Holi in Himachal Pradesh is celebrated in much the same way as in rest of North India. People light bonfires-fires called Holika, symbolic of victory of good over evil.
People in this state are all charged up when it comes to play with colours. Pichkaris in various creative and innovative designs are specially bought by children to colour anybody who comes in sight and even more to the one who tries to escape…all in good fun.
The interesting fact to mark about Holi in Himachal Pradesh is that thousands gather at the holy shrine of Ponta Sahib in Sirmour district on the banks of Yamuna. The shrine is highly regarded and people have great faith in it. No wonder, they choose the auspicious day of Holi to seek divine blessings.
Kullu Holi is marked by mixing snow with colours- making it an ‘Ice-Holi’. While, the main celebrations are held at the world famous Slang Pass, which witnesses heaviest snowfall in the country.
Holi in Andhra Pradesh
Though the celebrations of Holi in South India are not as grand as
compared to that in North India. Yet, what is particularly noticeable in
Andhra Pradesh as in other Dravidian states is the heightened feeling of
communal harmony. Here too, people participate in merry making. Besides, in
the evening, youngsters play with dry colours and seek elders’ blessings by
putting gulal and abeer on the feet of the elders.
The Banjara tribes of Andhra Pradesh celebrate Holi in their own way.
Graceful dances are performed by the colourful Banjara gypsies.
Holi in Bengal
There is a particular elan in the way Holi is celebrated in the
state of West Bengal. Panache is added by the presence of the rich Bengal
culture and the existence of Shantiniketan.
Basant Utsav
The high point of this state is the celebration of ‘Basant Utsav’.
The tradition was reintroduced by poet and Nobel laureate Rabindranath
Tagore at Shantiniketan, the University he founded. ‘Basant Utsav’ means ‘Spring Festival’, here boys and girls joyfully welcome Spring, the
season of Hope not just with colours but with songs, dance, chanting of
hymns in the serene ambiance of Shantiniketan.
Dol Purnima
On the Dol Purnima day in the early morning, the students dress up in
saffron-coloured clothes and wear garlands of fragrant flowers. They sing
and dance to the accompaniment of musical instruments presenting an
enchanting view to the onlookers and a memory to cherish for years.
In Bengal, Holi is known by the name of ‘Dol Jatra’, ‘Dol Purnima’ or
the ‘Swing Festival’. The festival is celebrated in a dignified manner by
placing the idols of Krishna and Radha on a picturesquely decorated
palanquin which is then taken round the main streets of the city. The
devotees take turns to swing them while women dance around the swing and
sing devotional songs. All this while men keep spraying coloured water and
colour powder, ‘abeer’ at them.
The head of the family, observes fast and prays to Lord Krishna and
Agnidev. After all the traditional rituals are over, he smears Krishna’s
idol with gulal and offers “bhog” to both Krishna and Agnidev.
Holi in Bhil Tribes of North West India
The Bhils in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh have their own special way
to mark the festival. It is interesting to note that these tribes have
retained many of their pre-Hindu customs. They light a bonfire on the eve
and worship the goddess. Villagers bring kesudo and mango spring flowers and
grains signifying new life. When the fire is lit, loud cries of Holimata
rend the air.
Young people in the tribes have their own reason to look forward to the
festival as they are allowed to form liaisons leading into marriages on
Holi. No wonder they depict high
Holi in Barsana
Holi of Barsana, the birthplace of Radha, a village, 42 kms away
from Mathura, is of particular interest. Here, men from Nandgaon, the land
of Krishna come to play Holi with the girls of Barsana and hope of raising
their flag over Shri Radhikaji’s temple. But, instead of colours they are
greeted with sticks by the gopis. Hence, the Holi get its new name here-Lathmaar
Holi.
Smart enough, men come fully padded as they are fully aware what
kind of welcome awaits them and also the fact that they are not allowed to
retaliate on that day.
In this mock battle of sorts, they try their best not to be captured. The
unlucky one’s however, are forcefully led away and get a good thrashing from
the women. Further, they are made to wear a female attire and dance in
public. All in the spirit of Holi.
Renowned poets like Surdas, Nand-das, Kumbhan-das and others have
picturesquely described how Lord Krishna received similar treatment and was
forced to don a sari and wear make-up and perform dance before being
released by the gopies.
The next day, it is the turn of men of Barsana. They reciprocate by
invading Nandgaon and drench the womenfolk of Nandgaon in colours of kesudo,
naturally occurring orange-red dye and palash. Today, the women of
Nadagow beat the invaders from Barsana. It is a colourful site. Holi in Bihar
Holi is celebrated with the same fervour and charm in Bihar as in
rest of north India. Here too, the legend of Holika is prevalent. On the eve
of Phalgun Poornima, people light bonfires. They put dung cakes, wood of
Araad or Redi tree and Holika tree, grains from the fresh harvest and
unwanted wood leaves in the bonfire. Following the tradition people also
clean their houses for the day.
At the time of Holika people assemble near the fire. The eldest member or a
purohit initiates the lighting. He then smears others with colour as a mark
of greeting. Next day the festival is celebrated with colours and lot of
frolic.
Children and the youth take extreme delight in the festival. Though the
festival is usually played with colours at some places people also enjoy
playing holi with mud. Folk songs are sung at high pitch and people dance to
the tune of dholak and the spirit of Holi.
Intoxicating bhang is consumed with a variety of mouth watering delicacies
such as pakoras and thandai to enhance the mood of the Festival.
Holi in Delhi
Delhi being the capital and the heart of India, celebrates Holi with
extreme enthusiasm.
Being a metro city, an amalgamation of cultures and traditions can be
witnessed here. Virtually all aspects of Holi as seen in various states are
noticeable in the numerous pockets of Delhi.
People move out in tolis and apply colour on each other till they become
unrecognizable. Play with colors peaks up in the residential colonies as
people usually do not go out with families beyond their neighborhood. Even
public conveyances do no ply with usual frequency.
Feasts, music, dancing and blasting parties are held all over the city to
mark the festival of colours. People hug and greet each other by applying
abeer as tilak. Any feeling of hardship or animosity is forgotten on the
day. Is is said that even the enemies become friend on Holi.
On the eve of Holi, bonfires or Holika are lit in the important centres of
the city where people celebrate the victory of good over evil. Wood for
burning Holika is collected weeks before the festival.
Being a political hub of the country, Delhi sees huge enthusiasm even among
the politicians. Holi is also celebrated at the Presidents and Prime
Minister residences where people gather to play Holi. Cultural events and
lots of fun mark the day.
Holi in Goa
The energetic people of Goa do not lag behind the rest of the
country when it comes to Holi celebrations. The festival of spring is called
Shigmo in Goa. The festival is celebrated mostly by the masses following all
religious traditions. As expected from the Goans, the festival is
accompanied with fanfare. Performance on drumbeats and epic enactment of
mythology are religiously followed. Vivid and vibrant colours of gulal and
neel are abundantly used. Shigmotav is highlighted with performances of
troupes in the form of parades and cultural dramas. At dusk, huge effigies
are taken in processions and prizes given away.
The Panaji Shigmotsav Samiti also organizes a parade in Panaji. Besides,
numerous temple around Goa also make special arrangements for Holi
celebrations. Of interest is the celebrations at Panaji, Mapusa, Vasco Da
Gama and Margao.
Holi in Gujarat
The vibrant Gujarat reverberates with the chants of the folk song-‘Govinda
ala re, zara matki sambhal Brijbala..’. People, specially the youth of
the state are high on the spirit of the festival. So much energy can be seen
amongst the boys and girls of this state as they move in processions
‘tolis’. Drenched in coloured waters boys cheerfully warn people to take
care of their pots of butter and milk. The tradition has its origin from the
legend of Lord Krishna who was known to steal butter and milk from any
accessible house in his village.
Crowning of Holi King
The state is famous for the tradition of breaking earthen pot full of
buttermilk and tied high on a rope. Hundreds of people participate in
forming a human pyramid, in order to reach the pot. At places, there are
also prizes for the group which successfully breaks the pot. The person who
actually breaks the pot is crowned the ‘Holi King’ of the locality for the
year. Participation of the onlookers is no less. They keep throwing buckets
of water on the boys forming the pyramid.
Lighting of bonfire
On the eve of Holi, a bonfire decorated with flowers and fruits is lit with
a fire brought from the temple of Mata. People offer raw mangoes, coconut,
corn, toys made of sugar, khoya to the ‘Holika’ and apply tilak on each
other and hug their dear ones. Virgins from Gujarat create images of their
goddess ‘Gauri’ out of the ashes left by the bonfire of the night before.
Of course, the next day, called Dhuleti, is reserved for the play of
colours.
Holi in Haryana
Holi assumes an entirely new colour in Haryana and gets its new
name, ‘Dulandi Holi’.
There is no end to fun and frolic here too. People apply colours on each
other and greet each other. Any hard feeling of animosity is forgotten on
the day and a general feeling harmony and happiness prevail.
Bhabhi, the brothers wife, gets an upper hand on the day of Holi in
Haryana. Devars need to watchout. The bhabhi’s here, get a social sanction
on Holi to beat their devars and make them pay the price of all the pranks
they played on them for the entire year. Bhabhi’s roll up their saris in the
form of a rope in a mock rage, and give a good run to their devars- all in
the spirit of Holi, i.e. fun. In the evening, devars are supposed to bring
sweets for their dear bhabhi.
Break the pot
As in several other states the tradition of breaking the pot is celebrated
with gusto in Haryana. A human pyramid is formed to break the pot of
buttermilk hung high up in the street much like Lord Krishna did as a child.
It is a pleasure to watch the ritual as womenfolk pour buckets of colour
water at men trying to break the pot.
Holi in Himachal Pradesh
Holi in Himachal Pradesh is celebrated in much the same way as in
rest of North India. People light bonfires-fires called Holika, symbolic of
victory of good over evil.
People in this state are all charged up when it comes to play with colours.
Pichkaris in various creative and innovative designs are specially bought by
children to colour anybody who comes in sight and even more to the one who
tries to escape…all in good fun.
The interesting fact to mark about Holi in Himachal Pradesh is that
thousands gather at the holy shrine of Ponta Sahib in Sirmour district on
the banks of Yamuna. The shrine is highly regarded and people have great
faith in it. No wonder, they choose the auspicious day of Holi to seek
divine blessings. Kullu Holi is marked by mixing snow with colours- making it an ‘Ice-Holi’.
While, the main celebrations are held at the world famous Slang Pass, which
witnesses heaviest snowfall in the country.
Holi in Madhya Pradesh
Revelry is no less in Madhya Pradesh and same level of enthusiasm
can be seen amongst the citizens of this state as in the rest of North. Of
particular significance is the festivities in Indore where Holi is
celebrated continuously for five days. The last day is called the Pancham
Holi. The tradition has its historic roots. It is said the Maratha Holkars
who conquered the state brought with them Marathi tradition of Rangpanchami-
where the colour are played on the fifth day. Holi in Maharashtra
People of Maharashtra have their own grand style of celebrating
Holi. Besides other things, not to be missed is their mouthwatering
delicacy- Puranpoli.
Holi is called Shimga or Rangpanchami
People of Maharashtra commonly know this festival of colours by the name of
Shimga or Rangpanchami. For, the play of colours is reserved for the fifth
day here.
The festival is particularly popular amongst the fisher folk. They
celebrate it in on a large scale and revel in the festivities by singing,
dancing and merry-making. This special dance provide them means to release
all their repressed feelings, needs and desires. People also utter sound
through their mouths in a peculiar fashion by striking their mouths with the
back of their hands.
Holi differs from North India in Maharashtra
People of Maharashtra celebrate Holi like the North Indians. Play with
colours is reserved for Rangpanchami, which comes five days after
Phalgun Poornima. On this day, they make bonfire and effigy of Ogress Holika
is burnt symbolizing the victory of good over evil.
The state also gets its unique Holi flavour with the delicacies such as
Puran Poli. Besides people drink sugarcane juice and feed children with
watermelons that are in season.
Tolis to break the pot
Great excitement is visible in the youth of Maharashtra when it comes to
Holi revelry particularly when it comes to breaking the pot. Trained groups
also called tolis form huge pyramids to break the pot of butter-milk hung
high on the street. Adding to the enthusiasm is the steady flow of colour
water on the men by the womenfolk.
The tradition finds its roots in the legend that the Lord Krishna as a
child was extremely fond of butter milk and used to steal it from an
accessible house in his village.
Historic significance of Holi in Maharashtra
During the Maratha regime this festival was celebrated with great pomp and
grandeur. It was on a Holi festival day that five-year-old Jijabhai,
daughter of Lakhooji Jadhav innocently splashed coloured water and threw
gulal on young Shahaji, son of Malajirao Bhowale. Taking it as an auspicious
event, the two children’s engagement was announced that very day. Soon they
were married. Later, Jijabhai gave birth to Shivaji, the founder of great
Maratha empire. Holi in Manipur
It is interesting to note how Holi is celebrated in Manipur. Here,
the festivities continue for six days starting on the full moon day of
Phalguna. It may also be noted that the traditional and the centuries old
Yaosang festival of Manipur amalgamated with Holi with the introduction of
Vaishnavism in the eighteenth century.
Besides, there is also a tradition of preparing a thatched hut of hay,
twigs and sticks and then set ablaze. The next day boys make groups and play
Holi with girls. Girls, in Manipur, are smart and extract money from the
boys for playing colous with them.
Holi in Temples
Devotees, dress themselves in the traditional white and yellow turbans and
sing devotional songs in the Krishna temples. They also play gulal with each
other in front of the temple completely submerging themselves in the mirth
associated with the festival.
The Last Day
On the last day of the festival, devotees take out procession towards the
main Krishna temple, 3 km west of the state capital, Imphal. Here too,
devotees perform cultural activities and celebrate.
Thabal Chongba
A special Manipuri dance, called ‘Thabal Chongba’ is also associated with
this festival. Thabal, means moonlight and Chongba means dance. Though
earlier only drum or dholak, was allowed to be used for this special dance,
now modern musical instruments are also used. This dance is performed on all
six-days in every locality and gives a chance to the young boys and girls to
meet.
Holi in Mathura-Vrindavan
People from all corners of India, rather, world gather at
Mathura-Vrindavan every year to feel the essence of Holi in the land of
Krishna. People relive the legends of Holi associated with Radha and Krishna
and play pranks the young Krishna played with the cowgirls called gopis. The
underlying feeling of this fun-frolic was love and devotion. Even today,
romance can be experienced in the very atmosphere in the Krishna-nagari. One
just needs to breathe in this air and drench oneself in the feeling of love
and romance. Myriad colours of Holi are simply a facade on this.
Celebrations Continue for a Week
With an immensely strong bonding with Lord Krishna, people of Mathura and
Vrindavan celebrate Holi for over a week. Each major Krishna temple
celebrates Holi on a different day.
Of immense interest for the tourist is the celebrations which take place at
the famous Bakai-Bihari Temple at Vrindavan. Drenched in the colours
of Holi people can be found totally immersed in the spirit of devotion here.
Another interesting place for Holi celebrations is Gulal-Kund in Braj;
a beautiful little lake near Govardhan mountain. Here, the festival is
commemorated on a more regular basis. Pilgrims can see the re-enactments of
Holi throughout the year at this lake. Local boys, acting in the
Krishna-Lila drama troupes re-enact the scenes of Holi for the pilgrims.
So much is the passion of the people here, that they throng these temples
every day and get drenched in coloured water…all in the name of the Lord
they love so much.
Holi in Orissa
The tradition followed in Orissa is quite similar to that of West
Bengal with only minor region specific changes. For instance, Holi assumes
the name of ‘Dol Purnima’ here also, but instead of placing the idols of
Krishna and Radha on the swing they place the idol of Lord Jagannath. This
is so because of the famous temple of Jagannath at Puri. Besides, Jagannath
is only a synonym of Krishna.
The palanquin – with the idol of Lord Jagannath on it is taken out in a
procession around the main streets of the city. Devotees take turn to swing
it while women dance around it and sing devotional songs. All this while men
keep spraying coloured water and colour powder, ‘abeer’ at them.
Celebrations by milkmen
In the evening, milkmen, ‘gwalas’ carry the palanquin on their shoulders,
for Krishna belonged to their clan. Games such as Dandi Khela are
also played to mark the occasion. A special tent called ‘jhoolan mandap’
is erected to place the idol of Lord Jagannath at night. The following
morning abeer is applied of the idol of the lord. Thereafter, people relish
the special delicacies of the occasion such as pethas, laddoos made of
puffed rice and sesame seed and play with colours. Towards evening, idols
are given a dip in a pond and taken back to temple.
Here too, Holika is burnt in the evening as a symbol pf victory of good
over evil. Later, married women carefully sweep away the ashes of the
bonfire, to mark the spot with drawings made out of a paste of powdered sun
dried rice and water.
Holi in Punjab
Known for their love for life, Sikhs celebrate Holi in their own
style and elan. At Punjab, they call it ‘Hola Mohalla’. They shout,
and shout their hearts out following a peculiar tradition. Besides, they
also exhibit their martial arts specially ‘kushti’ on this day and make
merry with the colours in the evening. Mouthwatering halwas, puris, gujias,
a preparation of raw jack fruit and malpuas are of course, an essential part
of the festivities. The only difference is that they do not light a bonfire.
Hola Mohalla
Holla Mohalla is celebrated a day after Holi in Punjab especially by the
Nihang Sikhs.
The festival is celebrated with gusto at Anandpur Sahib for it was here
that Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth and last guru, instituted the pahul
(baptism of the Khalsas), elected the panj pyare (the beloved five), and
militarized his followers into the order of Nihangs (warrior-mendicants).
This festival of the Nihangs held at their headquarters Anandpur Sahib
began as a counterpart to Holi. Though it almost did away with the throwing
of colors, nonetheless, it is more colorful.
Martial arts like archery, sword fencing, fancy horse-riding, tent-pegging,
and the deft handling of other contraptions of offence and defense are
displayed by the Nihangs. Spectacular and thrilling acts of dare-devilry
dexterously executed are performed.
The festivities close with a ceremonial procession taken through the
township starting from Takth Keshgarh Sahib. Dressed in a long tunic of
bright deep blue, an elaborate turban, sometimes of enormous size, at times
banded with strips of bright yellow, armed with weapons of one’s liking –
bows and arrows, spears, swords and shield, muskets, guns or what have you –
the Nihang displays his skills at this festival of
Holi in Rajasthan
The colourful state of Rajasthan plays Holi much the same way as
Mathura. A night before the full moon, crowds of people gather together and
light huge bonfires to burn the residual dried leaves and twigs of the
winter. People throw coloured water and powders (gulal and kumkum) at each
other and make merry. Singing, dancing and the traditional beats of dhol add
to the gaiety of the occasion.
Celebrations by Royals
On this day even the royals of Rajasthan don a festive spirit and mingle
with the commoners. Infact, royal courts all over North India have refined
the festival into an art. Rajput warriors of the Rajasthani courts used to
show off their equestrian skills during the festival. Even today, Rajput men
would ride their steeds through the white and pink clouds of colour,
throwing colour powders on each other. Even the members of the royal
families are not immune from being drenched by colour.
Braj Mahotsav
The Braj Festival is held in honour of Lord Krishna a few days before Holi,
in the month of March. The festival is marked by verve and zest. Villagers,
in gay, multi hued attire, can be seen singing and performing the raslila
depicting the immortal love-story of Radha and Krishna.
Folk Traditions in Rajasthan
Mali Holi : The colourful festival of Holi is played in many
different ways. The ‘mali’ or gardener community of Rajasthan has a unique
style where the men colour the women with water and women retaliate by
hitting them with sticks or long pieces of cloth
. Gair at Godaji: Men from 12 villages collect at Godaji village near
Ajmer in Rajasthan to play gair a few days after holi. Each village brings
his own drummer and gair troupes. The picturesque location for it is a
valley surrounded by hills on all sides. Thousands of onlookers and close to
hundred players make a wonderful sight and a fond memory.
Dolchi Holi at Bikaner: In Bikaner district, members of ‘Harsh’ and
‘Vyas’ communities have been celebrating Holi by throwing water at one
another with force for the past more than 300 years. A specially designed
vessel called ‘dolchi’ made from camel skin is used for the purpose. But the
water is thrown only at the back of an individual.
Holi in Uttar Pradesh
Celebrations in UP are not just restricted to Mathura and Vrindavan.
Rather, every nook and corner of the state gets wrapped in the multitude
hues of the Holi. In this rather, conservative state Holi gives license to
the youth to mingle freely and give colourful expressions to their feelings
for each other.
Not to be missed are the mouthwatering delicacies the state has for the
festival. Gujiaya, mathri, dahi badas are a must besides many others
festival goodies.
Holika Dahan
The major ritual of Holi in this state, is the lighting of bonfires, better
known as Holika on Chhoti Holi on a day prior to the main Holi. The
tradition signifies the victory of good over evil and finds its root in the
various legends associated with the festival. Mainly, the story of demon
king Hiranyakashyap. The King planned the death of his son, Prahlad an
ardent devotee of Lord Naraayana with the help of his sister Holika. Prahlad
was saved by thegraceof God while Holika was consumed by
fire.
Bhang
Description of Holi is incomplete without the mention of Bhang
(cannabis).Holi has become synonymous with it for many. The tradition of
eating bhang — an intoxicating substance is rampant in northern India. It
is usually consumed in the form of laddoo or as thandai. Consumption of
bhang adds greatly to the revelry as people get high on it.
The land of Shiva, Banaras (or Varanasi as it is now known), is specially
famous for its high level of bhang consumption. Sitting on the ‘ghats’ or
steps leading to the Ganga river, people drenched in colours can be seen
grinding bhang and mixing it with milk and various dry fruits to enhance the
taste.
Celebration of Barley Harvest
The festival is also the celebration of barley harvest. On Chhoti Holi,
people come together to light the fire. They bury a pot of new barley seeds
under the pyre for roasting. These seeds are eaten after the fire is
extinguished. Divinations for the coming harvest are cast by interpreting
the direction of the flames or by the state of the seeds in the buried pot.
People sometimes take embers from the fire to their homes to rekindle their
own domestic fires. The ashes from the Holi fire are also believed to
provide protection against diseases.
Holi in Tamil Nadu
People of Tamil Nadu celebrate Holi around the legend of Kama Deva.
On this day, songs are sung that tell the pathetic tale of Rati and her
lamentations. Holi is known by three different names here, Kamavilas,
Kaman Pandigai and Kama-Dahanam.
The Legend of Kaamadeva
The story prevalent in South India is that of Kamadeva-the Love God (the
Hindu equivalent of Cupid), who moves through the woods in the season of
Spring, aiming his passion tipped arrows that pierce the heart at all who
cross his path, from his bow made of sweet sugarcane strung with humming
bees.
Legend has it that shortly after Shiva’s consort sati committed suicide due
to the disgrace shown by her father, Daksha to Lord Shiva, Shiva became sad
and started to meditate. Meanwhile, the daughter of the mountains, Parvati,
started meditating to acquire Lord Shiva as the husband. Since Lord Shiva
was least interested in the world, all the God became concerned and afraid.
They approached Kaama and asked him to shoot his arrow on Lord Shiva so that
he gets back to his original self and marry Parvati. So, Kaama went and shot
his arrow but Lord Shiva was angered and opened his third eye and burnt
Kaama to ashes. Shiva then looked towards Paarvati and fructified her
penance by marrying her.
The grief stricken Rati, Kamdev’s wife, then beseeches Lord Shiva for
mercy. Shiva relents and partly restores Kamadeva to Rati. Though she can
see him, he remains without physical form ‘anang’. The songs sung here are
the stories of Rati’s lamentations. Another interpretation is that Parvati
(Siva’s consort) brings Kamadeva back to life and the day he breathed again
is celebrated as Holi. Thus, Holi is also considered as a festival that
celebrates love.
