~ Hindu Festivals ~

[MysteRy]

Snake Boat Race

Snake Boat Race, known as Vallamkali in Kerala is the most captivating facet of the festival of Onam. It is also promoted as one of the major tourist attractions in the state and draws a lot of local, national as well as international crowd. Vamakalli or the boat race has now been an integral part of Kerala’s identity and its popularity has been soaring with each passing year. The credit of its growing popularity can be given to India’s first Prime Minister Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru who was enamored by this event and in order to encourage it took initiatives to start a national competition for this sport.

The Legend
There is one interesting story attached with this event. It is said that once upon a time, there was a man named Katoor Mana who offered his daily prayers about 10 kilometers up the river Pamba from Aranmulla. One similar day after completing his worship, he was waiting to feed a poor man in order to complete his worship rituals. When even after waiting for long, he did not get any one; he simply closed his eyes and prayed to Lord Krishna.

As soon as he opened his eyes, he saw a ragged boy standing near him. Katoor became very happy and lovingly offered all the scrumptious items to the boy. To his utter surprise, the boy disappeared after having the meal. He looked for the boy here and there and then spotted him at the Aranmulla Temple but he gain vanished from the spot. Katoor Mana then concluded that he was no ordinary boy but the god himself.

So in on order to commemorate this event, he started bringing food to Aranmulla temple every year during the time of Onam. In order to protect this food from the river pirates, he asked Kovilans or snake boats to accompany him to the place. As this news spread amongst people, more and more people came forward in snake boats to protect him during the voyage. This is how the custom of a grand carnival called Snake Boat Race began. It later took the form of an event on the Onam festival.

The Boat
Vallamkali boats are not ordinary boats. There is a standard scale to make it. It is about 100 feet long and has a seating capacity of 150 men. It is made up of Anjili (Artocarpus hirsuta), or Kadamb (Naucleacadamba) wood. The boat is designed in a way that its ends are shaped like cobra hoods. This is also the reason that the boats are named Snake Boats. The boats are treated religiously by the local people and thus meticulously crafted by skilled craftsmen with lots of patience and hard work. Only men are allowed to touch this boat and one can enter in to it only of he is bare feet (a token of regard).

Occasion of Onam
The exciting Snakeboat Races take place on the occasion of Onam at the Aranmulla temple. The temple is built on the shores of the river Pamba. The spectacular snakeboats or 'chundan vallams' that take part in the race are nearly 30 in number and are owned by the villagers residing in the hamlets bordering the river. The stretch of the race extends from the hills to the low lying plains that measure up to about 40 km.

A community event in itself, the race has the oarsmen dressed in white dhotis and turbans. They steer the boats while singing traditional boat songs to the rhythm of the splashing of their oars in the water. The boats often have a golden lace at the head and the flag and the ornamental umbrella at the center and form an important part of this visual extravaganza. This Snake Boat activity is considered to be much more important and pious than a mere game.

[MysteRy]

Ten Days of Onam

The state festival of Kerala, Onam, is a ten-day carnival for all the Malayalees residing in different parts of India and abroad. The festivities, which start from the Attam nakshatram of Chingam (the first Malayalam month) last until Thiruvonam, the tenth day of Onam. In many parts of Kerala, Avittam and Chatayam (the days following Thiruvonam) are also considered important. Each day has its own significance. Various forms of dance, interesting games and feasting form the prominent parts of the festivity.

10 Days of Onam Festival

First Day - Attam
Attam marks the beginning of Onam festival. The day is considered holy and auspicious by the Malayalees. On the day, people get up early in the morning, take bath and offer players by visiting the nearby temple. After having breakfast, they start their celebrations for the day. A swing, adorned with flowers, is slung from a high branch at the lawn of every home. Youngsters and women take immense pleasure in swinging and singing oonjal (swing) songs. Pookkalam (floral carpet) is laid in the front courtyard of every household. From this day onwards, Pookkalam is laid for the following nine days of Onam.

Second Day - Chithira
Chithira is the second day of Onam and has a special significance in the celebrations. To seek the blessings of the Almighty, people take bath in the early morning and visit the local temples. Thereafter, they add new flowers to the Pookkalam that was laid in the previous day. People start making all their plans for the big day of Thiruvonam, right from this day. Every event is discusses in detail, so that nothing remains incomplete, for the important day. A long shopping list is prepared for the family. It is the time for the children to demand all their pending wishes, because they know that their wish would be granted on the occasion.

Third Day - Chodhi
Chodhi or Chothi is the third day of Onam festival. The day involves many activities, starting from Pookkalam to shopping. The day is marked by buzz and the marketplaces are filled with people, who shop for new clothes (Onakkodi) for the important day of Onam, that is, Thiruvonam. Gifts are also purchased for the loved ones, on the day. No rituals are set for the day. People add new flowers to their Pookkalam, making it even more attractive. Specific flowers are chosen for the day. Boys take pleasure in choosing the flowers for the floral carpet.

Fourth Day - Visakam
As the number of days for the big day is very few, excitement becomes overt amongst the people in Kerala. On Visakam, the fourth day of Onam festival, the streets are busy. Activities are brisk in the market as well as back home. In the marketplace, one can witness rush in the stores, because by this time, the shops would put up season sales for the festival. Maveli stores (government owned departmental stores, which offer fair price shopping) would display their latest offers and discounts on household items. Back home, the homemakers would be busy in the kitchen, making delicacies (sweets and pickles) for the festive season.

Fifth Day - Anizham
Anizham is the fifth and one of the important days of Onam festival. The highlight of the day is the grand Vallamkali (snake boat race), which is organized on the banks of Pamba River at Aranmulla, Pathanamthitta district of Kerala. The event attracts tourists from the nook and corner of the country. International tourists also come to witness the race. In the households, more flowers are added to Pookkalam, in an attempt to make it look even more beautiful. One can witness the degree of enthusiasm and excitement increasing in the people, as there are only four days to go for the important day of Onam.

Sixth Day - Thriketa
On the sixth day of Onam - Thriketa - various cultural programs are organized by the committees. People take initiative to attend the events and take part in the cultural programs. No rituals are specific for Thriketa. People decorate their homes and add new flowers to their already laid Pookkalam. It is the time for family reunion, as the family members and acquaintances living outside the state and abroad visit Kerala, to take part in the celebrations. The air is filled with festivity, while people indulge in preparations for Thiruvonam.

Seventh Day - Moolam
Moolam is the seventh day of the ten day carnival of Onam. During the day, the commercial areas of the state are filled with the bright color of the festivities. People overcrowd the market places for their last-minute Onam shopping. By this time, the spirit of joy and happiness increases manifold and is clearly reflected from the eyes of the people of Kerala. People back home revamp their Pookkalam, giving it an entirely new look with special flowers. The design of the Pookkalam is made even more intricate.

Eighth Day - Pooradam
Pooradam, the eighth day of Onam, holds a special significance. The Athappookalam is increased in size, with the addition of special flowers. During the day, people clean their house and ensure that every nook and corner of the place is spick and span, as they expect the arrival of Onthappan. While the women of the home are busy in the kitchen, making pickles and other kinds of delicacies, the family members and relatives arrive at their home, on this day.

Ninth Day - Uthradam
Uthradam is the ninth day of Onam. By this time, people are in high spirits to welcome King Mahabali. In some regions of Kerala, full fledged preparations for Onam kick-start on Uthradam itself. On the day, Onakkazhcha is given by the tenants and farmers, to the Karnavar (eldest member of the family) of Nair Tharawad (Nair household). The farmers bring produce of their farms to the Nair Tharawad, in return of which, they are greeted and treated with sweets by the Karnavar. This is a very old tradition, followed in the interiors of the state. Uthradam is also known as Onnam Onam (first Onam).

Tenth Day - Thiruvonam
The tenth and the important day of Onam festival is Thiruvonam. Also known as Rendam Onam (Second Onam), Thiruvonam is marked by huge fanfare, with people all over Kerala indulged in the celebrations. People wake up in the early morning, smear oil all over their body and take bath at the nearby pond. People clad themselves in Onakkodi. Thereafter, the small children, women and young girls lay the Pookkalam at the veranda, to welcome King Mahabali (the legendary king of Kerala, who visits the state every year, on Onam). Special prayers are organized at households. In the noon, the grand feast (Onasadya) is prepared. Onnakkali (Onam games) are played thereafter.

[MysteRy]

Onam Pookkalam

Onam is a colorful festival celebrated by Malayalees all over the world. It is the state festival of Kerala. Pookkalam, the floral decoration (also known as floral carpet) is one of the most important part of Onam, which is also a harvest festival. Simple as well as intricate floral designs are laid at the verandah of every household, on the wonderful occasion of Onam. Making Pookkalam is a tradition followed by people of Kerala, during the ten days of the festival. This is done to welcome their benevolent legendary king - Mahabali, as he visits Kerala every year on Onam, to enquire about their wellbeing.

What Is Pookkalam?
In Malayalam, the word 'Poo' means flower and 'Kalam' means artwork. Hence, Pookkalam is the artwork or design that is laid on floor. It is one of the main attractions of the festival. Pookkalam is laid on Attam, the first day of the ten-day carnival of Onam and continued for the following nine days of the festival. During the festive season, you can see one Pookkalam laid on each household in Kerala, irrespective of the caste and religion. This is mainly because of the fact that Onam is the state festival of Kerala.

Pookkalam Designs
Pookkalam designs can be both simple and intricate. Some of the common designs of Pookkalam may resemble birds such as peacock, parrot, theme such as the festival, Kerala and the image of King Mahabali. The face of Kathakali is a popular design chosen for Pookkalam. Apart from the popular ones, geometrical designs are also used for the same. People use their creative mind to the level best, to come up with beautiful intricate and unique designs for Pookkalam. Cultural dances of Kerala, including Mohiniyattam and Kathakali are some of the popular themes chosen for Pookkalam.

How Is Pookkalam Made?
Pookkalam is traditionally made using flowers. However, in the modern time, especially at Pookkalam competitions, people are allowed to make use of leaves and sepals (cut into small pieces) of the big flowers. Shredded coconut and artificial colors have become a part of the Pookkalam, though they are not permitted in most of the competitions. Wet cow dung is smeared and flower petals are placed on it. People in Kerala, who have been making the floral carpet since a long time, would start laying the flowers by conceiving the design in mind. On the other hand, the amateurs would draw a sketch of the design and fill the outline with flowers.

Pookkalam Competitions
Pookkalam competitions are some of the main attractions of Onam. During the festive season, a number of committees organize Pookkalam competitions for people of different age groups. The participants are provided space for the floral carpets, within which, they have to lay their design. The Pookkalam are adjudged upon their quality and the arrangement of flowers.

[MysteRy]

Onam Rangoli

Rangoli or Kolam is one of the most popular arts in India. It is actually a kind of decorative motif made by using finely ground white powder, colors and flowers. A Rangoli can be either a wall art as well as floor art. The patterns in a traditional Rangoli are usually derived from nature. The most popular Rangoli motifs are peacocks, swans, mango, flowers, creepers, etc. Traditionally the dyes for the Rangoli are derived from natural like barks of trees, leaves, indigo, rice flour, vermilion and turmeric powder etc. However, these days the use of synthetic dyes has become extremely popular. It is considered auspicious to make a Rangoli or Kolam on the festive occasions. In Kerala, Pookalam, the flower Rangoli is thus made on the occasion of Onam.

Onam Kolam
Onam is the state festival of Kerala. It is a ten days long festival in which the tenth day, the day of ‘Tiruvonam’ is considered extremely auspicious and fortunate. Malayalee families all over the world celebrate this occasion with great enthusiasm and gusto. People organize community celebrations and feasts for this occasion. They also decorate their home with flowers and torans. The most important part of Onam celebrations is the ‘Onam Kolam’ or the ‘Pookalam’. Pookalam is very similar to Rangoli; in fact it can be termed as form of Rangoli. ‘Poo’ means ‘flower’ and ‘Kalam’ means artwork. Made of flower and colors, it is a very beautiful decorative motif used as a floor decoration on most of the auspicious occasion.

On the occasion of Onam, Pookalam is made in most of the Malayalee homes. It is basically a colorful arrangement of flowers on the floor. Making a pookalam every day is like a ritual in every home during the ten-day-long (Atham to Thiruvonam) celebrations. Flowers are used on each day, as a particular flower is dedicated to each day of Onam. Beautiful motifs are made using these flowers along with naturally derived colors and cowdung.

How is Pookalam Made
For making a Pookalam, first of the entire floor is cleaned and all the dust is wiped out. Then, cow dung is spread over the entire area where the Pookalam is to be made. Once the cow dung is evenly spread, motifs on it are made using the hairline bamboo sticks or any pin like material. Generally, the Pookalam is made in ten rings, each representing a ‘God’. The flowers are then filled into the pattern made on the cowndung. Flowers that are commonly used in Pookalam include Thumba, Kakka Poovu, Thechipoovu, Mukkutti, Chemparathy, Aripoo or Konginipoo , Hanuman Kireedom and Chethi . Of all these flowers, Thumba flowers are considered the best as they are small in size and glitter in the soft rays of the sun. The design of the Pookolam can be simple or intricate depending upon the choice of the designer. It is generally made at the entrance or veranda of the home.

Significance
The Pookalam or floral Rangoli is made on the occasion of Onam in order to auspiciousness to one’s home. It is said that King Mahabali whose soul visits the state in the ten days during Onam becomes happy to see these beautiful patterns on the entrance of one’s home. Thus, the prosperity and happiness of that home is ensured for along time. Also at some places, the nakshatram of the day is used to be marked on the Pookalam as it stands as the representation of the Nakshatra. As for example on the Moolam day, Pookalam is made with four corners while on Thriketta, the representation of the nakshatram is done by making a protrusion on the circle in the form of a hand. It is also a popular belief that ten rings or steps of the Pookalam represent the ten deities in the Hindu pantheon. First step defines Ganesha, second defines Shiva and Shakti, third defines Shiva, fourth defines Brahma, fifth defines Pancha Boothangal, sixth defines Shanmughan or Muruga, seventh step defines Guru, eighth step is for ashta digpalakar, ninth defines for Indra and tenth defines Lord Vishnu.

[MysteRy]

Onam History

Onam is the state festival of Kerala. Celebrated in the first month ‘chingam’ according to the Malayalee Calender, it is also the annual harvest festival of the state. The festival falls in the month of August to September according to the Gregorian calendar. The celebrations of Onam go ten days long up to Tiruvonam and in some cases to twelve days long until chatayam (twelfth day). The celebrations of Onam include elaborate rituals, music, dances, sports, boat races and of course scrumptious foods. There are several legends and stories attached with the festival.

Onam has been a part of Malayalee culture for centuries. The earliest record of the festival that has been found belongs to the reign of Kulasekhara Perumals around i.e. around 800 AD. However, there are great possibilities that the festival was celebrated before this period also. Any ways, due to lack of physical evidences, it has been assumed that the festival started somewhere around 800 A.D. as the harvest festival of the state. However, there are so many legends and stories attached with the day that it seems that the festival has been a part of the region ever since its origin.

Onam Celebrations has two most important significances in context of the Malayalee culture. First of all, it is celebrated as the harvest festival of the state. It reminds one of the golden age of prosperity when the entire month of Chingam (the month of Malayalee calendar that corresponds to the August- September time of Gregorian calendar) was celebrated as the Onam month. It was the time when the farms of the state produced excess of food grains and brought prosperity and riches to the state. Arriving after the rain-drenched month of Karkidakam (July-August), Chingam was welcomed with much enthusiasm by the people of Kerala.

The second and the most popularly quoted legend with the festival is related to the demon king, Mahabali. It is said that Mahabali was a generous and kind hearted king of Kerala. He was powered by a boon granted to him by Lord Brahma, he was invincible and thus gradually won over the entire earth. Soon after he won the earth, he also won the territory of heaven and became its king. He gradually rose up to become the undisputed ruler of all the three worlds. It was the time he inflicted violence upon the gods. Lord Vishnu then decided to overthrow Bali from his powers. He went to Bali in the form of a Brahman as he knew that the king rejoiced in doing good deeds and giving alms to the poor. He asked for three feet of land from the Demon king to which the king readily agreed.

Gradually, he Brahaman increased in size. In one step, he measured the entire earth and in the other he covered the entire heaven, he then asked Bali that where should he put the third step. Bali, a man of his words, then laid down his head and asked Brahman to step his foot on his head. Vishnu disguised in the form of Brahman, thus appeared in front of Bali and offered him the Kingdom of the nether world. However as Bali was very much in love with the people of his kingdom at earth, he asked Vishnu to give him a boon so that he can visit the earth once a year to which Vishu readily agreed. Bali, since then is believed to come to earth in the month of ‘chingam’ according to the Malayalee calendar and the entire festival is celebrated to welcome their dear king Mahabali to earth.

[MysteRy]

Onam Date

Onam is the state festival of Kerala and it is celebrated with extreme enthusiasm and zeal throughout the state irrespective of caste, creed and community. It is celebrated in order to welcome the spirit of King Mahabali who is said to visit the place at the time of Onam. The festival is marked with wonderful celebrations including intricate rituals, grand feast, songs, dance, games and fairs. It is also known as the harvest festival of the state and is celebrated in the beginning of the first month of Malayalam Calendar (Kolla Varsham) called ‘Chingam’. This month falls in August-September according to the Gregorian calendar and in Bhadrapada or Bhadon according to the Indian (Hindu) Calendar.

When Is Onam Celebrated
Onam is celebrated over ten days; it comes to an end with the grand celebrations on the tenth day called ‘Thiruvonam’. Onam celebrations start from the day of Atham and culminate on Thiruvonam. At some places the celebrations even extend to twelve days called as ‘Chatayam’. However, Atham and Thiru Onam are the most important days for Onam celebrations. The days for these celebrations are decided according to the position of stars. The festival is supposed to start from the appearance of the lunar asterism (a cluster of stars smaller than a constellation) Atham (Hastha), that appears ten days before asterism Thiruvonam. Thiruvonam actually corresponds to the Shravan day in the month of August or September and that is why it is also known as Sravanotsavam. At this time, the sun is also located in the Zodiac sign of Leo which in return happens to be located in the sun’s house as well.

Significance of Onam Day
Onam is celebrated in order to honor King Mahabali, one of the most respected kings of the state. The entire festival is celebrated in order to welcome his spirit to the place as he is supposed to visit the state during this period. It is believed that that it was on the this day in the month of Chingam when Lord Vishnu took in avatar of Vaamana, came to the state of King Mahabali and sent him to nether world. It is said that since that day the festival of Onam is celebrated in order to memorize his wonderful reign of peace and prosperity in the kingdom. In order to welcome their respected ruler, people lay flower mats (Pookalam) in the front courtyard, arrange grand feast (Onasadya), dance, play, and celebrate. All this is done to make the King feel that his people are still happy and prosperous. It is believed that Onam celebrations started during the Sangam period as some evidences of the celebrations related to the Kulasekhara Perumals (800 AD) have been found. It is said that during that time Onam was celebrated for a month.

Onam 2012: 29 August.

[MysteRy]

Onam Decorations

The harvest festival of Onam is celebrated with great enthusiasm. People wait for the festive season very eagerly, because they get the opportunity to reconnect with their long lost friends and faraway acquaintances. According to the legends, King Mahabali visits every Malayalee household in Kerala, on the occasion of Onam, to enquire about their wellbeing. Therefore, in order to welcome their benevolent king, the Malayalees make sure that their home is kept spick and span and beautifully decorated, so that their king doesn't go back in dismay. Few days prior to Onam, the homes are scrub-cleaned and decorated beautifully.

Onam Decoration Ideas

Flowers play a prominent part during the harvest festival of Onam. Apart from pookkalam (the floral carpet laid on verandah, during Onam), people decorate their home with flowers.

For the festival, you may choose beautiful flower garlands made of marigold or jasmine. Clad the photo frames of deities with jasmine garlands. Put up a beautiful garlands of marigold, at the main door of your home.

Place a beautiful flower vase at the center table of your living room. Add some fresh cut flowers to the vase, so that it makes a beautiful and aromatic centerpiece. Do not forget to change the flowers daily.

For your dining table, you may place a beautiful centerpiece, such as, a fruit basket. Include some varieties of bananas in the basket, so that your guests can relish on the fruit after having the sumptuous Onam feast.

Remove the old table cloth and mats and replace them with the new or laundered ones. If you want to decorate your home as per a theme, then you may choose the floral theme for your interiors, because it is best suited for the harvest festival.

The bedroom décor may vary from person to person, depending upon the personal needs. Nonetheless, it is suggested that you should make your bedroom airy and well ventilated. You may place some throw pillows in you bed. Do not forget to change the bedspread!

Add wind chime at every dividing part of your home. For instance, at the divider of your living room and dining room, place a beautiful wind chime.

Curtains chosen for your room should be airy. Choose a light fabric for the curtains. Cotton would be the best bet. You may opt for pastel colors such as shades of green and blue or off-whites, whites or shades of yellow for the walls.

If you want to add more color to your Onam decorations, you may make use of festoons such as balloons and streamers. Hang a bunch of balloons from the ceiling fan of your living room. Hang a small banner reading 'onashamsakal' at the main door.

[MysteRy]

Onam Dance

Onam, the harvest festival of Kerala, is a grand carnival that extends for ten days during August-September. Celebrated with fun and fervor, the highlights of the festival are songs, dances, Vallamkali (snake boat race), feasting and Pookkalam (floral carpet). Right from Attam (the first day of Onam), people are busy in the preparations for the big day - Thiruvonam, the tenth day of the festival. One of the traditions of Onam festival is performance of dance forms that are native to Kerala. Apart from being vibrant, the dances are very colorful. The mesmerizing performances of the artists leave the spectators simply awestruck.

Traditional Onam Dances

Kathakali
One of the popular dance forms of Kerala, Kathakali is performed by professional artists. If you visit Kerala on the festive season of Onam, you will get to see the performances of the dance-drama in Shornur, Kovalam and most importantly, Cheruthuruthy. Kathakali is a highly stylized classical dance, which involves the depiction of scenes from Hindu mythology, the most prominent being Ramayana and Mahabharata.

Kummatti Kali
A colorful mask-dance, Kummatti Kali is widely popular in South Malabar parts of Kerala. During Onam, the artists (generally men) of the folk dance clad themselves in skirts that are woven out of plaited grass. The artists wear heavily painted funny masks made of saprophyte, jack fruit tree, Alstonia scholaris, Hog Plum tree or the Coral tree. They go from door to door to entertain people, in return of which they collect small gifts. They generally depict characters from Hindu mythology, including Krishna, Narada, Kiratha, Darika, or hunters.

Pulikali / Kaduvakali
Also referred to as Kaduvakali, Pulikali is a colorful recreational folk art from the state of Kerala, performed on Nalaam Onam (two days after Thiruvonam) by trained artists. During the folk dance, the artists (generally men) are painted like tigers and hunters in bright yellow, red and black color. They dance to the rhythmic beats of instruments including Udukku and Thakil. The artists are accompanied by a procession of many others. Pulikali is one of the highlights of Onam.

Thumbi Thullal
Thumbi thullal is a fascinating all-women folk dance, performed on the occasion of Onam. The lead performer of the dance is called 'Thumbi', who sits at the center of the circle of women. She starts to sing a song, while other women join her by clapping hands. As the dance proceeds, the tempo of the song increases. Thumbi, who holds a bunch of Thumba leaves, starts moving at her position, just like a possessed woman. The performance is culminated by decreasing the tempo of the song.

Kaikotti Kali
Also referred to as 'Thiruvathirakali', Kaikotti Kali is a famous folk dance of Kerala, performed by women. Eight to twelve women encircle a brass lamp. They are clad in traditional Kerala saree or set mundu, bedeck their tied hair with jasmine garlands and accessorize themselves with gold jewelry. The dancers bend downwards, move sideways in order to go in sync and clap with their fellow dancer. The graceful and symmetric steps of the group dance are backed by rhythmic music of the song that is sung in the background, by two to four women.

[MysteRy]

Celebrating Holi

In India, the colorful festival of Holi is celebrated with fun and fervor. The festival marks the arrival of spring season, therefore, brings in warmth into the air. It is not just the season, which is changing, but also the mood of the people. The festival signifies the spirit of brotherhood and unity. It is often said that on the event of this festival, even enemies forget their differences and embrace, greeting each other. Holi festival is celebrated by the people of all caste, class or creed, without any distinction, in the northern parts of India. It treats everyone equally, wherein all the people drenched in different colors, lose their identity to become one.

Celebrating Holi Festival In India

Holi Milan Within Family
The vibrant colors of Holi bring people closer to even their foes and make them forget all the anguish of the past. After applying colors, people hug and greet each other. This tradition is called as 'Holi Milan'. Usually after a fun filled and action packed day, people dressed in new white colored clothes pay visit to their friends and relatives with sweets, typically Gujia. This helps in renewing and strengthening their social bonds. As per the custom, a plate decorated with tilak (vermillion) and sweets is kept ready for the guests.

People apply tilak, exchange sweets and hug each, while exchanging Holi wishes. They are reenergized by being in the company of near and dear ones. Those staying away from their families opt for greeting cards and telephone to greet each other. Special invitations are extended to new bride, which helps her to feel comfortable and mingle with the members of her new family. Special meal is prepared on the occasion to treat her well and to bless the newly wed couple.

Social Holi Milan
'Holi Milan Samaroh' or 'Holi Greeting Meets' are a special feature of the festival and are organized by various clubs and social organizations. This helps in strengthening the social fabric of the society, as people sit together and enjoy cultural programs like songs, dance, competitions and feasts. Hasya Kavi Sammelan (Comic Poetic gatherings) is also organized on Holi. Poets recite comic prose and poetry for the entertainment of the audience, which adds up to the fervor of the festival. Mouth watering sweets like gujiya, malpuas, mathri, puran poli and dahi badas are savored with full glasses of special thandai (cold drink made of almonds, spices, chilled milk and sugar) is served, in which bhang is mixed to create an alcoholic effect. It is a custom to serve bhang in many parts of the country. Apart from thandai, pakoras and vada made of bhang are also served.

[MysteRy]

Holi Safety Tips

Celebrated in northern parts of India, Holi is a festival of joy and colors. On the joyous occasion, people follow the tradition of smearing color onto the faces of their friends and guests, playfully. While playing with colors is the essence of the festival and is what breathes in life to the occasion, it can be at times very dangerous, in case you do not take precautions. This is because, in the present time, the colors available for Holi are made of harmful chemicals, which may prove to be hazardous if not used properly, without precautions. Therefore, you should take safety measures, if you want to ensure a joyous and colorful Holi. In the following lines, we have provided some safety tips for Holi.

Safety Tips For Holi

While playing Holi, always wear old and ragged clothes that can be discarded immediately after the occasion. Brightly colored and dark colored clothes are preferable for the mood of the day. This way, you will save a lot of time in laundering your stained clothes.

Wear full-sleeved t-shirts or shirts and leggings that cover your legs fully, so that your sensitive body parts are not exposed to the harmful chemicals of the colors of Holi. Wearing socks on the occasion is a good idea too.

Since it is almost impossible to save yourself face from attack of colors on Holi, so while being attacked, keep your eyes and lips tightly closed.

If you are playing Holi, apply a thick layer of coconut or any oil on your body and hair until they glisten and you become slippery. The oily coat would protect you from the immediate effect of harmful chemicals of the colors of Holi. This will not only help in escaping from the frenzied mob attack, but also will help you to wash off colors easily, later on.

While washing off the color from your face, use lukewarm water and keep your eyes and lips tightly closed.

If you are traveling on Holi, keep the car windows tightly shut. It is still better to avoid traveling on the day of playing colors, because you never know, when balloons filled with colors and water might fall onto you.

Do not make use of harmful colors for Holi. This will not only prove harmful to your playmates, but also spoil your Holi. Make use of herbal colors for the festival.

Choose herbal colors that are easily available in the market, for Holi. You may also make herbal colors at home. For instance, red sandalwood powder can be used to make red color; henna powder can be put in best use to derive the bright green color, while yellow color can be made by making use of turmeric powder.

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Holi Customs

Holi, the colorful festival of spring, is the time for fun and pranks. It is a festival to let your hair down and do what you like, say what you like, meet, tease and play with colors with the people around you. The best part is that all the offences and anger are dissolved with one boisterous shout of 'Bura na mano, holi hai!' (Don't be angry, it is Holi!), which is considered to be a part of the tradition of the merrymaking. The festival is celebrated on the full-moon day of Phalguna in North India, while it is stretched up to a week in some parts of North-east India, typically Manipur. Go through the following lines to know more about the traditions of Holi.

Customs & Traditions Of Holi Festival
According to the traditions of Holi, the people gather around on a day before the festival as we know it, is the evening of bonfires. People light up bonfires of dead leaves, twigs and wooden sticks, dance and sing around it to welcome the spring season, commemorate the saving of Prahlad (a mythical character) and burning of his wicked aunt Holika. People take embers from this holy fire to kindle their own domestic fires. In some communities, barley seeds are roasted in the fire to eat. It is believed that the yield of the upcoming harvest season can be predicted by reading the direction of the flames or the state of the roasted barley seeds.

The ashes of the Holi fire are believed to have some medicinal properties. Next morning, it is 'Dhuledi' or the main festival of colors, when adults and kids smear colored powder on each other and splash water jets known as 'pichkaris'. Traditionally, only natural colors prepared from flowers and herbal products were used. However, today, artificial colors have taken over the herbal counterparts. Now, people often use colored foams and balloons filled with colored water to pop-up at anybody they can play prank upon. The color frenzy of oranges and reds, greens and blues and purples soon wash away all the enmity and hatred amongst the festival and serves to bring the community closer.

Mouthwatering sweets and delicacies form an important part of the festival. One can relish on a wide variety of lip-smacking sweets, the most prominent being 'Gujias' (in Northern India) and 'Puran Poli' (in Maharashtra). 'Thandai' (a cool drink made by mixing almonds, spices with chilled milk and sugar) is mixed with 'bhang' (an intoxicating substance that creates an alcoholic effect for a long time, after consumption) is served during Holi, as a part of its customs. People also relish on the pakoras and vadas made of Bhang. Although the consumption of bhang is intoxicating for the body, people do consume it on Holi, to de-stress themselves and enjoy the day without worrying about the drudgery of everyday life.

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Holi Around the World

Celebrated on the Phalgun month of the Hindu calendar, the festival of colors - Holi- is the time to have unlimited fun with the loved ones. On the occasion, people in India smear color on each other's face, splash water by using pichkaris and balloons, exchange wishes by hugging each other. Tilak is applied on the forehead of everyone who visits the homes, during Holi. Mouth watering sweets such as 'Gujia' are relished on, while people take immense pleasure in drinking 'thandai' (a cold drink made with almonds, spices, chilled milk and sugar) mixed with bhang, bhang pakoras and vadas made of bhang.

Though Holi is purely an Indian festival, it is gradually appealing to the international populace as well. The splendor and charisma of the festival is such that it is celebrated far beyond the boundaries of the country. The secular character of Holi is established by the fact that people residing in different parts of the world soak themselves in the colors of Holi. Indians have spread to the different corners of the globe, contributing to the fact that Holi festival is celebrated widely. This festival knows no bars, no boundaries. The gusto, with which it is celebrated, is simply worth seeing.

The festival of Holi abroad provides people an opportunity to mingle with each other, thereby improving their ties and bonds. The Indians settled abroad are even more eager to celebrate the festival, as it reminds them of their motherland and their loved ones. Like India, they also exchange sweets and greet each other. The spirit of festivity binds them to their roots. A break from the hum drum of daily life, Holi provides an opportunity to soak them in the colors of harmony and rejuvenate the memories of the celebrations of the festival back home. Know more about celebrations of Holi festival around the world, through the following lines.

Holi Festival Around The World

Holi In USA
Holi festival is celebrated with ardor in the countries like USA. A sizeable population of Indians can be found in the USA, which tells us the reason why the festival is observed with such gaiety there. In USA, religious organizations and societies take the responsibility of organizing the festival. Musical programs and meets are conducted to fill the air with the spirit of India. New York is completely dabbled by the colorful waters. Holi is marked by parades and attended by Indians, rejoicing, playing with colors in the midst.

Holi In UK
In UK, the revelry of Holi is seen profoundly at places with a large congregation of Indians. The British city of Leicester is particularly known for its love for celebrating Indian festivals. The enthusiasm reaches its peak on the occasion of Holi. The joyous festival is marked with social gatherings and exchange of sweets. People enjoy the day by smearing colors on each other and playing with water, just as it is done back home, in India. People apply tilak on each other's forehead to welcome and hug each other to wish.

Holi In South Africa
The Indians settled in South Africa have made it a point to keep the tradition of celebrating Holi alive in South Africa, the southernmost country of the continent of Africa. The Indians in South Africa play with colors, on the occasion of Holi. They sing songs, which is one of the prominent parts of the celebrations. People exchange gifts and greet each other. The evenings are spent in meeting friends and acquaintance living in different parts of the country.

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Significance of Holi

Holi is one of the most colorful and vibrant festivals celebrated in India. Like many other festivals, Holi has an ancient origin, the tradition of which is being followed since time immemorial. Considering the religious importance of the festival, it is associated with a number of mythological stories. The most popular amongst them is that of Radha and Lord Krishna, wherein, he playfully applied color on Radha's cheek, as she was fairer than him. This gave rise to the festival of Holi and the tradition of playing with colors. The significance of the festival has not diminished since then and even applies to the cultural, social and biological aspects of our lives. Know more about the signficance of Holi festival, with this article.

Importance Of Holi Festival

Cultural Significance
The cultural significance of Holi can be gauged from the fact that its origin derives reference from various mythological tales. This has led to a deep faith and respect towards the celebration of the festival, as Indians strongly believe in mythology. The moral behind all these stories is victory of good over evil, which is a lesson for the human race. The tales instill the faith of man into the ultimate power of God and his mercy over his devotees. Holi festival is the medium through which people are inspired to lead a virtuous life. Moreover, the festival is organized at the time when the harvest is at full bloom, giving people an opportunity to rejoice.

Social Significance
The social significance of Holi is seen in the form of the message of unity and brotherhood, it delivers. As per the custom and tradition, people pay visits to their friends and relatives, to give them wishes as well as to strengthen their bonds. The festival brings the nation together, as it is not just celebrated by Hindus but, also by the Sikhs, Christians, Jains as well. The festival is unique, as it does not discriminate against any section of the society and treats everyone equally. The social fabric and secular character of the society is strengthened, since people work on building cordial relations, forgiving their hard feelings for others.

Biological Significance
Apart from the cultural and social significance of the festival, Holi considerably affects the biological system of our body. The time, at which Holi is celebrated, is very crucial with respect to our body. During the festival, the season is going through a change - from winter to summer. It is the period when people feel lethargic and drowsy. Holi provides them the opportunity to wear off their laziness, by enjoying themselves thoroughly.

The dance performances and the music played during the festival rejuvenate the mind and soul. The color, especially Abeer, penetrates the body and strengthens the ions, improving health and beauty. During the tradition of Holika Dahan, people circumambulate around it the fire. This ritual kills the bacteria in the body and makes it clean. During Holi, people clean their houses and remove clutter, thereby ensuring flow of positive energy. Therefore, it can be said that apart from rejuvenating the social ties, Holi provides a wonderful opportunity to let loose all the tension and de-stress the mind.

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Holi Colors

Holi is the spring festival of India, celebrated by playing with vibrant colors. The colorful festival is the wonderful opportunity to reconnect to the family and friends and rejuvenate the social ties. During the festival, people smear color on each other's face and splash water, playfully. The festival is known for the generous use of colors, which are produced both naturally and artificially. While gulal is the main color of the festival, which is available in vibrant pink shades, red, green and yellow, other colors, which are a bit hard, have also occupied the market shelves. In this article, find out all about the rang/color of Holi festival.

Legend
There is a legend behind the use of colors on Holi. According to the Hindu mythology, Lord Krishna started the tradition of playing with colors during the festival. He was jealous of his soul mate - Radha's fair complexion, because he was dark in color. The young Krishna often complained about his dark skin tone to his mother - Yashoda. To placate the child, Yashoda asked him to smear color on Radha's face, so that her fair complexion is masked. Obeying his mother, Lord Krishna applied color on Radha's face, which changed her complexion. The playful and mischievous Krishna started the game of playing with colors and this is how, the celebration of Holi with colors was started.

Holi Festival Colors
Dry Holi colors known as 'Gulal' and wet colors or 'Rang' were originally prepared naturally from the flowers and other products that had dyeing properties. However, with time, in the quest of more long-lasting and strong colors, chemically enhanced and artificial colors have come in vogue. The harmful effects of these chemicals on our body and eyes have forced us to do a turn-about to the natural colors. However, you certainly don't need to disappoint as one can create beautiful reds, greens, blues, saffron, yellows and magentas at home, and that too naturally.

Types Of Holi Colors
There are various types of colors used for the festival of Holi. Out of the colors, gulal are the prominent ones. They are available in rose, red, green and yellow colors. They are generally scented, dry and applied on face. Being very soft color, gulal doesn’t cause much stain, even if it is mixed with water. The color is also used to apply tilak on the forehead of guests of Holi. Hard and long lasting colors in the shades of green are also available in the market, which are generally mixed with water and splashed using pichkari. Balloons are also filled with the colors. Apart from the dry and wet colors, certain latex paints in the color of black are also available in the market. Such colors are considered harmful and are suggested to avoid.

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History of Holi

Holi is one of the most ancient festivals in India and was originally named 'Holika’. Celebrated throughout the country with immense zeal and fervor, Holi is also one of the most popular Indian festivals abroad. The celebrations of Holi differ from region to region, however the zeal and gusto with which the festival is welcomed throughout the country remains the same. It is often said that the modern form of Holi was introduced in Mathura and Vridvana by Lord Krishna himself and that is why Holi holds a special significance in the eastern part of the country. Read on this article to explore the origin as well as the history of Holi in the country.

History of Holi
The exact origin of the festival can not be found, though several historians claim that the Holi celebration in the country was brought along with the Aryans. It is also quoted as a reason that Holi is still celebrated with great zeal in the more Aryan dominant Northern and Eastern India. There is also a detailed description of this festival in early religious works such as Jaimini's Purvamimamsa-Sutras and Kathaka-Grhya-Sutras. Several other religious and historical texts also discuss in detail about the festival.

It is said that Holi is celebrated in India, since an immemorial time, even in the period before Christ. However, the meaning of the festival is believed to have changed over the eras and phases. Long ago, Holi was a special rite performed by married women for the happiness, well-being and prosperity of their families and the full moon (Raka) was worshiped for bringing auspiciousness and pleasure. With time the way of celebration has changes. Also, the prominent legends related to the festival have changed with time.

Reference in Ancient Texts and Inscriptions
Holi has a detailed description in the ancient Vedas and Puranas such as ‘Narad Purana’ and ‘Bhavishya Purana’. The festival of Holi also finds detailed descriptions in the Jaimini Mimansa. During an excavation, a stone inscription of 300 BC was found at Ramgarh and this stone inscription has mention of ‘Holikotsav’ i.e. the ‘celebrations of Holi’ written on it. This gives logic to the theories of the historian who believe Holi to be a celebration even before the birth of Christ. Other ancient references like the mention of holikotsav in King Harsha’s Ratnavali written during 7th century and the description of holikotsav in the travelogues of Ulbaruni, support the fact that Holi is not a nascent celebration in the country.

Reference in Ancient Paintings and Murals
Apart from the reference in the religious and historical texts, Holi also finds a reference in the sculptures on walls of old temples. A 16th century temple at Hampi, the capital of Vijayanagar (now in Karnataka) has a panel sculpted with the joyous scene of Holi celebrations. This painting illustrates a Prince and his Princess standing amidst maids who are waiting with pichkaris to drench the couple in colored water. Another painting on the theme related to Holi, the Vasanta Ragini - spring song or music is found in Ahmednagar in Maharashta. This 16th century painting depicts a royal couple sitting on a huge swing, and several maidens surrounding them playing music and spraying colors with pichkaris.

There are several other illustrations and paintings belonging to medieval India that can be found in the temples and palaces of that era. An interesting painting of Mewar (circa 1755) illustrates the Maharana with his courtiers bestowing gifts and riches on his people while a merry dance is going on. Also, there is water tank filled with colored water in the center of his courtyard. Similarly, a Bundi miniature depicts a king seated on his tusker and some beautiful women showering Gulal (colored powders) on him. These are few of the examples which Holi has been an integral part of the country since ever. It existed here before Christ was born; it continued in the medieval era and is being celebrated in the country till now.