Friday 20 April 2012
Holi, also known as festival of color is celebrated in India and it was
originally called Holika. It is
celebrated between February and early March and it celebrates the beginning of
Spring in the north hemisphere, which brings hope and the promise of the hot
and bright days.
In this
holiday Hindus play with colors for pure entertainment. Generations come
together to throw each other paint and pigments in order to celebrate happiness
and joy. It is the tradition that if you love someone you should “spread some color”
all over that person, that’s why Holi is also an expression of love. Shops and
offices remain closed for the day and people get all the time to get crazy and
whacky.
Because of that, in this day some people consume
a drug called Bhang. The ecstasy of Bhang makes people forget the shame of
dancing and throwing paint in the middle of the public display. Of course
sometimes too much Bhang ruins the spirit of Holi.
On the eve of Holi, called Chhoti or Small Holi
people gather at important crossroads and light huge bonfires, the ceremony is
called Holika Dahan and it is in honor of the god Agni, the god of fire. People
believe that ash protects them from evil forces and they apply it on the
forehead.
After all the party and euphoria, families and
friends come together at night to share sweets and greetings. Holi is also known
as a day when enemies become friends and the spirit of brotherhood is
everywhere.
I believe it should be amazing to participate
in this festival, color is everywhere, and judging by the images, I can’t think
of a better celebration of joy! Enjoy the pictures of this holiday in India,
they are wonderful and so diferent!
Inês Ribas
