Holi, the festival of colours, marks the arrival of spring. This year, the two-day event begins on March 13
RAMESH SAVAIKAR
Holi is celebrated on full moon day of Hindu Falgun month. It is also called as Hutashani Purnima. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Krishna used to play Holi with Radha and Gavalani. The festival is also a celebration of the death of the demon Putana who attempted to kill Krishna when he was a small child. Putana signifies winter and darkness.
This year, Holi begins on March 13. It is celebrated throughout the country and is especially popular in North India in places related to Lord Krishna. In fact in Jaipur, Holi is celebrated with an elephant festival with activities including an elephant parade, beauty contest for elephants, etc.
In some communities, Holi is seen as a festival of farmers seeking blessings for fertile land and a good harvest.
In Goa and Maharashtra, the festivities start on the evening of full moon day of Falgun month, called ‘Holika Dahan’ (Chhoti Holi ). Bonfires are lit in the evening to burn away the evil spirit in the burning of ‘Holika’, a mythological character. Holika’s puja is performed and the ‘shankha’ is blown. Prayers are offered to protect devotees from evil forces.
In Goa, Holi being part of Shigmo festival, in most villages, the areca nut tree or cocum tree or any other forest tree is cut after performing its puja with religious rituals. The young and the old then gather to take the holi tree in procession to the village temple accompanied by the sounds of dhol and tashe or kasale. The holi tree is then erected in front of the temple (‘maand’). The youth guard the holi throughout the night.
The next day is ‘Rangavali Holi’ or ‘Dhulivandan’. Being the first day of ‘Vasant Rutu’ it is also called as ‘Vasantosav’. On this day, young and old smear colours on friends and dear ones. Water balloons, dry colours and washable dyes are used to douse just about anyone in sight on the road.
Parades are brought out on the streets where people are seen dancing and singing to musical tunes. It is an occasion to enjoy, play games, and be happy.
