Holi is one of the oldest festivals of India. There are many interesting stories associated with the festival's origin as one moves across the different states from North to South and East to West. Paintings and scriptures depict the roots of the festival. Mythology plays a very important part in narrating the festival of Holi. The most popular stories of Holi origin relates to 'Holika Dahan' and Legend of Radha-Krishan.
Story of Holika
Integrally entwined with Holi, is the tradition of 'Holika Dahan', which is actually lighting of bonfires. The ritual is symbolic of victory of good over evil and has its root in the legend of demon king Hiranyakashyap who wished to end his blessed son, Prahlad's life with the help of his sister, Holika who burnt in the fir and no harm occurred to Prahlad. Since then the day is celebrated in victory of good over bad.
Story of Radha and Krishan
The legend of Radha and Krishna is closely linked with this tradition of colors on Holi. Young Krishna, who had a dark complexion, was jealous of his beloved Radha's extremely fair skin. In a mischievous mood, he applied color on Radha's face. Following this ancient legend, lovers till date long to color their beloved as an expression of love.
Holi Celebrations in India
Holi is famous as Basant Utsav in rural India. It is one of the major festivals in India and is celebrated with extreme enthusiasm and joy. Gulal, abeer and pichkaris are synonymous with the festival. Elaborate plans are made to color the loved ones. Everybody wants to be the first one to color the other. In the ensuing battle of colors, everybody is drowned not just in colors of gulal but also in love and mirth. People love to drench others and themselves in colored water. Gujiyas and other sweets are offered to everyone who comes across to color.
Temples are beautifully decorated at the time of Holi. Idol of Radha is placed on swings and devotees turn the swings singing devotional Holi songs. Now-a-days small plays are organized reflecting the spirit of the festival.
What is remarkably same across the country is the spirit of Holi. Fun, frolic, boisterousness to the extent of buffoonery marks this festival of colors. What more can be expected- when the people get a social sanction to get intoxicated on the bhang, open not just their hearts' out but also their lungs. And viola, nobody is expected to take offense too, as the norm of the day is, 'Bura na mano Holi hai'.
- Holi in Mathura-Vrindavan
People from all corners of India, rather, world gather here every year to feel the essence of Holi in the land of Krishna... - Holi of Barsana
A village, 42 kms away from Mathura, UP and the birthplace of Radha is of particular interest. Here, men from Nandgaon-the land of Krishna come to play Holi with the girls of Barsana.... - Holi in Bihar
The Holi is celebrated with the same fervour and charm in this state as in rest of north India. Here too, the legend of Holika is prevalent. On the eve of Phalgun Poornima, Biharis light bonfires... - Holi in Delhi
Delhi being the capital and the heart of India, celebrates Holi with extreme enthusiasm - even to the extent of boisterousness.
Being a metro city, an amalgamation of cultures and traditions can be witnessed here.... - Holi in Haryana
Holi assumes an entirely new colour in this state and gets its new name, 'Dulandi Holi'..
