Holi
Often referred to as the festival of colours, Holi is a cheerful occasion characterised by family and friends daubing each other with coloured powders.
A widespread belief is that its name is derived from Holika, the wicked sister of a demon king, Hiranyakashyapu who perished in a fire while trying to kill her nephew. On the night before Holi, community bonfires are lit to commemorate this folk tale. Another story pays tribute to Lord Krishna, who enjoyed teasing local milkmaids by showering them with coloured powders and water – this ritual is now recreated in homes across India.
Holi marks the end of winter and beginning of spring. Symbolic offerings, such as wheat sheaves, are often thrown into the flames in gratitude for the harvest. The night of the bonfires has a religious element, but the next day is a raucous celebration of new beginnings and well-being.
Traditionally, water would have been scented and dyed with flower petals, but these days, commercially prepared colours are used. Early risers arrange snacks on platters while children fill ‘pichkaris’ (water pistols) ready for action. The morning starts with an outdoor exchange of sweetmeats and powdered colours, and often culminates in being drenched in a deluge of water. After a few hours of drinking and snacking, lunch is served and revellers bathe and change into clean clothes, marking the end of exuberant activities.
