The vibrant festival of Holi is being celebrated by millions of South Asians by wearing bright powder, dancing and feasting on traditional sweets. This festival of colours is a kaleidoscopic celebration of the end of winter and the triumph of good over evil.
The History of Holi
Holi has its origins in Hindu mythology and is the celebration of divine love between the Hindu god Krishna and his consort Radha. It signifies a time of rebirth and rejuvenation.
The boisterous celebrations are widely held in the northern Indian cities of Mathura and Vrindavan, believed to be their birthplace.
Read More: Maryam Nawaz Delivers a Message of Love and Peace on Holi
What Happens in the Festival?
Across the continent, people are mostly dressed in all white clothes and celebrate the festival by hurling coloured powder at each other. People also perch on rooftops and balconies, and through water balloons filled with pigments at passers by.
Groups also gather together and use water guns to chase people down in public parks and on the roads. On the other hand, streets blare with music with people jamming and enjoying. In some places, people use flowers like marigolds, roses and jasmine petals instead of coloured powder.
Important Features of the Festival
Food and drinks are a big part of the festivities. Many vendors sell thandai, a traditional light green beverage prepared with milk, cardamom, dried fruit, gujia, a flaky, deep-fried sweet pastry stuffed with milk curds, nuts and dried fruit. It is a compulsory drink of the festival.
Another very popular tradition that marks Holi is bhang. This local drink is prepared with cannabis and consumed with milk or water. It is legal in India and is sold by licensed sellers.
In many parts of India, people also light large bonfires the night before the festival to signify the destruction of evil and victory of good. Families gather around the flames to sing, dance and pray to Hindu gods.
It’s really refreshing to see people enjoy the Holy Spirit across Asia despite the differences. For those who celebrate, the festival gives them a chance to connect with the community in a playful manner.
Happy Holi to all those celebrating!
Stay tuned to Brandsynario for latest news and updates