With the winter bidding goodbye in most parts of the country, we have been ushered into spring, that part of the year when everything around feels colourful, fresh and upbeat. This mood is best manifested in the exuberant and vivacious celebration of the Hindu festival of colours – Holi.
For someone who is new to India, Holi is indeed a unique and intriguing festival. One may draw close parallels to the La Tomatina festival in Spain. It’s the colours – the dry and the wet ones that replace the tomatoes of the Spanish festival in Holi. The festival is synonymous with harvest, revelry and vibrancy of life and is truly traversing the boundaries of country, religion and ethnicity. With a steady rise in Indian diaspora across the globe, many nuances and customs of India have been taken along with the emigrants. Holi is one such export. Therefore it is not surprising to witness expatriates celebrating the festival of colours.
Celebrations begin with the lighting of bonfires on the eve of Holi. This year, Holi will be celebrated on March 13 and festivities will be flagged off with the bonfires a day before on March 12. The lighting of bonfires is a community event and a great way to meet, greet and interact with your relatives, friends and neighbours. According to legends, Holi celebrates the triumph of good over evil and the fun filled celebrations give a chance to meet new people casting warmth, light and colour upon them.
Copious amounts of coloured powder are showered over everyone taking part in the celebrations. Some resort to colour water too and sprinkle them on others. Colour filled water balloons and canons too are a common sight. Once in midst of a celebration, there is no escape from the blues, greens, magentas and other myriad colours. If you wish to take the plunge this year, it’s good to note a few tips to make your Holi a safe and happy experience:
- Step out with a good dose of facial creams smeared on your face and oil applied on to your hair, arms and legs. This will ease removal of colours once the festivities are over
- Wear caps or bandanas to protect your hair
- Wear glasses, if possible to protect your eyes
- Lastly, wear only those clothes out which you are prepared / happy to discard after Holi.
With these precautions taken, you’re ready to face the world out there on Holi! It’s the best time to shun those inhibitions and celebrate with gusto!
Happy Holi!!!