Tips for the Holi festival in India
- Rocco
- Mar 4, 2016
- 2 min read
India, which is not only the land of temples and palaces, but also the land of (felt) thousand festivals. Without question, the most popular is the Holi festival, the spring festival of colors!
What is actually Holi?
Many Indian festival has a religious background, also Holi. Holi has its origins in the Hindu legend of Prahlad and Holika. Prahlad was born the son of the demon Hiranya Kashyap, but became a staunch follower of God Naarayana. It was an eyesore for his father and so he sent his sister Holika to kill Prahlad. Holika has a sari which protected her against fire. She sat down in fierce fire, after her nephew Prahlad had taken place in her lap. The plan failed because she was not aware of the legend that the sari only protects if she came alone into contact with fire. To complete the victory of good over evil, saved Lord Shiva Prahlad as a reward for his faith from the flames.
Thus, the festival begins with the burning of a bonfire to celebrate the defeat of evil in the evening on day before. The next day is all about colors, parties and friends. People roam the city and visit friends and relatives. The most important: Everybody pelts each (really everyone, including strangers) with colorful paint or water balloons filled with colored water! Frequently heard is the exclamation "Bura na mano Holi Hai!" (No offense, it's Holi!)
Everywhere delicious festive snacks are served!
When is the Holi festival?
The date of the Holi festival changes every year, because it is based on the lunar calendar. It takes place every year on the full moon of Phalguna month of the Hindu calendar. This means that Holi takes place in February or March.
Holi 2016: 23.-24. March
Holi 2017: 12.-13. March
Holi 2018: 1. -2 . March
The large color festival takes place on the second day of Holi festival. The March offers in India still super weather for a trip to India.
Where can I celebrate Holi in India?
Holi is celebrated indeed in many parts of India, but the most colorful and the most exuberant in northern India. In the south, the festivities focus more on the temple, while in the north is much happening on the streets. Especially recommended for Holi are following places: Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh and Pushkar and Udaipur in Rajasthan. In these holy cities is simply a very special atmosphere. But other place are truly 'infected by Holi,Virus: Jaipur and Jodhpur in Rajasthan, Mumbai and Delhi to name a few.
What is to be considered?
The colors make the special appeal of the Holi festival, but also have their downsides. Not all colors can be washed out, wear old clothes that can get dirty. Avoid chemical colors, prefer color powders which are based on natural pigments (henna, turmeric, etc.). Unfortunately, not all visitors will be so prudent, so try as little as possible to get into the eye. People with asthma should be careful.
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