Holi (Phagwah) holds a special place in the hearts of people across India and worldwide. It is one of the biggest festivals on the Hindu calendar after Diwali. Holi, also known as the Festival of Colors, brings communities together, who celebrate the day with much enthusiasm and joy.
FUN FACT:
Holi is a public holiday in India and many other countries with a significant Hindu population.
The celebrations include throwing brightly colored powder on anyone and everyone nearby. These days, it also includes squirting water guns or throwing balloons full of colored water. The festival is based on good winning over evil, and the vivid colors help bring positivity and joy to the lives of people, signifying a time to rejoice. Let’s dive into the vibrancy, rituals, history, significance, and some interesting FAQs about this exuberant celebration.
HOLI: CELEBRATING THE TRIUMPH OF GOOD OVER EVIL
Every year, Holi is observed on the full moon day of the Falgun month. In 2024, the festival will be celebrated on Monday, March 25. The eve of Holi, known as Holika Dahan or Choti Holi, will be observed on Sunday, March 24. According to Drik Panchang, the auspicious time for Holi begins on March 24 at 09:54 AM and concludes at 12:29 PM on the following day. [1]
RITUALS THAT BIND: HOLIKA DAHAN
The Holika Dahan ritual is conducted on the first day of Holi using a pile of wood. Performing rituals at the correct time is crucial to avoid misfortune and suffering. The items required for the puja include a bowl of water, cow dung, unbroken rice, agarbatti, flowers, raw cotton thread, turmeric pieces, moong, batasha, gulal, and a coconut. Cotton threads are tied around the wood and Ganga water is sprinkled along with flowers. The Holika Dahan structure is then worshipped using the mentioned items. After completing the puja, the wood is lit, symbolizing the burning of ego, negativity, and evil from one’s life.
FUN FACT:
Wearing old clothes is recommended as they can get stained with color.
HOLI SIGNIFICANCE
Holi signifies the confluence of communities and the victory of good over evil. It fosters a spirit of togetherness, where differences are set aside amidst vibrant splashes of color and shared laughter. This festival transcends boundaries, celebrated fervently not only in India but also in countries like the UK, the US, Australia, and Singapore, inviting people of all cultures and religions to partake in its jubilant revelry.
FUN FACT:
Holi used to be a rite performed by married women praying for their family’s well-being where Raka, the full moon, was worshipped.
HOLI FAQ’S
1. What is the story behind Holi?
Holika Puja holds a significant belief that by performing this ritual, one can ward off various fears. In places like Mathura and Vrindavan, the festival is also considered a celebration of the love between Lord Krishna and Radha. Although there are two main narratives associated with Holi:
- Prahlad and Hiranyakashipu: This legend tells the story of a demon king, Hiranyakashipu, who wanted everyone to worship him. His son, Prahlad, remained devoted to the god Vishnu. Hiranyakashipu’s sister, Holika who is immune to fire, tried to burn Prahlad in a fire. However, the divine intervention of Lord Vishnu led to Holika’s destruction in the fire. This victory is celebrated on the first day of Holi.
- Kamadeva and Shiva: In some traditions, Holi is linked to the god of love, Kamadeva, who awakens Shiva from his deep meditation with an arrow. This signifies the return of spring and fertility.
FUN FACT:
Holi is a time for forgiveness, letting go of grudges, and celebrating new beginnings.
2. How is Holi celebrated?
Holi is a joyous and vibrant festival, involving key aspects such as Holika Dahan, throwing colors, and sharing food and drinks. It’s a time for forgiveness, letting go of grudges, and celebrating new beginnings.
3. Where can we celebrate Holi in the USA?
Cities with sizable Indian populations like New York City, Los Angeles, and San Francisco host vibrant Holi celebrations. The largest Holi festival takes place in Spanish Fork, Utah. Year after year, this event successfully maintains its status as the largest of its kind in the United States.
4. What are the global variations of Holi?
Nepal celebrates Holi as Fagu Purnima, while Spain hosts La Tomatina. In the United States, Holi NYC is a prominent event, alongside Thailand’s Songkran and South Korea’s Boryeong Mud Festival. [2]
HOLI AND VAASTU: BRINGING HARMONY TO YOUR HOME
Namrataa Kripllani, a renowned UMA Vaastu expert, suggests various remedies to improve the Vaastu aspects of your home without making structural changes. These remedies include the use of different colors, metals, and 3D objects like gemstones.
SPECTRUM OF COLORS: NATURAL AND SYMBOLIC
Traditionally, Holi’s brilliant hues are derived from natural sources such as turmeric, marigolds, neem, pomegranates, and henna. In modern times, food colorants provide a readily available alternative. Each color carries symbolic significance, contributing to a breathtaking explosion of hues marking the arrival of spring.
FUN FACT:
Natural Holi colors can be made using various ingredients. Red hues can be obtained by boiling red hibiscus or roses, beets, carrots, tomato or carrot juice, pomegranate peel, puroi xaak guti, or red sandalwood. Yellow shades can be achieved by boiling marigold petals.
GEMSTONE SYMBOLISM OF HOLI COLORS [3]
- Blue: Represents Lord Krishna, symbolizing love and loyalty – Blue Sapphire.
- Red: Signifies love and fertility, associated with the mighty Ruby.
- Yellow: Symbolic of the sun, happiness, and prosperity – Citrine gemstones.
- Green: Represents new beginnings and renewal – Peridots.
- Pink: Symbolizes care and compassion, matched with Pink Tourmaline.
- Purple: Stands for magic and mystery – Charoite gemstones.
A KALEIDOSCOPE OF TRADITION AND HARMONY
The Indian festival of Holi is a vibrant celebration that transcends borders and cultures. It symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and brings communities together in a spirit of joy, forgiveness, and new beginnings. As we immerse ourselves in the kaleidoscope of colors during Holi, let us also seek harmony and positivity in our homes and lives through the principles of Vaastu. Learn all the pre-post Holi skincare rituals with UMA. And, let’s embrace the spirit of Holi, spread love and cheer, and make this festival truly memorable for everyone!
