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Unveil euphoria this Holi. The bewildering shades with countless tinge witness the love and devotion existing in the society. Playing with colors, bonfire celebration and exchange of sweets commemorates the festival spirit. It falls in the month of March and is celebrated in every nook and corner of India. The gaiety burns evil in the name of Holika and spreads joy in the form of colors.

The celebration of Holi carries the faith of million of devotees. A common belief lies in the mythological story of Prahlad and Holika. Legend has it that Prahlad, an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu was the son of demon king Hiranyakashyap. The king was egoistic and wanted everybody of his kingdom to worship him instead of the Almighty. His father was tired of his son’s devotion towards Lord Vishnu and so, asked his sister, Holika to take Prahlad in her lap and sit upon the burning fire logs. Holika was blessed with a boon, that fire will go untouched. But, she was not aware of the fact that fire would not harm her, unless she enters alone. Ultimately, Prahlad came out unharmed and Holika was burn to ashes. Thus, the incident marked the victory of good over evil.

Other remarkable legends of holy are of Kaamdeva, Dhundhi, Radha-Krishna and Pootana.

Holi is one of the major traditional affairs for Hindus. On the auspicious occasion, burning Holika is religiously performed. People pay homage before ‘Agni Dev’ the God of Fire by offering, cow-dung, stalks and grams. Devotees arrange bonfire on the last day of the festival. They believe, that the ritualistic activity is a way to destroy evil powers, like diseases, social dispute etc. Further, it said that the warmth of the fire blesses them with good health.

Many pilgrims start performing rituals on the eve of Holi. Bright colors, specially red and pink are offered to God and Goddesses. People in South India follow the legend of Kaamdeva and so believe to worship him on the very festival.

The joy of playing with colors and gulals attracts people, irrespective of societal discrimination. Where some engage themselves in preparing sweet dishes like malpaus, gujiya, mathri etc, many make crazy celebration ideas with colors. On the main day Dhuleti, people let the joy touch the sky. Children start collecting ‘Pichkaris’ and water-balloons early one week before Holi.

Festival party sprays unlimited fun with the tunes of Bollywood song. Special thandai mixed with bhang enhance the festive mood. A visit to Mathura and Vrindavan offers the real charm of Holi. Burning ‘Holika’ is greatly followed in Gujarat and Orissa. People in North India make effigies of Holika and burn all in the huge bonfire. The festive aura reverberates with the loud saying of ‘Holi Hai!.

Besides, Holi turns out to be memorable with exchange of cards, gifts, SMS and lot more. Sharing festive feeling with kith and kin helps build a bond of love. Now-a-days, mailing e-cards is the best way to surprise your dear ones’ staying far away yet close to your heart.

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