Author: Swati Mohandas
Holi is a celebration of the arrival of spring, harvests and the triumph of good over evil. Generally, this festival falls in the month of February or March. It is not only the festival of colors but also of emotions and happiness. Colors dancing in the wind carry the message of love and enjoyment across hearts irrespective of caste and creed.
The tradition is of putting colours on family and friends as a gesture of love, unity and harmony in our society. Children line up at strategic points in their neighborhood armed with water balloons and colored water to splash on unassuming passers-by. This act isn’t considered offensive at all and is in fact a part of the festival.
Traditionally, the colors used in Holi came from flowers and herbs – which in the hot climate of India tend to produce right natural dyes – but today they are artificially manufactured in factories. Dry powder colors are called ‘gulal’ and colors mixed with water are called ‘rang’.
Our country comes alive with mesmerizing hues of blues, yellows, magentas, greens and many more. This day we get to see the streets and homes immersed in almost every color imaginable.
Colors like Black and white are conspicuously absent though. Black is avoided as it is considered evil and unfavorable and although white symbolizes purity it is also attached with mourning.
Every color symbolizes a force in life and is of significant importance for us, Indians. For instance, yellow is synonymous with turmeric, which is an auspicious ingredient at various functions across all religions. Green symbolizes new beginnings, fertility and harvest. Saffron is associated with Hinduism and strength.
This festival brings the people of all religions together and is celebrated with great fervor and magnificent colors of joy. What a wonderful way to express yourself with the vibrant colors of the rainbow!!
