Holi

Chapter 7

Colour.

Paint.

Water Balloons.

Laughter.

Smiles.

Hmm… Now what does all this remind me of?

अँ, अब बुझें!

HOLI, the most colourful time of the year!

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Holi is a major Hindu festival—specifically, the Festival of Colours, Love, and Spring. It is celebrated in many places worldwide, most commonly in India and Nepal. It commemorates the pure and everlasting love of Radha and Krishna, Hindu Goddesses and Gods, respectively, as well as the victory of good over evil because Lord Vishnu (another Hindu God), as Narasimha, triumphed over Hiranyakashipu, a Hindu Demon King.

Alright, alright—we have gone over all the essential details you need to know about this fantastic holiday, so how about we dive into the fun ones? Keep reading—I am about to completely devour your brain with fun things you can do during Holi!

During Holi, families and friends mess with each other in a lighthearted manner by throwing coloured powder and water at each other. I mean, it is the Festival of Colours after all (however, you should always make sure not to smear coloured powder on others without consent!) Not only that, but most people gather at booked venues to play music, dance, and have fun!

During this vibrant festival, keep an eye out for delicious sweets such as gulab jamun, ras malai, coconut ladoo, and kulfi! These foods always make me beg my parents for more! Oh, and let’s not forget about everyone’s all time favourite… Lassi! It’s essentially the same texture as a smoothie, and I personally love the mango-flavoured type. How about you?

Sighs in utter despair… All this food talk is making me hungry! :’)

Of course, you could always attend a Holika Dahan ceremony! Enthusiastic devotees chant holy mantras while burning a bonfire to celebrate the triumph of good over evil. The reason why they burn a bonfire is because Hiranyakashipu asked for the help of his sister, Holika, a demoness, to murder his son Prahlada, who worshipped Vishnu as a devoted supporter. Holika attempted to burn Prahlada by sitting with him on a bonfire while wearing a fireproof cloak. Holika thought that the cloak would protect her, however, it protected her nephew instead, and she was burned to ashes.

Ah… well, that took a rather dark turn—but darkness is essential to this world, right? The story of Holi is an interesting one, and I highly recommend that you all look into it!

Now, to end this colourful chapter with a sweet little poem and a quote by enthusiasts of Holi...

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Hues I see at start of spring,
Vibrant fresh blooms much joy bring;
With tints of love comes Holi,
To smear hues at each other with glee.

“May your Holi be as colorful as a rainbow and as joyful as a child’s laughter.”

HAPPY HOLI EVERYONE! हामी फेरि भेट्दासम्म! <3

Written by Hazel Antler.
Edited by Hazel Antler.
Proofread by Daphne Clarke.