Holi, also known as the Festival of Colours, is one of the most joyous and widely celebrated festivals in India. Marking the arrival of spring, Holi is a time for people to come together, set aside their differences, and immerse themselves in a riot of colours, music, and festivity. It is a festival that symbolises love, unity, and new beginnings.
From streets filled with clouds of bright powders to the sound of laughter echoing everywhere, Holi brings people of all ages together in a grand celebration. But behind the colours and cheer lies a deeper cultural and mythological significance that makes Holi truly special.
The Story of Holika – The Legend Behind Holi
The origins of Holi can be traced back to the legend of Holika and Prahlad, a story from Hindu mythology that signifies the victory of good over evil.
According to the legend, there was once a powerful and arrogant king named Hiranyakashipu, who considered himself a god and demanded that everyone worship him. However, his own son, Prahlad, was a devoted follower of Lord Vishnu and refused to bow before his father. This angered the king, who decided to kill Prahlad.
Hiranyakashipu’s sister, Holika, had a magical boon that made her immune to fire. To end Prahlad’s devotion to Lord Vishnu, she tricked him into sitting on her lap while she sat in a blazing fire, believing that she would remain unharmed. However, as divine justice would have it, Holika was burned to ashes, while Prahlad remained untouched, protected by his unwavering faith in Lord Vishnu.
This event is commemorated by the Holika Dahan – a ritual where large bonfires are lit the night before Holi, symbolising the burning of evil and the triumph of good.
How Holi is Celebrated in India
Holi is a two-day festival that is filled with traditions and lively celebrations:
Holika Dahan (The Night Before Holi)
People gather in their communities to light bonfires, singing and dancing around the flames. The fire symbolises the destruction of evil and marks a fresh start. This tradition, known as Holika Dahan, is inspired by the legend of Prahlad and Holika, signifying the victory of good over evil. Families offer grains, coconut, and sweets to the fire, seeking blessings for prosperity and protection. In different parts of India, unique customs accompany the ritual, such as parikrama (circumambulation) of the fire and special prayers for newlyweds. Holika Dahan sets the stage for the joyous celebration of colours the next day.
Rangwali Holi (The Festival of Colours)
On the second day, people take to the streets with bright Gulaal (coloured powders) and splash water at one another. Traditional dhol (drums) and folk songs add to the cheerful atmosphere. Families and friends gather for feasts featuring sweets like gujiya and drinks like thandai.
Across India, different states have their own unique ways of celebrating Holi.
For instance:
Barsana (Uttar Pradesh) celebrates Lathmar Holi, where women playfully hit men with sticks.
Vrindavan and Mathura host grand Holi events, reflecting Lord Krishna’s playful spirit.
In Maharashtra, Holi is marked by the delicious tradition of Puran Poli, a sweet flatbread enjoyed during the festival.
Bridging Cultures with Language – Learn Marathi with Speak Marathi
Festivals like Holi are not just about colours and celebrations; they are also about connections, family, and culture. For NRIs and foreigners who have loved ones in India, understanding the language and traditions can make these celebrations even more meaningful.
At Speak Marathi, we offer online one-on-one Marathi classes tailored for:
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Our customised courses allow students to learn at their own pace, guided by highly qualified tutors. To help you experience our learning environment, we also offer a free online demo session.
This Holi, why not take the first step towards understanding and embracing the language of Maharashtra?