On March 25, people around the world will celebrate the Hindu festival of Holi, also known as the “Festival of Colors.”
Observed for centuries, the festival is a joyous occasion in which Hindus create bonfires and cover each other with rainbow-hued dust to commemorate the beginning of spring.
From the importance of the festival to how it is celebrated, here is everything you need to know about Holi:
What is Holi?
Holi 2019 in pictures: Hindus celebrate the Indian Festival of Colors
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In addition to marking the arrival of spring, Holi also celebrates fertility, color, love and the triumph of good over evil.
The origins of the festival can be found in several legends in Hindu mythology, one of which tells the story of a demon, Holika, and her brother, King Hiranyakashipu.
According to legend, King Hiranyakashipu believed that everyone should worship him as a god. His son, Prahlada, refused to do so and chose to worship the Hindu god Vishnu.
Spurred on by his son's disobedience, the king and his sister Holika plotted to kill Prahlada. As part of her plans, Holika lured Prahlada to a pyre in an attempt to burn him to death.
While sitting on the pyre with Prahlada, Holika put on a magical shawl that protected her from the fire. However, as the pyre burned, the shawl flew from Holika's shoulders to Prahlada's, causing the demon to perish in the flames.
Then Vishnu appeared, the god Prahlada had chosen to worship in his father's place. Taking the form of half man and half lion, the god killed the traitor king.
On the night before Holi, bonfires are lit to symbolize the burning of Holika and the victory of good over evil. Some Hindus who observe the festival also smear themselves with ashes from the fire, as a symbol of purification.
One of the other legends related to Holi tells the story of the love shared between the Hindu deities Radha and Krishna, who is frequently depicted with blue skin.
Ancient legend tells how Krishna fell in love with Radha, but was worried that the difference in their skin color would keep them apart.
After expressing his concerns, Krishna's mother encouraged him to smear brightly colored powder on Radha's face.
After doing so, Radha returned Krishna's love and the couple got married.
It is said that the lovers have continued this tradition ever since, painting their faces the same color to celebrate Holi and their love.
When does it take place?
This year, Holi falls on Monday, March 25. The timing of Holi depends on the moon, meaning the date of the event can vary, although it usually occurs in March to mark the end of winter.
The festival is divided into two events, beginning with Holika Dahan the night before the main festivities and culminating with Rangwali Holi the next day.
How is it celebrated?
The oldest accounts of the commemoration of Holi date back to the 4th century. It is celebrated around the world, although the festivities take place predominantly in India and Nepal.
The festival begins with Holika Dahan, the ritual burning of pyres that takes place the night before. This tradition is mainly followed in regions like North India, Nepal and South India.
The wood and other materials burned in the bonfires are collected days in advance, while an effigy of Holika is also usually placed on top of the pyre.
On Holi day, the main part of the festival, Rangwali Holi, is celebrated.
Participants in the festivities cover each other with gulal, a fine powder that comes in many different colors, and at the same time soak themselves in water.
The colors of the rainbow are all symbolic in Hinduism. For example, red represents sensuality, while green symbolizes life and happiness. Sanskrit magazine schemes.
Yellow is believed to represent knowledge, white means purity, and blue symbolizes determination.
Before joining the fun of the “Festival of Colors,” people are advised to take necessary precautions to care for their skin and hair.
According Indian TimesOil should be applied to the face, exposed skin and hair to protect against color stains.
Once the celebrations are over, it is recommended that attendees shower as soon as possible to remove their colors.
They should use warm water to wash the colors off their face and refrain from rubbing their skin too hard.
