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Holi is one of the popular celebrations of colors in India. It is celebrated throughout the country with pomp and gaiety. The advent of Holi ushers in new hopes and aspirations for the people in the new season. Holi celebrations imbibe people from all walks of life under one banner to propagate our age-old secular traditions.
Holi is a spring festival. As per the local calendar of a part of India, Holi is celebrated in the month of Phalgun; in the English calendar the celebrations take place in the month of March. During the Holi celebrations, starting from urban belt to rural belt, the participation of the people has been overwhelming and tumultuous. People put color on the forehead to bless/wish for success in the year. There is a vow taken during the celebrations of Holi, 'May the evil forces fade away giving birth to peace and happiness in life'.
Talking of the origin of Holi, it has an interesting background. As per the Indian culture, all celebrations have their origination from a mythological background. Though the present generation might not gel with the mythological aspect, still we feel that it has its impact on our society.
The term 'Holi' in Indian terminology means 'burning'. There is a legend behind the term' burning'. All these are found in various research works on ancient Indian mythology being performed by our celebrated Indologist of the country. We can assume that the name of King Hiranyakashipu might be associated regarding the origination of 'Holi'. It is believed that there was a demon named Hiranyakashipu in ancient India. He wanted to take revenge of the death of his younger brother. Lord Vishnu, one of the Supreme forces of the Universe, killed the brother of Hiranya, who was also a demon. Encountering with Vishnu, the notorious King wanted to become the King of the Heaven, earth and the underworld. Lord Vishnu performed salvation and prayer to inherit Supreme Power in him. This was indeed a blessing in him. This is so far the History of the initiation of Holi.
Now coming to the celebrations of Holi, it is a big event of the country. The day is treated as the national holiday under Negotiable Instruments Act. The celebrations are focuses upon primarily on Mathura and Brindaban. Then the celebrations take place around the nook and corners of the country. People put 'Gulal' meaning color on the forehead of the same age groups, wishing them all success, peace and prosperity in the coming season. The colors are also put on the forehead of the revered elders to seek blessings to move out peacefully and successfully in the coming season.
Another attraction relating to 'Holi' is noticeable in West Bengal. In this state, the celebrations are known popularly as 'DolJatra.' In Santiniketan meaning 'abode of peace', the celebrations begin under the historic 'Chatimtala' spot. The celebrations begin with popular Rabindra Sangeet,'Aaj Sabar Range Rang Meshata Hobe' and other songs make the celebrations thrilling and memorable. The message is to bring smiles to al human beings so that they don't land up in any perils or destruction in their life. This sets a message of imbibing friendship and fraternity irrespective of any religion, caste or creed.
For further details about other India celebrations or celebrations around the world, please browse through
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