possible toxic effects. In recent years, several non-governmental organisations have started campaigning for safe practices related to the use of colours. Some are producing and marketing ranges of safer colours derived from natural sources such as vegetables and flowers.^[121]

These reports have galvanised a number of groups into promoting more natural celebrations of Holi. Development Alternatives, Delhi’s CLEAN India campaign,^[122] Kalpavriksh Environment Action Group, Pune,^[123] Society for Child Development through its Avacayam Cooperative Campaign^[124] have launched campaigns to help children learn to make their own colours for Holi from safer, natural ingredients. Meanwhile, some commercial companies such as the National Botanical Research Institute have begun to market «herbal» dyes, though these are substantially more expensive than the dangerous alternatives. However, it may be noted that many parts of rural India have always resorted to natural colours (and other parts of festivities more than colours) due to availability.

In urban areas, some people wear nose masks and sunglasses to avoid inhaling pigments and to prevent chemical exposure to eyes.^[125]

Environmental impact[edit]

An alleged environmental issue related to the celebration of Holi is the traditional Holika bonfire, which is believed to contribute to deforestation. Activists estimate Holika 30,000 bonfires every year during Holi, with each one burning approximately 100 kilograms (220.46 lbs) of wood.^[126] This represents less than 0.0001% of 350 million tons of wood India consumes every year, as one of the traditional fuels for cooking and other uses.^[127]

The use of heavy metal-based pigments during Holi is also reported to cause temporary wastewater pollution, with the water systems recovering to pre-festival levels within 5 days.^[128]

Application[edit]

During traditional Holi celebrations in India, Rinehart writes, colours are exchanged in person by «tenderly applying coloured powder to another person’s cheek», or by spraying and dousing others with buckets of coloured water.^[129]

Influence on other cultures[edit]

Holi is celebrated as a social event in parts of the United States.^[130] For example, at Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple in Spanish Fork, Utah, NYC Holi Hai in Manhattan, New York^[131] and Festival of Colors: Holi NYC in New York City, New York,^{[130][132][4][133]}

Holi-inspired events[edit]

A number of Holi-inspired social events have also surfaced, particularly in Europe and the United States, often organised by companies as for-profit or charity events with paid admission, and with varying scheduling that does not coincide with the actual Holi festival. These have included Holi-inspired music festivals such as the Festival Of Colours Tour and Holi One^[134] (which feature timed throws of Holi powder), and 5K run franchises such as The Color Run, Holi Run and Color Me Rad,^[135] in which participants are doused with the powder at per-kilometre checkpoints.^[136][19] The BiH Color Festival is a Holi-inspired electronic music festival held annually in Brčko, Bosnia and Herzegovina.^[137][138] In recent years, schools across Australia have also adopted Holi inspired fund raising activites which leverage fundraising platforms such as Australian Fundraising, School Fun Run and Colour Frenzy to conduct such events.

There have been concerns that these events appropriate and trivialise aspects of Holi for commercial gain—downplaying or completely ignoring the cultural and spiritual roots of the celebration.^[136][19] Organisers of these events have argued that the costs are to cover various key aspects of their events, such as safe colour powders, safety and security, and entertainment.^[19]

See also[edit]

• Lathmar Holi
• Kha b-Nisan – Assyrian New Year
• Midsummer – Holiday held close to the summer solstice
• Nowruz – Iranian new year/spring equinox festival
• Songkran (Thailand) – Traditional Khmer New Year’s holiday, famous for ritualised public water fights

Notes[edit]

References[edit]

External links[edit]

• Holi at Curlie

Легенды и традиции Фестиваля Красок Холи

Фестиваль красок или праздник Холи (Holi) — это индийский народный праздник в честь празднования изгнания зла, прихода весны, и возрождения жизни. Проходит он в последнее полнолуние марта.

C этим главным индуистским действом связаны несколько легенд, самая популярная, это «Легенда о Холике».

Легенда получила свое название от имени сестры злого правителя Хираньякашипу. Он считал себя богом и требовал поклонения абсолютно от всех. Но его наследник, сын Прахлад стал приверженцем Бога Вишну. Тогда Холика, наделенная способностью проходить сквозь огонь невредимой, правдами и неправдами уговорила Прахлада подняться на костер во имя его бога. Прахлад начал воспевать гимны Вишну и остался невредим. Холика же погибла. Эта легенда стала символом победы добра над злом.

Есть еще одна легенда, о богах Шиве и Каме. Шива гневным третьим глазом испепелил бога любви Каму, может быть, за излишнее рвение, превратив его в бестелесное существо. Но на три месяца в году Шива возвращает Каме его тело. Тогда все начинает расцветать — и люди празднуют самые веселые дни возрождения природы, любви и плодовитости.

Сложно однозначно сказать о характере праздника — это и эротика и победа добра над злом и плодородие и желание добра и процветания дому и радость прихода весны и надежды на лето.

Главное на празднике Холи – это краски. Праздник длится три дня. В первый сжигают чучело противницы богов — Холики, а второй и третий — это дни буйного веселья. И тут начинаются краски…

Ликующий народ выходит на улицу и начинается веселье – все обливают друг друга подкрашенной водой и кидаются цветными порошками. Чем обильнее покрывают одежду человека краски, тем больше хороших пожеланий направлено в его адрес! Постепенно всё и все становятся окрашеными в яркие цвета, повсюду взрывы цветной пудры и брызги, а то и целые потоки цветной воды, краска на этот праздник — это не просто желание создать цветное настроение, а возможность сделать всех равными, как и полагается на праздник Холи. В старину цветные порошки и красящая вода уравнивали брахмана и воина, богача и бедняка. На три коротких дня все: знатный и простолюдин, молодой и старый, красавец и не очень — становились одинако яркими и веселыми.

Постепенно праздник красок приобрел популярность во всем мире, в наше время его празднуют и в Америке и в Европе и даже в Росии:)

Порошок, котороый вот вот взлетит в воздух и опустится на головы празднующих:)

Главное набрать в ладонь побольше:)

И подкинуть его так, что бы досталось всем:)

Вот так:)

И окатить всех цветной водой!

Не обливайте меня, я сам под душем обольюсь:)

Измазался сам, помоги другому!

Кадр!

Как вы думаете, у девченок добрые намерения?:)

Всё в цветной дымке..

Но все довольны:)

И стар:)

И млад:)

Вот такой Холи в Индии:)

А вот такой в Америке. Фотограф — Томас Хоук.

Все фото собраны с многочисленных интернет-ресурсов.

Спасибо за внимание! Желаю все оптимизма и хорошего настроения!

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Холи: история и традиции праздника весны и красок в Индии