HOLI MUBARAK !!!

Imagine the world without colours! Isn’t it Gloomy? Yes! For sure, andthis is the very reason why God filled color in this world. With the arrival of spring the aura turns gleaming as its pave the way for ‘Holi’, the most colorful festival of Hindus or better say the caravan of colours...

The amalgamation of joy, verve and brotherhood is brought enfolded in the month of Phagun (February/March). This fiesta marks an end to the stagnancy of winter and greets the rejuvenation of spring.

There are several myths associated with celebration of holi. It is believed that a cruel king Hiryankashyap, who considered himself to be God, was opposed by his own son Prahlad, who was a great devotee of Lord Vishnu. So Hiryankashyap planed to kill his own son and placed him on a pyre on the lap of his sister Holika. Holika had a boon that fire could harm her in no way. But to the surprise Prahlad was saved and Holika burnt into ashes. Thus it gives us the message: victory of Good over Evil.

 It is also believed that lord Krishna once complained, that why is it so that his complexion is dark and that of his beloved Radha is fair. To this Krishna’s mother Yashoda planned to apply colour on Radha’s face. Thus this festival also adorned with shades of love, mischief, merry making, and fun unlimited.

For Indians festivals are the spice of life, and all the festivals are equally enjoyed by people of all the communities. Even in Mughal courts, in the reign of Akbar and Shajahan Holi was celebrated with great fervor and felicity. India a land of Ram and Raheem, where a Hindi word ‘Holi’ goes with an Urdu word ‘Mubarak’ and thus comes the feel of ‘Holi Mubarak’ with flying colours It is a day to forget all the rivalry and foster brotherhood. Well Holi is a day to engross in colours and hence people play with ‘Gulal’ and colours. Enjoy cuisine like Gujia and Thandai. In certain regions there is no escape without ‘Bhang’ which is mixed in eatables, though it is toxic but is widely used. Moreover Dhols and Holi songs (folk songs) add vigor to the zest…

Commercialization has left no stone unturned. Festivals manifestly turn out to be a great platform. Advertisement of offers in all types of commodity is a common affair. Every newspaper, TV channels, posters, hoardings etcetera hold them. With its influence Politicians have also realized the importance of ornamental publicity, and therefore these days we can easily witness the hoardings of “Holi Greetings” given by those on powers and also by those on opposition. It’s a satire that is it an encouragement to Brotherhood or another emotional stair to reach to the ‘chair of power’.

 Our nation has lot to give to the world, when we talk about its culture and traditions. But unfortunately at times it’s not respected by our own people, who blindly run behind the western culture at the name of modernization. It’s worth observing that in recent years television has revived the beauty of our vivid traditions in their contemporary shapes. It’s a great source to arouse the love for our culture among the generation next who otherwise had ignorance for

festivals.

Now before I end it’s a reminder to not to use synthetic colours as they are harmful for our health. Use herbal colours instead. A festival should be enjoyed in its true spirits and not by gambling and boozing for the sake of unhealthy entertainment.

 Its time to get ready for the most boisterous festivals which brings
with it fun that never ends…
“A VERY HAPPY, PROSPEROUS, and SAFE HOLI”.
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RICHA TIWARI

Student

B.A. in Media Studies
University Of Allahabad