Holi - The Festival of Colors

The festival of colors, Holi is one of the most popular festivals of Hindus. The festival in its own colorful gaiety marks the end of cold winters and welcomes the spring in its splendor.

The festival falls on the full moon day during the month of Phaguna. The festival is especially celebrated with much enthusiasm by the Lord Krishna followers - hence very popular in the areas such as Mathura, Vrindavan, Banaras amongst others.

Holi also signifies victory of good over evil and has an attached lore to the festival. The demon king named Hiranyakashyap deemed himself the creator and the most supreme, and forced people of his kingdom to worship him. Ironically his own son, Prahlad becomes a devout bhakt of Lord Vishnu. After many failed attempts to kill Prahlad, Hiranyakashyap orders his sister Holika to murder Prahlad by burning him on a pyre. But instead she burns ablaze and Prahlad survives unscathed. To mark the event symbolically, on the eve of day before the Dulhendi (the day of palying with colors), a pyre is burnt and sweets exchanged.

The day of Dulehndi marks morning and afternoon long festivities - people play with color, pichkaris (toy water sprinklers) and eat gujiyas & sweets. These days the colors used are made of chemicals, but earlier 'Tesu' flower was used to make natural color.

Traditionally, Kafi raga is most popular for Holi music. Lister to Holi Bhajan sung by melodious Lata Mangeshkar.

Holi is a festival of undiluted, unrestricted joy and revelry. Its the day marking the beginning of most joyous season.