Vibrant hues, splashing of colors, songs, dance and a spirit of bonhomie and fun. Yes, Holi Hain, as they say! Unlike many other festivals that require a sombre and prayerful approach, Holi is known for its boisterous and extravagant loudness. There are no qualms about anything, as people let their hair down and let loose all their inhibitions. This festival generously allows for squeals, laughter, naughtiness, craziness, pranking and more. But though the manifestation and celebrations of Holi are animated, the meaning behind the festivities are deep and nuanced. Also, quite contrary to the common understanding of how Holi is celebrated, festivities and rituals differ in many parts of the country. The layered and often extreme juxtaposition of the purpose and celebrations of Holi, as well as its expression in different parts of the country, make it an interesting and fascinating festival.
Meaning, Mythology and Legends
The significance of Holi is based on some fundamental values. Though there are several mythological and religious meanings to why Holi is celebrated, each teaches something far more deep and rooted.
Holika Dahan
The most prevalent understanding of why Holi is celebrated is related to the legendary story of King Hiranyakashipu. Hiranyakashipu was given a boon that he deemed made him invincible and immortal. However, he could not tolerate his son, Prahlad’s undying and unflinching faith in Lord Vishnu. As a final act of anger, he planned to burn his son alive. In this plan, Hiranyakashipu’s sister, Holika agreed to sit with Prahlad in the fire. She had a protective cloth to cover her, but as the Gods would have it, Prahlad survived the fire, while Holika burned away. This is one of the main reasons why Holika Dahan is performed on the previous night of Holi.
The overall meaning of this religious tale lies in the elemental belief of good winning over evil. It is this sentiment that drives Holi celebrations, deterring people from the path of wrongdoing and encouraging them to hold steadfast to what is truly good.
Hence, this Holi, when you plunge into a plume of colors and water sprays, remember that you can differentiate the hues of evil from good. Pray and resolve to let the dyes of goodness brighten up your life and wash away the darkness of evil that we all hold inside our hearts in varying degrees.
Lord Krishna-Radha
The next legend that surrounds the celebrations of Holi, is the love story of Lord Krishan and Radha. Lord Krishna was poisoned as a child, because of which his body turned blue. In some references, it is also believed that Lord Krishna was not as fair as Radha. It was the difference in their skin color that made Krishna wonder if Radha would ever accept him. His mother playfully advised him to add color to Radha’s face so that no difference remained between the two of them. And that is what Krishna did. It is believed that the ritual of adding color on to each other springs from this very particular religious tale.
If the lord himself is skeptical of color being a hindrance in love, then what can be expected of mere mortals? On the other hand, Radha allowed Krishna to let her change her appearance, signifying that sometimes in love, you have to blend towards each other to become one. That acceptance is not just a thing of the heart, but of tangible and concrete actions.
Hence, this Holi when you add color on the face of your loved ones, love them for who they are. Let them not have to change their ways to suit your needs, demands or whims. And when you allow someone to color you up, then be mindful of their happiness and dignity.
Lord Shiva and Kamadeva
Another legendary story related to Holi is that of Lord Shiva and Kamadeva. It is believed that Lord Shiva was in meditation and to get him out of his trance, Kamadeva threw arrows of desire and passion at him. He hoped that by doing so, Shiva would fall in love with Parvati. However, this angered Shiva tremendously, who opened his third eye and burnt Kamadeva to ashes. Rati, the wife of Kamadeva, pleaded to Lord Shiva to get her husband back. Shiva restored Kamadeva into an incorporeal being, but also acknowledged the power of love. It is said that the day on which Kamadeva was burnt is celebrated as Holi. Also, his turning into ashes symbolises the restraint that is required from unwanted desire and passion.
There are two ways to look at this. The colorful celebration of Holi expresses the desire and need for love and passion. However, the ability to control these desires is also emphasised.
Hence, this Holi, let us reign in desires that disturb and harm others. Let us spread the colors of joy and passion for people and things that lead us and themselves, to better versions of self.
Ogress Dhundi
In the kingdom or village of Prithu or Raghu lived a demoness named Dhundi. She was given a boon which made her think that she could not be harmed. Taking advantage of this, she terrorized the villagers and her troubles reached such heights that King Raghu consulted his priests on how to get rid of her. On the advice of the priest it was decided that all the boys of the village would unite, light a bonfire and make a lot of noise, laughter, shouts etc. The boys got together and made such a ruckus and played such pranks that Dhundi could not take it any more and ran away. It is because of this legend that young boys are allowed a little leniency in being mischievous and unruly during Holi.
Hence, this Holi, let us resolve to use our advantages for the betterment of others. Let us not push others with our ego and superiority to such an extent, that rebellion remains the only discourse for them to fight back. Let us be empathetic, caring and genuinely wishing good for others.
Season of Spring
Holi is often associated with the ending of the winters and the beginning of spring and summer. The burning of fire also symbolises the burning of negativity, just as it also literally signifies a counter to the cold. Hence, holi also means getting away from negative and evil energies. To burn and cleanse our souls of hatred and jealousy and be welcoming and warm.
Celebrations with a difference
Holi is often associated with frolic, noise, dance, colors, parties and get-togethers. However, in many parts of the country, it is celebrated in different ways. For instance, in South India, Holi is a much calmer and quieter festival with prayers and rituals conducted in temples. In Tamil Nadu, Kaman Pandigai is observed which is based on the Lord Shiva and Kamadeva story. In Karnataka, during Kamana Habba people pray for a balance in worldly and spiritual growth. Meduru Holi is celebrated in Andhra, which also signifies victory of good over evil and arrival of spring. There is dance, songs and throwing of colors. In Kerala, Manjal Kuli is celebrated where turmeric water is sprinkled on each other along with music and dance.
Also, there are a few places in India where Holi is not celebrated. For example, in Rudraprayag, a village in Uttarakhand, villagers believe that the local deity Tripura Sundari doesn’t like loud sounds. In Durgapur in Jharkhand, Holi is not celebrated because on this day the king’s son passed away. The king ordered for no celebrations and passed away too. However, the villagers continue to honour the tradition in respect of their king. Similarly, Ramsan in Gujarat is of folklore that a saint cursed the village. Till date villagers refrain from Holi celebrations in fear of the curse.
Final Thoughts
Holi is a unique and distinct festival that showers colours and exuberance. It expresses all things happy and fun. But often in the celebrations, the true spirit and meaning of the festival is forgotten. Here is hoping that each and everyone has a great Holi. However, the underlying purpose and meaning remains etched forever in the hearts of those who celebrate this festival.
