Holi is known in India as the “festival of spring”, “festival of colors” or even as “festival of love”. festival of colors celebrates the victory of good over evil and spreads happiness, union, forgiveness, and love.
The ancient festival is mentioned in several Jaimini sutras, although the festival is Hindu, it has become commonly popular among non-Hindus. Holi has been around since ancient times, well before Jesus Christ, it used to be celebrated only by married women, but over the years the festival has changed its conception.
The Legends of Holi
Holika’s bonfire
The legend revolves around King Hiranyakashyap, known as the Demon King of Asuras. Hiranyakashipu could not be killed by any man or animal so he ordered everyone to worship him as a god. But his son Prahlada went against this order and continued his worship of the Hindu god Vishnu, the father was furious at his son Prahlad’s disobedience and ordered him to be punished.
King Holika’s sister tricked Prahlad and took him to a pyre, Sister Holika wore a cape to protect her body from the fire, but the cape flew off and enveloped Prahlad saving his life. A while later the beloved Vishnu appeared as Narsimha (half lion and half man) and slew Hiranyakashyap. It is said that it is because of this legend that every year the festival begins with the Holika bonfire, which symbolizes the rise and victory of good over evil.
Krishna’s colors
Krishna turned blue skin after he was poisoned by a demon named Putana. Krishna then became afraid that Radha and her companions would not like him because of his skin color, so his mother told him to paint Radha any color he wanted. This game ended up becoming a tradition and gave rise to Holi.
How is Holi celebrated?
The Holi Festival begins the night before with the Holika Dahan bonfire, where Hindus perform rituals for the devil and evil to be destroyed. There is a specific time to light the bonfire and it can never be done before sunset, even in India they advise the indicated times to make the bonfire ritual .
The next morning, colors take over the streets, people come out of their houses and play with each other with colored powder and paints, bringing a lot of positivity and good energy into their lives.
Holi is not just about colors and flowers, there are also delicacies that are very popular on this occasion, such as gujiya, mathri, malpua, dahi vada, puran poli and a drink based on milk and various thandai spices.
When will the Holi Festival das Colors be held in 2020?
Vibrant and full of color, Holi is celebrated according to the Hindu calendar in the month of Phalgun on the day of the full moon. This year the bonfire night, or Holika Dahan takes place on March 9th and Holi is held the following day, March 10th.
India travel tips
Tourism in India at Holi Festival
You can take advantage of your vacation to discover the golden triangle of India and see the celebration of Holi. See below for a very interesting itinerary suggestion:
Day 1: Arrival in Delhi
Day 2: Delhi Tours
Day 3: Delhi – Jaipur
Day 4: Holi Festival in Jaipur
Day 5: Jaipur – Amber – Jaipur
Day 6: Jaipur – Agra
Day 7: Agra
Day 8: Delhi
Holi teaches humanity to transcend differences, it is a festival that renews good spirits and positivity. Popular music takes over the streets, and people of all ages gather and celebrate together. The festival brings color not only to cities but to people’s lives.
Holi is a festival of great importance for Indians, considered one of the biggest in all of India, it is celebrated in all parts of the country. As India is a huge country with a very diverse culture, naturally Holi ends up gaining different characteristics and traditions in each region,
