HOLI [sanskrit] - also known as the ‘Festival of Colours’ - is a spring festival* celebrated throughout the Indian subcontinent and in countries with a large Indian subcontinent diaspora, such as Jamaica, Suriname, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, South Africa, Malaysia, the UK, the USA, Canada, Mauritius and Fiji. It signifies the victory of good over evil, the arrival of spring, the end of winter and, for many, a day of celebration to meet new people, play, laugh, forget, forgive and mend broken relationships. Holi is an ancient Hindu religious festival that has become popular with non-Hindus in many parts of South Asia, as well as with people from other communities outside Asia. In recent years, the festival has spread to parts of Europe and North America as a springtime celebration of love, frolic and colours.

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LEGENDS:

The festival of Holi is traditionally linked to several legends. According to one popular legend, the word Holi is derived from the demoness Holika. She was the sister of Hiranyakashipu (which means love of gold and a soft bed), a demon king who, having defeated the gods, had proclaimed his supremacy over all the other inhabitants of the universe. Furious at his son Prahlad's ardent devotion to Lord Vishnu, Hiranyakashipu decided to punish him. He enlisted the help of his sister Holika, who was immune to the damage caused by fire. Holika carried the little boy Prahlad into the fire, but divine intervention destroyed her and saved Prahlad from the flames. This is how the festival of Holi is celebrated to commemorate the immolation of the evil Holika. Her effigy is consumed in fire! Holi is celebrated with particular importance in northern India. It celebrates the love of Radha and Krishna. The sprinkling of coloured powders recalls the amorous pastime of Lord Krishna and his devotees.

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ESSENCE:

The colours, music and entertainment that accompany the celebration of Holi reflect a sense of unity and brotherhood. This festival teaches us the lesson of spiritual and social harmony!