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Sponsored by:
Puri Foundation proud to be sponsoring NHSF (UK)
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By Sanjay Parekh
NHSF Learning Team
28th February 2010 (15th Phalguna in the Hindu calendar)
Holi falls on the day of the full moon in the month of Phalguna (Hindu calendar). It is described as being the most colourful festival in the Hindu calendar, and is full of joy and optimism as both nature moves from the gloom of winter. It heralds the arrival of spring, a season of hope and new beginnings, rekindling the spirit of life. After staying indoors during the cold months of winter, people emerge out to see a new sparkling world of colour and life.
Origins
Holi is a very ancient festival, originally known as Holika. It has been mentioned in early scriptures such as Jaimini's Purvamimamsa-Sutras and Kathaka-Grhya-Sutras. Shree Krishna is also said to have playfully celebrated Holi with the people of Nandagow and Vraj. Originally, it was a special rite performed by married women for the happiness and well being of their families. The festival falls on the full moon (Raka) of Phalguna; the deity worshipped by married women.
According to the stories in the Puranas, this day is important for three reasons:
- It was on this day Shiva opened his third eye, reducing Kamadeva (the God of Love) to ashes. Kamadeva, once in his foolish pride decided to aim an arrow at Lord Shiva, who was deep in meditation. However, Lord Shiva was aware of this, and before Kamadeva could do any harm, Lord Shiva opened his third eye, killing Kamadeva.
- An ogress named Dhundhi lived in the kingdom of Prthu (Raghu). Here she used to trouble the children of the Kingdom. Although she was invincible, due to several boons, she disappeared for life on this day. This is due to the shouts and pranks of mischievous boys, which affected her due to a curse by Lord Shiva (weakness in armour).
- Perhaps the most widely known reason is the story of Prahlad. The demon king, Hiranyakashipu was father to a boy named Prahlad. Although being born into a demon family, Prahlad always had a strong belief in god and was a great devotee of Vishnu. However, Hiranyakashipu was not pleased as he saw himself as the Lord of the Universe and demanded his son to worship him. Prahlad disagreed, and although attempts were made to take his life, he survived.
However, it was on this day that Hiranyakashipu asked his sister, Holika, to help him kill Prahlad. Holika had a boon which meant she could not be burnt by fire, so she took Prahlad in her lap and sat on a pyre of wood, which was set ablaze. Although Hiranyakashipu intended to kill Prahlad, it was Holika that died and Prahlad survived, as she had misused her powers. Hiranyakashipu was later killed by Narsinha, an avatar of Vishnu.
Celebrations
There are formal religious observances on this day.
An image of Holika is set alight in a simple ceremony on with the Raksoghna Mantras of the Rig Veda being chanted to ward off evil spirits. Coconuts and corn are often roasted and eaten. The religious significance of this is to mark the burning of the undesirable tendencies (selfishness, greed, egoism), and celebrate the coming of spring, a victory of good over evil.
People all over India and the world also celebrate Holi with much pomp and celebration. Throwing Gulal, coloured water or perfumed coloured powder on one another is the most significant celebrations that happen. This playful activity of throwing coloured paint is designed to remove the barriers that people sometimes build around themselves. Holi renews the spirit of unity and brotherhood among families and in the community.
Holi is celebrated by all NHSF (UK) chapters across the country!
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