Spain has La Tomatina, Brazil has Carnival, and India, well, India has HOLI!
A festival like no other, Holi is all about people coming together and immersing themselves in vibrant colors, eating lip-smacking delicacies, and dancing in the streets dripping with enthusiasm.
The festival of Holi is usually celebrated in March and the date changes according to the Lunar calendar every year, like most Hindu festivals. Holi marks the beginning of spring in India. The origins of this festival can be traced back to Hindu mythology, where it’s believed that the festival commemorates the victory of good over evil. The story goes that the demon king Hiranyakashipu had a son named Prahlad, who was a devotee of Lord Vishnu. But Hiranyakashipu was against his son’s faith and tried to kill him. However, Prahlad was saved by Lord Vishnu and his evil father was ultimately defeated.
But let’s talk about the fun part of Holi – THE COLORS! On the day of Holi, people gather in the streets and on the terrace of their homes armed with packets of colored powder and water guns. It’s a free-for-all, with people throwing colors at each other, smearing each other’s faces with bright pigments, and drenching each other with water. The famed water balloon fights are an integral, albeit slightly painful, part of this festival as well. It’s impossible not to get caught up in the blaze of color and madness on this day. People of all ages participate in the revelry. Even strangers become friends, as they share the joy of the festival together. And the best part is that no one is spared from the colorful onslaught – from children to grandparents, everyone is fair game!
Got you wanting to witness this firsthand, right? You might just be able to. Take a look at some community groups on Facebook and you might just find a Holi party being organized somewhere in your city!
But before you dive headfirst into the festivities, a few words of caution. Make sure you wear old clothes that you don’t mind getting stained, as the colors can be pretty stubborn. If you have sensitive skin, it’s a good idea to use a protective lotion or oil to prevent any allergic reactions. Lastly, wear comfortable shoes that allow you to break into a run, just in case you want to dodge some water guns!
We are all set at MyCoolClass with our weaponry of choice, ready to come out of battle looking like a rainbow exploded! And you?
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