When you think of holi what comes into your mind is of popular dialogue from one of the legendary Bollywood movies “holi kab hai, kab hai holi?” by evergreen villain “Gabbar”.
But is there any other significance of Holi in India. Definitely Yes, the Holi is a riot of colors with unabashed, raucous fun. Besides a historical essence steeped in a relatively sober theme, the modern version of Holi spells laughter, colours and inimitable joy. Leaving behind all the worries and stress the entire country joins in to welcome the spring right after the chilly winters. For travellers around the globe, incredible photo opportunities and a peek into India’s most fun festival awaits.
History Behind The Festival Holika
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True to most Indian festivals, Holi’s roots can be traced to a number of legendary stories. The most popular one is that of the evil king Hiranyakashyap and his son Pralhad, The evil king considered him more powerful than the gods so he wanted everyone to worship him. His son Pralhad denis to worship. Instead worshipped the Lord Vishnu. The Evil king gets angry and decide to murder own son, besides Pralhad was protected by the Lord Vishnu everytime after so many failed attempts. Lastly, in madness, Hiranyakashyap asked his evil sister, Holika, to murder Prahlad. Holika could not be hurt by fire, so she ask a little boy Pralhad to sits on her lap and she uses her magic powers. Now Holika thinking that he would burn to death while she remained safe. But the Lord Vishnu didn’t like her cruel intentions, so little boy Pralhad sat in the fire and prayed Vishnu, who saved him while the wicked Holika was burned away. With this legendry story, Holi festival represents the ultimate victory of good over evil.
The festival of Holi marks the beginning of Spring as well and the playful love between Lord Krishna and Radha.
Holi is celebrated in different part of India, Where to head for Holi ?
The festival is celebrated across India but mostly in the northern belt of the country. Mathura, Varanasi, Vrindavan, Shantiniketan and Delhi are most popular destinations for a slice of Holi. Here are the best places to celebrate Holi in India.
Holi in Varanasi
The insanely amazing celebration of Mathura can only be matched in Varanasi. The holi is three day festival whereas it is mostly celebrated on the third day. The ghats of Varanasi come alive with loud dhol, ragbag of colours and free flowing bhaang to produce thandai (a special drink). If you are going there just as a spectator, then its advice to find high perch on one of the terraces near Dashashvamedh Ghat to watch the fun below.
Holi in Shantiniketan
For a more majestic celebration, visit the Shantiniketan University in West Bengal, where Holi is celebrated as a part of the Vasant Utsav, with not just colours but by Rabindranath Tagore’s poetry, his songs, dances and folk music.
Holi in Vrindavan and Mathura
Holi is more joyful and spiritual in Mathura and Vrindavan. During the day, people of Mathura come out on the streets in in small groups, splashing each other in wet and dry colours. The whole village appears as a less of Indians and more of foreign tourists on the streets. Krishna temples like Banke Bihari in Vrindavan and Gulal Kund in Braj are the major venues near Mathura, where you can play and enjoy an action packed day of colours, bhaang, sweets and ‘lath maar’ Holi.
Holi in Delhi
For a modern peak on the festival, there is nothing better than the colourful parties on the occasion of holi in South Delhi. Here, you will be treated to live music with over digital jockeys, music artists, stand-up comedians, art installations, a massive dunking pool full of colour.
Wish you a happy , colourful and enjoyous Holi