Holi: The Festival of Colors – History, Significance, Traditions, and Celebrations in Nepal
Holi is one of South Asia's most exciting, dynamic celebrations and, much like its name the 'Festival of Color's. It is also representative of the beginning of springtime and the victory of 'good' over 'evil.' However, as much as Holi is considered an event that involves throwing colored powders, rathas etc.It is now viewed as a celebration of renewal, of love, of family / community, and of culture.
Each year, Falgun (February - March), every town and each city in Nepal (as well as any village) becomes a colorful explosion of colors; millions of people gather at temples, in streets, or public parks to dance, sing, and generally have an entire day filled with an abundance of joy! Holi has many cultural, religious, and social significance in the context of the land of Nepal, and as such, thousands of international tourists travel to Nepal to experience this remarkable festival along with many Nepali nationals.
In this blog we are discussing the history, mythology, cultural importance, ways to celebrate, traditions to use when observing Holi, what to eat on Holi, and general safety tips with regard to Holi as well as current popular trends associated with Holi.
The Origins Of Holi In Hindu Mythology
The beliefs about Holi have deep roots in the stories from Hindu mythology (particularly the story of Prahlad and Holika), as the rationale behind this festival is a result of a legend that involves the events that took place between Vishnu (part of the Holy Trinity), Prahlad (Vishnu devotee) and Holika (the devil who attempted to kill Prahlad).
In times of old, one powerful demonic king, Hiranyakashipu, ruled with an absolute will that everyone should worship him as if he were God. However, amongst all his subjects and people, it was his very own son Prahlada that would not renounce Lord Vishnu. This did frustrate the king terribly because no matter how hard he tried to make his son turn from Lord VIsnu, he just couldn't do it; the king could not make his son stop loving and respecting Lord VIsnu.
Following many unsuccessful attempts to get his son, Prahlada, to become an enemy of Lord Vishnu, Hiranyakashipu devised an evil scheme with the assistance of his evil sister, Holika, to kill his son. Holika had received a boon that conferred immunity from being killed by fire and thought that she would be able to fool her brother into sitting in her lap; thus, Holika and Prahlada would jump into a large fire that Holika had prepared for them. But through the power of Prahlada's complete devotion to Lord Vishnu, Vishnu saved Prahlada from being burnt to death in the flames, and Prahlada was not only saved by Lord Vishnu, he was not burned to death either by the fire's flames. In stark contrast to Prahlada's safety. Holika was killed by the flames of the fire. Ultimately, Holika was destroyed by the fire while Prahlada was spared from being consumed by the flames of the fire.
Holika is representative of:
- The manifestation of evil being overcome
- Faith
- Release of arrogance, negative energy.
Every year, on the eve of Holi, people all around the world hold bonfires in celebration of the above.
The Story of Radha and Krishna
Holi has various legends about it; one of which is the tale of Krishna and Radha. Krishna was a boy who was known to have dark skin. He went to his mother, Yashoda, complaining about Radha's fair skin. Yashoda told him to paint Radha's face, thus the tradition of throwing colour was established. This established both the romantic and joyous aspects of the festival of Holi, and provided a way to express love, equality and togetherness.
Celebrations on the Holi
There are many reasons to celebrate the celebration of Holi, including, religious, cultural, seasonal and social.
1. The Celebration of Spring
Holi is a celebration for the beginning of Spring. It is also a celebration for the beginning of life, new beginnings and abundance of harvest.
2.Understanding the representation of the Triumph of Good
The celebration of good vs. evil is reflected in the burning of Holika to symbolize the triumph of virtue over vice.
3.Celebration of Love & Unity in Nepal
The Love and Harmony Festival in Nepal breaks social boundaries between groups who did not previously connect. It creates an atmosphere of goodwill among those in attendance, resulting in a sense of belonging, unity and integration amongst all.
Cultural Traditions
Holi is deeply rooted in a long-standing heritage of different forms of music, dance, ritualistic and cultural practices that have been cultivated for centuries and are a significant part of the cultural fabric of Nepal.
Holi is celebrated on both days in different parts of Nepal:
Day 1 – Kathmandu Valley and hill regions
Day 2 – Terai region
Public Celebrations
Some of the main places where public Holi celebrations take place in Nepal are:
Basantapur Durbar Square
Thamel
Patan Durbar Square
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Lakeside, Pokhara
Throughout the celebration thousands of friends will meet and have fun playing with
Rituals and Customs of Holi
Holika Dahan
Bonfires are built to burn away the bad and celebrate the arrival of spring as an opportunity for families in their communities to pray for prosperity and protection!
Playing with Color
Participants in Holi smear each other with dry color (also known as gulal) or throw colored water on one another as a symbol of joy and togetherness!
Water Balloons & Pichkaries
Many children and youth enjoy spraying each other with colored water through the use of water guns (known as pichkaries) or by throwing water balloons at others!!!
Music & Dance
Various traditional songs and modern DJ music create a very festive atmosphere in many public spaces throughout India.
Holi Foods
Holi is a time for food, and people enjoy many delicious foods during the Holi celebration. Some of the foods people can expect to eat during Holi include the following:
- Sel Roti are a type of traditional rice bread made in Nepal. These are often shared during the Holi festivities.
- Gujiya are sweet dumplings filled with khoya (made from Milk in India) and nuts. They are also commonly used as snacks.
- Malpua are sweet deep-fried pancakes made from flour and sugar. In some instances, malpua can be eaten on top of sweetened yogurt.
- Dah Vada are lentil dumplings soaked in yogurt and are commonly eaten as snacks.
Families also prepare other seasonal sweets and snacks during the Holi festival. Through this process of coming together in preparing their foods, families have an opportunity to strengthen their bond with one another.
Cultural and Social Impacts of Holi
The celebration of Holi has deep social significance:
- Forgiveness and reconciliation
- Bringing communities together
- Building strong relationships between friends and family
- Establishing equality by breaking down barriers of social class
In many communities, Holi is viewed as an opportunity to forgive any past wrongdoings and create a new beginning.
Holi as a Tourist Attraction in Nepal
Holi has become a popular destination for tourists from abroad. Tourists from all over the world travel to Nepal to witness the street celebrations that take place during Holi.
Visitors like these things:
- Participating in a new Culture
- Taking Pictures with lots of various Vibrant Colors
- Listening to and Watching Traditional Dance and Music
- Meeting Friendly Local People
Kathmandu and Pokhara specifically are very Colorful and Lively places filled with fun Events.
Balancing Environmental Concerns & Access to Eco-Friendly Holi
Modern Holi celebrations are having a growing negative impact on the environment due to the use of Synthetic Colors and the amount of Water wasted.
Here are some eco-friendly suggestions for playing Holi:
- Use Herbal or Organic Coloring materials
- Do Not Use Plastic Water Balloons
- Be Mindful of How Much Water you use and try to Conserve it during Play
- Be Kind and Respectful to Animals
- Throw Away Garbage Properly
- Many Organizations in Nepal are now promoting the use of Eco-Friendly Methods for Celebrating Holi.
Safety Tips When Playing Holi
- To enjoy the festivities while safe, consider the following precautions:
- Apply Oiling to all areas of skin and hair
- Wear Sunglasses and Protect your Eyes
- Avoid Playing with Unknown Chemicals or Non-Natural Colors
- Stay Hydrated by Drinking a Lot of Water
- Never Force Someone to Play and Always Be Respectful
- Adequate Safety Measures Help Ensure a Safe, Fun and Happy Holi Celebration for All.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When is Holi celebrated?
Every year on the Full Moon Day of the Lunar Calendar, Phagwa (or Phala) is celebrated.
What is the significance of throwing colors at each other?
By throwing color at another person, one can represent that person's spirit/life/essence, and by throwing color together at each other, we are connecting all of our spirits (tied by friendship/happiness/joy of each other) into one.
Is Holi a cultural or religious celebration?
People who were raised as religious or currently serve as religious can celebrate Holi as both Cultural or Religious. The celebration of Holi is dictated by the location and who can celebrate Holi (there).
Holi is not just a celebration of color, but it signifies the beginning of new things such as Love and Unity of People. Holi is an affirmation of people's belief in the power of love/that all will come together.