Today, 15th of March is Holi, and it is a festival which celebrates the triumph of good over evil. Holi is celebrated on two different days as India is a large country. Exam dated have been changed in the states, where it is being celebrated today.

Why do we love Holi?

Holi is the end of winter. Holi is playing with colored water and powder and then eating delicious sweets. Everybody is equal on this day, and one plays it with everyone. However, one is discriminate about who one plays with. I remember, when I was a child, Holi was celebrated in our home lavishly. My father was a criminologist and the principal of the Jail Training School, which trained people to understand criminals and run prisons. We would have a hundred people coming and some had an axe to grind.

On course was hard to recognize people as by the time they came to visit our home, they were multicolored, and you could not see their face. One time someone had mixed boot polish and paint. They smeared it on my father. It was excruciating pain to remove it, and it took a long time.

My mother on the other hand played with women, who were wives of the staff. She made yellow color, out of flowers called Tesu. These flowers were boiled and then the color emerged. Turmeric and marigold petals were also added. Red came from Beetroot and Hibiscus flowers. Green was from spinach and coriander. Blue was from indigo powder; it was generally hard to make. Yellow was favored by women and children played with each other.

Of course, the sweets and savories offered were delicious. Coconut barfi’s, gujiya (small empanadas) stuffed with dried milk, fried moong dal and salty squares.

Now what is the significance of the colors. Yellow signifies happiness and knowledge. Red represents love and fertility. Blue represents peace and both colors represent Krishna. Pink signifies happiness and is linked with Radha. Green symbolizes new beginnings and harvest. Orange represents light, and forgiveness. One can use powder or color mixed in water with a water pistol, balloons and buckets.

Holi is also played with flower petals and since they are mainly rose petals and marigolds, it is a gentle and fragrant celebration.

Lathmar Holi is playing with sticks. In this celebration, the women gently beat the men with sticks. It is played in Barsana and Nandgaon. The women reenact a historical episode involving Radha and Krishna.

Holi food

Another part of this festival is a milk-based drink made from Bhang which is made from the leaves of the cannabis plant. The consumption of bhang during Holi is linked to Shiva, who used it to improve his focus and thereby harness his powers. Another story connected to Bhang is to celebrate Shiva’s return to a grihastha (family life) from his life as a Vairagya (Ascetic).

Holi is a joyous festival, and one has to learn to appreciate it and not overdo anything. One must remember that Holi is a reminder to embrace new beginnings with open arms and heart and a colorful life.

Aim Hrim Klim