During the Hindu Festival of Colors, people take to the streets, dousing themselves and others in vibrant pigments. The bright colors obscure more than faces and clothing; they cover over social differences—if only for a week.
There’s something a little intimidating about a group of strangers running up to you in the street with powder paint and water balloons in their hands. It’s the same dread that washes over you when you’re about to be thrown fully clothed into a swimming pool.
Any visitor to India this week could well find themselves in such a fun predicament — for this is the time of Holi, the Hindu Festival of Colors, where Hindus celebrate the salvation of Prahlada and the burning of the demoness Holika.
Although this is a religious festival, paint and water balloons reign supreme on the streets. During the chaos of Holi, people tend to abandon almost all social differences, partying with their neighbors despite caste, age or gender differences. No other time of year offers Hindis such a chance to let their hair loose! If anyone becomes upset because of the fun and merrymaking, it’s common to hear “Bura na mano, Holi hai” — “Don’t mind, it’s Holi!”
Ancient traditions
Holi is celebrated for many reasons and is known by many names, but in all its forms it represents one of the most joyous times of the year. Besides being called the Festival of Colors, Holi is known as the Spring Festival, offering the opportunity to cast off the gloom of winter and welcome a new season full of hope.
Ancient legends also make the festival the time to celebrate the triumph of good over evil. Legend has it that the ancient king Hiranyakashyap demanded all in his kingdom to worship him as a god, but his son Prahlada refused. Angered that Prahlada remained true to Lord Vishnu, the king persuaded his sister Holika to bring Prahlada into a fire with her, for she had a magic shawl that would protect her from the blaze — but not Prahlada. But Vishnu rewarded Prahlada for his faith, blowing the magic shawl off of Holika and onto Prahlada, who survived the blaze while the demoness burned.
What about all that paint?
Holi wouldn’t be Holi without everybody covered in colored powder — but where does this unusual tradition come from? Again, an ancient legend explains why. Long ago, the god Krishna asked his mother why the goddess Radha had a lighter complexion than his. His mother good-naturedly responded that if he wanted their complexions to be similar, Krishna should smear paint on Radha’s cheeks. Radha mischievously responded in kind, and the legendary paint fight of Holi was born.
Celebrating new beginnings
Bonfires are all part of the celebration during Holi, commemorating the deliverance of Prahlada and the destruction of Holika, but also symbolize the chance to begin anew after winter ends. Homes are cleaned, and dirty and broken household items are burned. The blaze also represents the burning of negative experiences and memories from the previous year, giving everyone a chance to start fresh in the new season.
During the Festival of Colors, everyone must accept all overtures, even the most unusual, with an open heart. Everyone must also forgive all grievances from the previous year and start anew in their relationships.
Happy Holi to all!
India will always be known as a land of great vibrance and diversity, no less so for the bright colors seen everywhere during Holi. But perhaps the best part about Holi is the goodwill and optimism present amongst everyone you see — and it’s during this exciting period of exuberance and bonhomie that India’s true colors really shine.
