Holi : How to celebrate Festival of Colours 2023
Holi is a Hindu festival that is celebrated in India and other parts of the world by people of all backgrounds. Also known as the “Festival of Colors” or the “Festival of Love”, Holi is a celebration of spring, the victory of good over evil, and the bond of love between friends and family. During the festival, people throw colorful powders and water at each other, dance to lively music, and share traditional sweets and snacks. Holi is a time of joy, unity, and forgiveness, and it is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor across India and other parts of the world.
Holi Festival : History
The origins of the Holi festival can be found in Hindu mythology and go back to ancient India. The celebration honours the triumph of good over evil and the start of spring, according to tales. The myth of Prahlad and Hiranyakashyap is among the most well-known Holi stories. While Hiranyakashyap, the father of Prahlad, was a cruel and conceited monarch who desired to be venerated as a god, Prahlad was a follower of Lord Vishnu. Hiranyakashyap ordered his sister, Holika, to burn Prahlad alive when he refused to worship him. Unfortunately, the same fire also claimed the life of Holika, but Lord Vishnu intervened to save Prahlad. The celebration of this occasion, known as Holika Dahan, involves lighting bonfires as a representation of the triumph of good over evil.
The Holi legend of Lord Krishna is another well-known one. Legend has it that Lord Krishna enjoyed pulling practical jokes on the gopis (milkmaids) in his community. The gopis would playfully retaliate after he doused them in coloured water and covered them in coloured powder. The festival of Holi is supposed to have its roots in this amusing festivity.
The Holi festival has developed over time into a celebration of love, joy, and harmony. Holi is now celebrated by people of all religions and backgrounds by playing with colours, dancing to music, exchanging sweets and gifts, and indulging in delectable cuisines and beverages with a Holi theme. It is a time to unite, set aside disagreements, and rejoice in life.
Want to learn complete history of Holi festival in India Click on this link below https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holi#History_and_rituals
Some Holi skin and Hair care tips
Apply oil
Before heading out to play with colors, apply oil to your skin and hair. You can use coconut oil, almond oil, or any other oil of your choice. This will create a barrier between your skin and the colors, making it easier to wash off later.
Cover Up
Wear clothes that cover most of your skin to minimize contact with the colors. Opt for long-sleeved shirts, pants, and scarves. This will also protect your skin from sun damage.
Avoid Water Balloons
Water balloons can cause injury and are not environmentally friendly. Stick to playing with dry or wet colors instead.
Use Natural colors
Try to use natural colors made from flowers, herbs, and other natural sources. These colors are less harmful to the skin and hair than synthetic colors. You can even make your own colors at home using ingredients like turmeric, beetroot, and henna.
Wash off immediately
As soon as you're done playing with colors, wash them off your skin and hair with cold water. Don't use hot water, as it can make the colors harder to remove. Use a gentle soap or shampoo to wash your skin and hair.
Moisturize
After washing off the colors, apply a moisturizer to your skin and hair to replenish any lost moisture. This will also help soothe any irritation or dryness caused by the colors.
Holi Songs Playlist
- Rang Barse – Silsila (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSOUd-5nW2E)
- Holi Ke Din – Sholay (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9OloPqcF5j0)
- Balam Pichkari – Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WtRNGubWGA)
- Do Me A Favor Let’s Play Holi – Waqt: The Race Against Time (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sE8RZfJjyfk)
- Holi Khele Raghuveera – Baghban (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPUkG6pJzS0)
- Ang Se Ang Lagana – Darr (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHYOGlbJ7lM)
- Jai Jai Shiv Shankar – Aap Ki Kasam (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XiY1zEuBwEw)
- Badri Ki Dulhania – Badrinath Ki Dulhania (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1YBl3Zbt80A)
- Hori Khele Raghuveera – Bhoothnath (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26Mw3q4e2Qo)
- Aaj Na Chhodenge – Kati Patang (https://youtu.be/iQzfrHVTK7s)
How holi is celebrated around the world
Here are five countries where Holi is celebrated and how it is celebrated there:
- Nepal – Holi is known as “Phagu Purnima” in Nepal and is celebrated over two days. On the first day, people throw colors and water at each other, and on the second day, people visit relatives and friends to exchange greetings and sweets.
- India – Holi is a major festival in India and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor. People throw colors, dance, sing Holi songs, and indulge in festive foods and drinks.
- Malaysia – Holi is celebrated by the Indian community in Malaysia, and people throw colors and water at each other. They also have community feasts and exchange sweets and gifts.
- Singapore – Holi is celebrated by the Indian community in Singapore, and people play with colors and water. They also have community feasts and visit each other’s homes to exchange greetings and sweets.
- USA – Holi is celebrated by the Indian diaspora in the USA, and people throw colors, dance, and indulge in festive foods. Many cities in the USA host Holi festivals, which attract people from all cultures and backgrounds.
Holi sweets
GUJIA
Here's a recipe for one of the traditional Holi dishes called 'Gujiya':
Ingredients:
For the pastry:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup ghee or melted butter
Water to knead the dough
For the filling:
1 cup grated khoya (dried whole milk)
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup chopped mixed nuts (almonds, pistachios, cashews, raisins)
1 tsp cardamom powder
Oil or ghee for frying
Directions:
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and ghee, and mix until it resembles bread crumbs. Slowly add water and knead to form a smooth dough. Cover and let it rest for 30 minutes.
In a pan, roast the khoya on low heat until it turns golden brown. Add the powdered sugar, chopped nuts, and cardamom powder, and mix well. Remove from heat and let it cool.
Divide the dough into small balls and roll each ball into a small disc using a rolling pin. Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each disc.
Fold the disc in half to form a semi-circle and seal the edges using a fork. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
Heat oil or ghee in a deep pan and fry the gujiyas on medium heat until they turn golden brown. Drain on a paper towel.
Serve the gujiyas warm or at room temperature.
THANDAI
Here's a recipe for thandai, a traditional Indian drink often consumed during the festival of Holi:
Ingredients:
1 cup almonds, blanched
1/4 cup melon seeds
1/4 cup poppy seeds
1 tablespoon fennel seeds
1 tablespoon cardamom powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon saffron threads
1/2 cup sugar
4 cups milk
Ice cubes
Instructions:
In a blender or food processor, blend the almonds, melon seeds, poppy seeds, and fennel seeds into a fine powder.
Add the cardamom powder, black pepper, saffron threads, and sugar to the powder and blend again.
In a large bowl, mix the powder with the milk and stir well until the sugar dissolves completely.
Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any coarse bits.
Chill the thandai in the refrigerator for at least 2-3 hours.
Serve the chilled thandai in glasses over ice cubes.
Holi Gift Ideas
Colorful Apparel
Traditional Indian clothes like kurtas, sarees, and dupattas in bright colors and prints are great gifts for Holi.
Herbal Colors
Organic and natural Holi colors made from flowers, vegetables, and other natural sources are an eco-friendly and thoughtful gift.
Personalized Gifts
Personalized gifts like custom-made photo frames, mugs, cushions, or t-shirts can add a special touch to your Holi gift.
Skincare Products
Holi can be harsh on the skin due to colors and sun exposure. So gifting skincare products like natural scrubs, moisturizers, and sunscreen can be a thoughtful gesture.
Holi Theme Cake
Rainbow Cake
A colorful layered cake with vibrant colors like pink, yellow, green, blue, and purple can be a perfect Holi-themed cake.
Gulal Cake
A colorful layered cake with vibrant colors like pink, yellow, green, blue, and purple can be a perfect Holi-themed cake.
Thandai Cake
A colorful layered cake with vibrant colors like pink, yellow, green, blue, and purple can be a perfect Holi-themed cake.
Holi Sprinkle Cake
A simple white cake decorated with colorful sprinkles in hues of pink, green, blue, and purple can be a fun and festive idea for a Holi-themed cake.
How do people dress for holi
Kurta Pjama
Traditional Indian attire like kurtas and salwars made of cotton or silk can be a comfortable and stylish option for Holi. They come in various bright colors and prints, making them perfect for the festive occasion.
T-Shirts and Shorts
A simple white cake decorated with colorful sprinkles in hues of pink, green, blue, and purple can be a fun and festive idea for a Holi-themed cake.
White Clothing
Wearing white clothing is a popular tradition during Holi, as it allows the vibrant colors of the festival to stand out. However, it's important to note that the colors may stain the clothes permanently.
Holi Accessories
Holi accessories can add a touch of color and fun to your celebrations. Traditional Indian accessories like dupattas, bangles, and bindis in bright colors and prints can elevate your Holi outfit. Additionally, sunglasses or goggles can protect your eyes from the colors and the sun. Bandanas or hats can shield your hair and face from the harsh sun rays, while waterproof phone cases can keep your devices safe during the water-filled celebrations. Holi is all about fun, so don’t forget to add some accessories to your outfit and enjoy the colorful festival!