Holi is a celebration of “good over evil” along with being the start of the spring season. Explosion of colour, water and cannabis drink called “bhang” usher this festival.

 

Growing up in Delhi, we got a flavour of how the city celebrates Holi. Days before the actual festival we would dig into our closets to get older, faded clothes out, for balloons laden with water would splat around you. Still chilly with recent winters nobody was ever ready for cold splash of water. A lucky aim would get you. Laws of physics drilled right into you, definition of velocity and speed redefined. The pranksters would shout out “holi hai bhai holi burana mano holi hai bhai holi” (Don’t mind it's holi). 

If you asked me, my favourite was the day before Holi, called “Choti Holi” (small holi). We would gather up all the twigs and fallen branches around, buy wood and create a bonfire, roast some “rabri” (an Indian marshmallow with sesame seeds) and enjoy the warmth of the embers with a few tales to pass the night. 

The burning pyre symbolises the legend of Prahlad and his father Hiranyakashipu, a demon king who was granted a boon for his devout meditation to Lord Shiva: he could never be killed by man nor by beast; not inside, nor outside his palace. The power of immortality brought a reign of terror; the king thought he was the only god and forbade worship of any except him. His young son Prahlad was a devout of Lord Vishnu, so he was sent to a burning pyre with Hollika, his aunt. Well, Vishnu saved Prahlad and Hollika perished. Hiranyakashipu was killed by Vishnu’s avatar “Narshima” a half man, half beast; and he is killed on the threshold, neither inside nor outside. The gods proved to be cleverer. 

Holi is celebrated with an explosion of colours in towns which are followers of Lord Krishna. It is said he complained to his mother that Radha (his lover) was fairer than him, so she put “rang”, or colours, on Radha. Holi in the land of Krishna is immortalised in many of the prayers' songs as well. Holi in Mathura, Vrindhavan goes on for 16 days.

In Mumbai one of the most colourful displays of Holi is trying to break a pot of gold (cash), which is hung very high in the streets. The teams try to reach their prize by forming a human pyramid, all this while the onlookers throw buckets of water to them, trying to deter them. “Govinda a la re a la” is a rhythm that accompanies the drums. Govinda is yet again none other than Lord Krishna.  

There is more.  Each state in India has its own flavour of this festival, from Punjab to even Manipur. Be it in India or in the Indian Diaspora across the world, this festival is yet another medium to bring people together to celebrate. It’s said that in the festival of colours one cannot know who is rich and who is poor, so the disguise of colours brings equality.

Whatever is your tradition, may your Holi be joyful. Holi hai!