Significance of Holi Celebration

Dr. Sapam Nabakishore Singh *

Manipuri Rasa During Holi Celebration, Imphal, Manipur, India

Holi is a religious Festival of Colours celebrated by Hindus at the end of the winter season on the last full moon day of the lunar month Phalguna (February/March). It is primarily observed in India, Nepal, Pakistan and other Hindu residants countries such as Suriname, Malaysia, Guyana, South Africa, Trinidad, United Kingdom, United States of America, Mauritious, Fiji etc. In some states of India such as West Bengal and Orissa, it is known as Dol yatra (Doul Jatra) or Basanta-Utsav ("spring festival").

The most celebrated Holi is in the locations connected to the Lord Krishna’s pastimes such as Mathura, Vrindavan, Nandagaon and Barsana.These places have become tourist destinations during the festive season of Holi.

Holi also known as Dhuli in Sanskrit, also Dhulheti, Dhulandi or Dhulendi, is celebrated by people throwing scented powder and perfume at each other. In most areas, Holi lasts about two days in some parts of India, however, it lasts six days in Manipur.

Every year, thousands of Hindus participate in the festival Holi. Waiting for the day after the full moon in the month of Phalguna, or early March, These men and women are ready to spread the joy. Holi has many purposes.

First and foremost, it celebrates the beginning of the new season, spring. It also has a religious purpose, commemorating many events that are present in Hindu mythology. Although it is the least religious holiday, it is probably one of the most exhilarating ones in existence. During this event, participants hold a bonfire, throw colored powder at each other, and celebrate wildly.

Originally, it was a festival that commemorated good harvests and the fertile land. In addition to celebrating the coming of spring, Holi has even greater purposes. Hindus believe it is a time of enjoying spring's abundant colors and saying farewell to winter. Furthermore, Holi celebrates many religious myths and legends.

Legends and Mythology

In some parts of India, specially in West Bengal and Orissa, Holi Purnima is also celebrated as the birthday of Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (A.D. 1486-1533).

Hari Sankirtana


Hari Sankirtana

At present, the followers of His Divine Grace A.C.Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada, the founder-acharya of the International Society For Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) celebrates the Holi Festival throughout the world as a remarkable of the auspicious birthday of Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

Srila Prabhupada And His ISKCON Devotees

However, the literal meaning of the word 'Holi' is 'burning'. Bonfires are lit on the eve of the festival, also known as Holika Dahan (burning of Holika) or Chhoti Holi (little Holi). After doing holika dahan prayers are said and praise is offered.

The bonfires are lit in memory of the miraculous escape that young Prahlad accomplished when Demoness Holika, sister of Hiranyakashipu(the father of Prahlada Maharaj), carried him into the fire. Holika was burnt but Prahlada, staunch devotee of god Vishnu, escaped without any injuries due to his unshakable devotion. Holika Dahan is referred to as Kama Dahanam in South Indian.

There are various legends to explain the meaning of this word, most prominent of all is the legend associated with demon king Hiranyakashyapu. Hiranyakashyapu wanted everybody in his kingdom to worship only him but to his great disappointment, his son, Prahlad became an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu. Hiaranyakashyap commanded his sister, Holika to enter a blazing fire with Prahlad in her lap.

Holika had a boon whereby she could enter fire without any damage on herself. However, she was not aware that the boon worked only when she enters the fire alone. As a result she paid a price for her sinister desires, while Prahlad was saved by the grace of the Lord Vishnu for his extreme devotion. The festival, therefore, celebrates the victory of good over evil and also the triumph of devotion.

Legend of Lord Krishna is also associated with play with colors as the Lord started the tradition of play with colours by applying colour on his beloved Radha and other gopis. Gradually, the play gained popularity with the people and became a tradition.