Holi certainly depicts the vibrancy of India. The festival of colour as it is rightly called is the celebration of spring. It heralds the commencement of the spring season. The festival has an equitable share of mythological significance. The story revolves around an overweening king who demanded everyone in his kingdom to worship him. But his son Prahlad refused to do so and worshipped Lord Vishnu instead. He tried to kill his son but tasted failure in all his attempts. Finally, the king’s sister Holika who was said to be unsusceptible to burning sat with Prahlad in an enormous fire. However, the prince Prahlada came out of the conflagration unscathed, while his aunt burnt to death.
Holi pays homage to this mythological event and bonfires are burnt on the evening before the religious festival of Holi as its emblematic representation. Great enthusiasm can be in people on the next day when it is actually the time for the joyful battle of colour and water to begin. People get all the time to act berserk, a’enjoy, feel free and full of spirits. Children take special delight and relish in spraying colours and water on one another with their water pistols and throwing water balloons on everyone. The elders move in colonies and smear colours and exchange greetings and best wishes. Songs, dance on the rhythm of musical instruments and scrumptious Holi delicacies are the cynosure of all eyes for the day. It is considered as one of the most kaleidoscopic and psychedelic festivals of the nation. The best way to bid adieu to the cold weather by smearing each other with colour and water. The air is filled with scent of tantalizing gulaal. Holi is a festival one certainly must experience. Eclectic blend of customary sweets and drinks liable to cause intoxication coupled with a prismatic cloud of colour can be seen for miles. As the day passes by it spreads the colourful and energetic vibes with everyone covered in multifarious shades from head to toe.
The festival eludes and instills a sense of freedom, energy and spirit among all. Without exception everyone turns out to look alike. Differences, grievances and past arguments and fights are kept at bay as colour is smudged on everyone be it a friend or a foe. The festival symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, optimism, rejuvenation and everything in life that is bright and full of hope.
-Shivanshi