Holi is an ancient festival of India and was originally
known as 'Holika'. The
festivals finds a detailed description in early religious works such as Jaimini's
Purvamimamsa-Sutras and Kathaka-Grhya-Sutras. Historians also believe that Holi was
celebrated by all Aryans but more so in the Eastern part of India.
It is said that Holi existed several centuries
before Christ. However, the meaning of the festival is believed to have changed
over the years. Earlier it was a special rite performed by married women for
the happiness and well-being of their families and the full moon (Raka) was
worshiped.
Holi is being celebrated in Indian since time
immemorial but the popularity of Holi celebrations seems to be rising with
every passing year and so is the level of hoo-ha. As no other festival gives so
much liberty to the people to let their hair loose and enjoy their hidden crazy
self.
Holi celebrations
Also, Holi is not a one day festival as celebrated in
most of the states in India, but it is celebrated for three days
.
Day 1 – On full moon day (Holi
Purnima) colored powder and water are arranged in small brass pots on a thali.
The celebration begins with the eldest male member who sprinkles color on the
members of his family.
Day 2- This is also known as
‘Puno’. On this day Holika’s images are burnt and people even light bonfires to
remember the story of Holika and Prahalad. Mothers with their babies take five
rounds of the bon- fire in a clockwise direction to seek the blessing of the
God of fire.
Day 3- This day is known as
‘Parva’ and this is the last and final day of Holi celebrations. On this day
colored powder and water is poured on each other.The deities of Radha and
Krishna are worshipped and smeared with colors.
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