If there is one festival in India that is synonymous with loads of fun and enjoyment, it is Holi! Holi is one of the most celebrated festivals in India and other parts of the world. It is a festival that marks the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil. This festival is also known as the "festival of colors" as people celebrate it by putting colour on each other, eating colourful foods, and spending time with friends and family.
Holi is usually celebrated in late February or early March and lasts for two days. The first day, known as Holika Dahan or Chhoti Holi, is celebrated by lighting bonfires to commemorate the victory of good over evil. The second day, known as Rangwali Holi or Dhulandi, is the day when people play with colors and water, smear each other with colorful powders, and exchange sweets and greetings.
The History of Holi
The history of Holi dates back to ancient India, where it was celebrated as a festival of spring and the triumph of good over evil. The festival was mentioned in several Hindu scriptures, including the Puranas, which tell the story of Prahlad and Holika.
According to the legend, Hiranyakashyap, the king of demons, was granted a boon that made him almost invincible. He was so arrogant that he demanded everyone worship him instead of the gods. However, his son Prahlad, a devotee of Lord Vishnu, refused to obey his father's orders and continued to worship Lord Vishnu. This angered Hiranyakashyap, who tried to kill Prahlad but failed every time.
Finally, he sought the help of his sister Holika, who had a cloak that made her immune to fire. Holika sat with Prahlad in a fire, hoping that he would die, but Prahlad's devotion to Lord Vishnu saved him, and Holika was burnt to death.
The defeat of Holika and the survival of Prahlad is celebrated as the victory of good over evil. This story is told during Holika Dahan, when people light bonfires to symbolize the burning of Holika.
The celebration of Holi begins weeks before the actual day, with people preparing for the festival by buying colors, sweets, and other traditional items. On the day of Holika Dahan, people gather around a bonfire, which is usually made of wood and cow dung, and put various items such as dried leaves, twigs, and cow dung cakes into the fire. This symbolizes the destruction of evil and the beginning of a new season.
The following day, people gather together and play with colors and water, dancing and singing to traditional Holi songs. They smear each other with colorful powders, throw water balloons, and spray colored water on each other. People of all ages and backgrounds participate in the festivities, regardless of caste, religion, or gender. It is a time to forget all differences and come together to celebrate the joy of spring and love.
Holi is not just a celebration of colors and joy, but also a time for traditional food and sweets. People exchange traditional sweets such as gujiya, mathri, and thandai, which are made with ingredients like saffron, rose water, cardamom, and almonds. It is a time to savour the rich flavours of Indian cuisine and share the joy of the festival with loved ones.
The Significance of Holi
Holi is a festival that celebrates unity, love, and the triumph of good over evil. It is a festival that brings people together, regardless of their caste, religion, or social status. People forget their differences and come together to celebrate the festival of colors. Holi is also a festival that symbolizes the victory of good over evil. The story of Prahlad and Holika teaches us that good will always triumph over evil. The festival reminds us that true devotion supersedes everything.
The Tradition of Playing with Colors
The tradition of playing with colors during Holi is said to have originated from Lord Krishna, who was known for his mischievous nature. According to the legend, Lord Krishna, who had dark skin, was jealous of Radha's fair skin. He complained to his mother, who suggested he could color Radha's face to make it look like his.
Lord Krishna and his friends went to Radha's village and played with colors. The tradition of playing with colors during Holi is said to have started from this incident. Over the years, Holi has also become an increasingly popular festival outside of India. It is celebrated by Indian communities living abroad and has also gained popularity among non-Indians who are drawn to the vibrancy and joy of the festival. In many parts of the world, people come together to celebrate Holi by organizing cultural events, dance performances, and colourful parties.
However, in recent years, there have been concerns about the safety and environmental impact of Holi celebrations. Many commercial colors sold in the market contain harmful chemicals that can cause skin irritation and other health issues. In addition, the excessive use of water and colors during Holi can lead to environmental pollution and water wastage. As a result, there has been a growing emphasis on celebrating Holi in a safe and eco-friendly manner, by using natural and organic colors and minimizing water usage.
Let’s make a colourful Holi Drawing to celebrate the spirit of Holi!
Follow these steps to create a simple Holi drawing with your kids:
STEP 1: Sketch all the elements
Start by drawing the basic outline of the figure holding the water gun. You can also add some basic details to the water gun. Next draw the water splashes. You can use curved lines to show the direction and shape of the splashes, making them look as if they are moving in the air. Make the splashes look dynamic by varying their shapes and sizes.
STEP 2: Emphasize the elements with colouring
The picture should speak about the feel and vibe of the festival. Add colours to the picture. Use bright colours like pink, blue, yellow, and green to represent the festive colours of Holi. You can colour the water gun with different shades of colours to give it a realistic appearance. Just remember to make it fun.
STEP 3: Add life to the picture
Add shading and highlights to give the picture more depth and dimension. You can add shadows to the areas where the water splashes overlap, and highlights to the edges of the splashes to make them look more three-dimensional. Finally, add some finishing touches to the picture, like adding a splash of colour in the background or adding some details to the water gun.