History And Significance Of Holi

Holi is considered one of the most celebrated festivals in India. This festival is celebrated for two days. Holi is popularly known as ‘the festival of spring’, ‘the festival of colors, and ‘the festival of love.

Holi is a well-known Hindu festival. It is celebrated throughout India with utmost delight and morale. The festival begins with a bonfire on the first day and continues for two days. 

During this festival, people will be spending quality time with friends and family. All play with colors and abeer.

The significance of Holi:

Holi is celebrated with lots of verve and joy in the entire country. People enjoy the quality time spent with family friends to peers.

Significantly, this festival is celebrated for about two days in which the first day is called Holika Dahan and the second day is called Dhulandi. 

On the first day, devotees light a bonfire and pray for the good health and well-being of their families.

While performing pooja, people take a glass of water, pinch of gulaal, unbroken rice grains, raw cotton thread, Kanda, and wheat grain stick; and put all of these things one after the other in the fire.

Rituals on a festive day:

There are many rituals performed by the devotees on this festive day. Have a look at them.

• Preparations:

At the interjunctions of the streets and cities, people begin to gather wood for the lighting of the bonfire called Holika.

• Holika Dahan Celebrations:

On Holi day, the Holika Dhahan is performed. The image of Holika, the evil-minded sister of cruel King Hiranyakashyap is placed in the wood and burnt.

As the demoness Holika is killed on this day, this festival symbolizes the victory of good over evil. 

• Play of Colors:

The next day is called Dhuleti and on this day, people play with colors. This day is purely meant for enjoyment and celebration of love.

People joyfully spread love and play with colors and spray water on each other. They even sing Holi songs and dance on Dholak as part of their tradition.

People also have drinks that are specially made as part of the tradition. Bhang along with thandai enhances the spirit of the occasion.

The essence of celebration:

Holi is celebrated with a lot of joy and energy throughout the country. The enthusiasm of the people reaches its peak and matches nature at the time of Holi.

To know more about the festivities of the celebration read the next article.