Holi-festival of colors

Holi is mentioned in ancient scriptures of 4th century and earlier. Different name was used.

1. The festival is celebrated to remember the victory of good over evil.  There are many stories but Holika and Prahlad story is the most popular. Holika represents evil and prahlad goodness. Thretened by his goodness, Holika arrogantly wanted to destroy him in the fire. She was blessed to not get affected by fire.  But opposit happened.

Why color? color represent haappiness.  I think when we are tortured or suffering life seems dark and colorless.  When Holika disappeared people may have felt that color returned to their lives and color became important part of this festival.  In ancient india, color was made out of flowers and herbs that has medicinal value.   

2. This festival is also celebrated to honor the beginning of spring that is full of colorful flowers.  And to express gratitude for good harvest.    

3. This festival gives oportunity for emotional outlet and cleansing - people use vulger language and get high with marijuana/bhang drink called 'thandhai'.  that provides emotional release and cleansing.  In addition to emotional cleansing, festival ends with physical cleaning.  To remove colors and resedues of four months long winter people paint their houses afterwards.

-Several days before the actual celebration, people collect twigs, branches and any old items at a designated location.  Night before holi (always on full moon) eveyone gathers at the location to burn the collected items (holika dahan).  They also add remains of UBTAN (massage paste) in fire.  This symbolizes removal of illness.  

-Next morning people go wild with colors massaging on the face and whole body.  spraying and throwing buckets of colored water on each other.  

-In the afternoon everyone spend time in removing colors from body and change into new clothes. In the evening visit friends and family to share sweet and gift.  At this time dry colored powder (abeer) is used a decent way.   

• Return of kamdev based on rati’s request

In Lexington April 10, 2021