Namaste Beautiful Joys!
Today in the blog of our brand new site, we will talk about one of the most colorful and fun festivals in India: Holi, the festival that celebrates spring and the victory of good over evil.
History of Holi
Holi has ancient origins and is associated with several Indian legends. One of the most famous tells of an evil king named Hiranyakashipu, who wanted to be considered a god and tried to force his son Prahlada to renounce his god Vishnu. When Prahlada refused, the king tried to kill him in various ways, but each time Vishnu saved him. Finally, Hiranyakashipu's sister Holika, who had the gift of immunity to fire, attempted to burn Prahlada, but she was the one who died instead. The story represents the victory of good over evil and the name of the Holi party derives from the name of Holika.
Traditions of Holi
Holi is celebrated every year in March (or sometimes February) with a full moon. The party lasts two days. The first day, known as Holika Dahan, is dedicated to setting up a bonfire which represents the destruction of evil and the victory of good. On the evening of the first day, families gather around the bonfire to sing and dance.
The second day, known as Rangwali Holi or Dhulandi, is the day of colors. People dress in white and throw colored powders, water and scented flowers at each other. It is a way to celebrate the arrival of spring and to celebrate friendship and love. The party is characterized by entertainment, food and music.
In some regions of India, Holi is celebrated differently. For example, in the Bengal region, the festival is called Dol Jatra and is celebrated with dances in honor of Krishna and Radha. In the Punjab region, the festival is called Hola Mohalla and is celebrated with shows of physical strength, equestrian fights and martial arts demonstrations.
Holi is a unique celebration of colour, music and food, but above all it is an opportunity to strengthen friendships and family relationships. The history and traditions of Holi make this holiday an unforgettable experience for anyone who celebrates it.
Curiosity : did you know that in Italy too Holi has become an increasingly popular celebration in recent years? For example, in Milan and Naples there are Holi festivals organized by Indian and local associations, where people gather to dance, eat and throw colored powders at each other. Furthermore, in some Italian universities, such as the Sapienza University of Rome and the Polytechnic University of Milan, Indian students organize Holi events open to the public.
In general, Holi is becoming more and more popular all over the world due to its festive and colorful nature. Many countries, such as the United States and the United Kingdom, have Holi festivals organized by local Indian communities or cultural groups who want to bring the beauty and joy of this festival to the world.