Holi, the Hindu festival of colours will be celebrated on Tuesday, March 26, 2024.
It marks the end of the bitter winter and the beginning of the spring season in India.
It is celebrated on the full moon (Purnima).
It is also the beginning of the new year for Hindus.
The legend tells us that the tyrant king Hiranyakashyapu wanted people to worship him. However, his son, Prahlad, refused to do so.
This infuriated Hiranyakashyapu, who wanted to kill Prahlad. Several attempts failed, so he asked his evil sister Holika to sit with Prahladlion and half man) and killed the evil king.
Thus the victory of good over evil. People celebrated with ashes by singing and dancing around the bonfire.
Traditionally, Hindus create an effigy of Holika and burn it a day before the Holi festival.
These days, the bonfire ashes are mixed with gulal of seven colours and smeared on people.
Colours are mixed with water and sprayed on people, signifying victory over evil. Traditionally, people wear white to signify unity.
Holi also celebrates fertility, colour, love, and the triumph of dharm (spirituality) over adharma (tyranny).
Groups of faag singers visit every home in the village, where they are welcomed with heaps of gulgula and sweet tea.
Musical instruments such as dholak, dand taal and manjira create an atmosphere of jubilation.
May I wish all Hindus a happy Holi festival.
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