HISTORY OF HOLI IN INDIA
Holi is an ancient festival of India
and was originally known as 'Holika'. The festivals finds a detailed
description in early religious works such as Jaimini's
Purvamimamsa-Sutras and Kathaka-Grhya-Sutras. Historians also believe
that Holi was celebrated by all Aryans but more so in the Eastern
part of India.
It is said that Holi existed several
centuries before Christ. However, the meaning of the festival is
believed to have changed over the years. Earlier it was a special
rite performed by married women for the happiness and well-being of
their families and the full moon (Raka) was worshiped. In some parts
of India, specially in Bengal and Orissa, Holi Purnima is also
celebrated as the birthday of Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (A.D.
1486-1533). However, the literal meaning of the word 'Holi' is
'burning'. There are various legends to explain the meaning of this
word, most prominent of all is the legend associated with demon king
Hiranyakashyap.
There are also a few other legends
associated with the festival - like the legend of Shiva and Kaamadeva
and those of Ogress Dhundhi and Pootana. All depict triumph of good
over evil - lending a philosophy to the festival.
Mathura and Vrindavan:
Traditional Holi
Holi festival celebrations last for 40
days in the temple towns of Mathura and Vrindavan, four hours from
Delhi. Mathura is where Lord Krishna was born, while Vrindavan was
where he spent his childhood. During the 40 days prior to the main
Holi day, dancers from various parts of India gather to put on shows
depicting Krishna's flirtations with the village maidens. Singing
troupes perform Holi folk songs as well. Make sure you arrive well
before the main Holi day. The Sri Krishna Janmastham in Mathura holds
a renowned show in the week before Holi. The five day celebrations at
Shri Banke Bihari Mandir in Vrindavan are also legendary.
Delhi: Modern Holi
If you're staying anywhere near
Paharganj, be prepared to be covered in color by shopkeepers and
children alike if you step outside. If you can, try and get tickets
to the Holi Cow festival. A festival of color, music and madness,
it's is held a short distance outside the city. The environment is
safe, and non-toxic colors are provided, along with bhang lassis,
street food, and sprinklers to get everyone in the mood. Both DJs and
bands perform. Plenty of expats, as well as locals, attend.
Shantiniketan, West Bengal:
Cultural Holi
The celebration of Holi as Vasanta
Utsav (Spring Festival) in Shantiniketan was started by famous
Bengali poet and Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore. Inspired by
spring and the colors of Holi, he introduced the occasion as an
annual event in his Vishva Bharati University there. Students dress
up in spring colors and put on a huge cultural program for visitors,
including dances to Tagore's songs. This is followed by the usual
throwing of colors. Vasanta Utsav has become a cherished part of
Bengali history and culture, and it attracts numerous foreign
tourists. Note that festivities happen a day earlier than the given
date for Holi in other parts of India.
Purulia, West Bengal: Folk Holi
A three day folk festival takes place
in the Purulia district of West Bengal. It runs in the lead up to
Holi and on the actual day. You'll get to sing and play Holi with the
locals, as well as enjoy a wide variety of unique folk art. This
includes the remarkable Chau dance, Darbari Jhumur, Natua dance, and
songs of West Bengal's wandering Baul musicians. What makes the
festival special is that it's organized by villagers as a way of
helping sustain themselves. The location is around 5-6 hours by train
from Kolkata, or transport in private vehicles can be arranged.
Accommodation is provided in tents and there are portable toilets as
well.
Jaipur: Holi and Elephants
An elephant festival kicks off Holi
celebrations in Jaipur every year on Holi eve. Elephant parades,
elephant beauty contests, folk dances, and tug-of-war between
elephants, locals and foreigners are all regular events. It makes
Holi extra fun!
Banswara: Tribal Holi
Holi is the main festival of the
tribals in the Banswara district of Rajasthan. They wear their
traditional dresses, carry swords and sticks, and perform the Gair
dance. It's a typical tribal dance of the region. To get there, the
nearest airport is in Udaipur, around 165 kilometers away.
Alternatively, there's a railway station at Ratlam (Madhya Pradesh),
around 80 kilometers away.
The holi festival is celebrated with
colors also known as Gulal or Phagwa, flowers of dhak or palash are
used to make traditional colors for Holi.
Holi is a popular springtime
celebrations observed on the last full moon of the lunar month.
Rangapanchami occurs a few days later
on a Panchami, fifth day of the full moon, marking the end of
festivities involving colors.
Indian Hindu worshippers covered in
various colored powders sing prayers during Holi in India.
Above mentioned places have become
tourist destinations during the festive season of Holi and
activities will blow your mind.
The excitement surrounding these
places is tangible, and we are proud to arrange all the travel
requirements for all the places.
Pack your things to celebrate holi
and call us on +91 93419 18386 to know the package
details. Experience colorful holi with Travel Smart.
For more details, visit
www.travel-smart.in.
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