"Holi" is one of the most popular Hindu festivals celebrated in spring. This is celebrated on Falgun Purnima, the day of the last full moon of the Moon Almanac is also called Panchangan. This festival is widely celebrated not only in India but in all the countries where there are Indian migrants.Holi rituals:
This festival originally begins with 'Phalguna Purnima' and is celebrated till 'teras'. On the evening of Falgun Purnima, there is a tradition of Holika-Dahan or bone fire which symbolizes the victory of good over evil. Its symbolic meaning is to burn the demon inside and live a holy life. The festival of colors starts from the next day of Holi. The next day is called 'Dhulandi', which is the festival of colors. Among the small festivals like Rangapanchami, Rang Chat, Sheetla Saptami, Auliya Ashtami, Dashamata Poojan, Rangteras etc., are also celebrated by playing with colors. Sheetla Saptami, Auliya Ashtami are to worship deity Sheetla and Dashamata to worship deity Dasha meaning good condition. The 16-day Brij-Holi is the most popular one. Lathmaar Holi of Brij is a tourist attraction these days.
Holi's concept and history:
Holi is related to the mythological story of Prahlad and Holika. Prahlad was the son of Hiranakashyapa , who believed in himself as God, but Prahlad refused to accept him as God and kept worshiping Lord Vishnu, whom Hiranakashyapa considered the greatest enemy. To convict Prahlad Hiranakashyapa and his sister Holika decided to burn Prahlad. Since Holika boasted that she could never burn, she sat in the fire with Prahlad, but Holika got burnt and Prahlad got safe. The story symbolizes the victory of good over evil and the end of evil.
Another story related to Holi is also about Lord Krishna and Gopis. It is believed that Lord Krishna made this festival popular with Gopis in his festival, Brij. There is another story of Cupid and Rati. Whom Lord Shiva had destroyed to disturb his meditation, but Lord Shiva restored him for his wife Rati and Holi was celebrated for this event.
Holi is not just a festival to celebrate the victory of good over evil, or it is not just a festival of colors, but a festival of hearts. There is no restriction, there is no difference, but there is only love that is spread with colors.
