Author Topic: Holi-day  (Read 4372 times)

Jessie Fong

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 690
Holi-day
« on: March 27, 2013, 12:00:13 PM »
Today is the day we get splashed with colored powder and liquids, and end up in a shade not so common.   It is also the time to let our hair down in celebration of the end of winter.

Read on ....

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/26/holi-2013-festival-of-colors-celebrates-spring-songs-photos_n_2959784.html?utm_hp_ref=religion

The celebration of Holi is recounted in Hindu sacred texts and stories that have passed from generation to generation. Holi commemorates the miraculous story of Prahlada, a young boy and a devoted follower o thef Hindu god Vishnu. According to Hindu texts, Prahlada was born to Hiranyakashipu, the king of demons. Unable to tolerate Prahlada's devotion to Lord Vishnu, Hiranyakashipu attempted to kill his son several times by poisoning him, throwing him from the top of a mountain, etc. but failed each time. Finally, he ordered his son to sit on a pyre on the lap of his demoness sister, Holika, who was protected from fire burning her. Prahlada accepted his father's command and survived unharmed from the fire while Holika burned to death. The burning of Holika gave rise to the tradition of lighting bonfires on Holi eve. Holi also celebrates the immortal love of the divine couple, Radha and Krishna. And Holi immortalizes the story of Kama, the Hindu god of love, his incineration to death by Lord Shiva, restoration and his love and sacrifice for all. These are three of the most popular stories, and as with most Hindu festivals, the stories vary slightly in different parts of India.

Holi (also known as Dol Jatra, Basantotsav) is the Hindu festival of colors. It is celebrated at the end of the winter season, on the last full moon day of the lunar month Phalguna. In 2013, Holi will be celebrated on March 27.

Holi is observed with great fanfare by Hindus all over the world. Holi celebrations begin on the eve of the festival with bonfires and prayers. On the day of Holi, people throw colored powder and liquids at each other. A common greeting during this time is, "Happy Holi."

Holi celebrations are particularly riotous in India as social rules are relaxed. Colored water is squirted on passers-by, and people are dunked into muddy water. Many people consume bhang, an intoxicating drink made from the female cannabis plant. Social barriers are broken as people of all ages, genders, castes, and wealth gather together and celebrate the festival. In fact, it is said that one can get away with almost any kind of behavior on the day of Holi by saying "bura na mano holi hai," or, "don't mind, it is Holi." In addition to the boisterous nature of the festival, this is a time for family members to get together, give gifts, eat special foods and decorate their homes. Overall, this is one of the most spirited and beloved festivals of the Hindu calendar.

DS Star

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 418
Re: Holi-day
« Reply #1 on: March 27, 2013, 06:19:50 PM »
It is very good to see that the spirit of Holi promotes harmony, forgiveness and feelings of unity in a society that is divided by its multifaceted ethnicity, faiths, dialects, traditions, etc.

Although "Holi" festival is a Hindu's celebration, seems people from all walks of life, religions, rich or poor, participate in this colouful festival joyfully, without showing any anger for the pranks being played on them. It was said that even enemies are forgiven on this day.

It will be great if this kind of spirit of love and forgiveness is being practiced all year round instead of only on one day....

"bura na mano holi hai"  ;)

RedLantern

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 758
Re: Holi-day
« Reply #2 on: March 28, 2013, 03:20:39 PM »
Named after the festivals of color.The main highlight of this festival is joyous celebrations of going to the street in big groups,smearing each other with bright colored powder and water without regard to social status such as caste,race,or sex.People exchange greetings, young people pay respect to the elders by sprinkling some colors on their feet,elders distribute sweets,money and everyone join in the dance.
The day before,bonfires are lit at night of the full moon on street corners to symbolize the destruction of the wicked Holika,and to cleanse the air of evil spirits and bad vibes.
It is celebrated in India as well as in Nepal and everywhere in the world where Hindus live .