Holi, the Festival of Colours

12/03/2009 by bakary.

Yesterday was Holi, the Festival of Colours.

“Holi (referred to as Phagwa in Bhojpuri), also called the Festival of Colours, is a popular Hindu spring festival observed in India, Suriname, Guyana, Trinidad, the UK, and Nepal. In West Bengal of India and Bangladesh, it is known as Dolyatra (Doljatra) or Boshonto Utsav (”spring festival”).

The main day, Holi, also known as Dhulheti, Dhulandi or Dhulendi, is celebrated by people throwing coloured powder and coloured water at each other. Bonfires are lit the day before, also known as Holika Dahan (death of Holika) or Chhoti Holi (little Holi). The bonfires are lit in memory of the miraculous escape that young Prahlad had when Demoness Holika, sister of Hiranyakashipu, carried him into the fire. Holika was burnt but Prahlad, a staunch devotee of Lord Vishnu, escaped without any injuries due to his unshakable devotion. Holika Dahan is referred to as Kama Dahanam in Andhra Pradesh.

Holi is celebrated on the full moon day in the month of Phalugna or Falguna (Phalgun Purnima), which usually falls in the later part of February or March. In 2009, Holi (Dhulandi) is on 11th March and Holika Dahan is on 10th March.” (Source: Wikipedia)

I got a colourful email from a colleague in India yesterday:

WISHING YOU ALL A VERY “HAPPY HOLI (the Festival of Colours) Now in our country we are celebrating this festival.

Have lots and lots of fun

It reminded me of my trip to India last year. I was there for Holi and it was such fun watching people covered in colours, throwing colours at each others and generally being merry.

There was a multi-coloured tiny little dog. People were trying to throw colour on us… but we were watching from the safety of a bus!

Posted in Festival, Asia | No Comments »