Holi, the festival of colours, spring, and love, is one of the most famous and celebrated festivals in Hinduism. The day when everyone wears new traditional white kurtas and ethnic clothes, which assists and lets the colours blend in. Special delicacies are prepared on this day and shared amongst everyone who gathers to play Holi together in an open space like a playground, house entrance or streets.

Welcome to a journey into the heart of Holi, the beloved festival of colors! Celebrated with exuberance across India and beyond, Holi signifies the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil. This vibrant festival is not just about splashing colors but also embraces rich traditions and captivating legends. From the playful battles with colored powders and water balloons to the poignant tales of Lord Krishna and Radha, Holi weaves together moments of joy, love, and cultural significance. Join us as we delve into the timeless customs, enchanting stories, and modern influences that make Holi a cherished celebration worldwide.

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What are the traditional activities and customs during Holi?

The festival is celebrated by playing with organic and natural handmade colors called Gulaal. People use this color to caress their cheeks and faces and share the joy of Holi. Kids and adults also enter into a water balloon fight and use the toy gun, Pichkari, which is filled with colored water, and they teasingly spray water on each other. Hence, when you finish playing Holi, your white attire is not white anymore; fun, right?

What are the stories behind the celebration of Holi?

Besides the fun and festivities, two stories explain why people celebrate Holi. In one story, we celebrate the love shared between Lord Krishna and Radha. In the Braj region of India, Holi is celebrated with much pomp and show. The legend has it that during the innocent time of Lord Krishna, he was perplexed if Radha would like him or not due to his dark complexion. So, Lord Krishna’s mother, Yashoda, said that you go and meet Radha and ask her to color his face with Gulaal. This act on the day is celebrated as Holi as they officially become a couple by coloring each other’s faces.

How does nature play a role in the celebration of Holi and Spring?

Both Spring and Holi suffuse the environment with abundant colors and joy. The beautiful flowers that bloom all around are the way mother nature celebrates Holi with the beings of Earth, and the Gulaal spread all over, glowing on the funny faces of people with cheerful smiles, are individuals playing Holi with mother nature. So, to commemorate both the beginning of Spring and the renowned love of Radha Krishna, this festival is celebrated and enjoyed.

What historical event does Holi celebrate regarding good triumphing over evil?

Holi celebrates the victory of good over evil, particularly the tale of Prahlad, a devotee of Lord Vishnu, who was saved from his father King Hiranakashayap's attempts to harm him through divine intervention.

Who were the main characters in the tale involving Lord Vishnu, King Hiranakashayap, and Prahlad?

The main characters are Lord Vishnu, King Hiranakashayap (Prahlad's father), and Prahlad, the devoted son of Hiranakashayap who worshipped Lord Vishnu despite his father's opposition.

Why did King Hiranakashayap claim himself as God, and what were the blessings he received?

King Hiranakashayap claimed himself as God due to receiving blessings that made him seemingly invincible. These blessings included immunity from being killed by humans or animals, indoors or outdoors, during day or night, by any weapons, on land, water, or air.

Why did King Hiranakashayap become angry with Prahlad, and what extreme measures did he take?

King Hiranakashayap became angry with Prahlad because Prahlad refused to worship him and continued to worship Lord Vishnu. As an extreme measure, he attempted to scare and punish Prahlad, even ordering his sister Holika to burn Prahlad alive.

How did Holika attempt to harm Prahlad, and what was the outcome of her actions?

Holika attempted to harm Prahlad by sitting with him in a fire, protected by a cloak that was supposed to shield her from the flames. However, due to Prahlad's devotion to Lord Vishnu, the cloak protected him while Holika perished in the fire.

In what form did Lord Vishnu intervene to defeat King Hiranakashayap, and why did he choose that particular form?

Lord Vishnu intervened in the form of Narasimha, a half-man, half-lion incarnation, to defeat King Hiranakashayap. This form was chosen because it was dusk, neither day nor night, and Narasimha's claws were neither handheld nor projectile weapons, fulfilling the conditions of Hiranakashayap's blessings.

What ritual marks the end of evil and the celebration of victory on the evening before Holi?

The ritual that marks the end of evil and the victory celebration on the evening before Holi is Holika Dahan, where people create a bonfire and celebrate around it, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.

How is Holi celebrated across different religions and regions in India?

Holi is celebrated with various rituals and traditions across India. It is not limited to any specific religion and is enjoyed by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and others. It includes playing with colors, water balloons, festive meals, and sharing sweets.

How has modern technology influenced the celebration of Holi, especially in terms of communication and sending warm wishes?

Modern technology has made it easier for people to greet and wish each other during Holi, especially when loved ones are far away. Social media, messaging apps, and video calls facilitate the sharing of warm wishes and greetings seamlessly across distances.

What are Holi Wishes that Can be Sent on WhatsApp?

• May this Holi fill your life with colours and bring you immense joy and happiness.
• Happy Holi to you and your loved ones. May this day bring the colours of spring into your life.
• While you enjoy the sweet gujiyas this holi, may the sweetness in your life be increased too.
• Remembering the eternal love shared by Krishna Radha, I pray for your life to be full of love and warmth.
• This Holi, enjoy colours, thandai, and gujiya with your near and dear ones.
• I wish this holi, all the negativity of your life may burn into the fire, and all that is left for you is immense happiness.
• Holi is the time to indulge in vibrant colours and exotic music while you have the time of your life.
• Share your playlist of favourite Bollywood songs of Holi along with sweets this time.
• With a splash of colour and millions of smiles, we wish you a very happy Holi!
• Let the ego, anger, and negative traits burn in this pious bonfire of Holi.
• Splash colours and eat sweets may this holi be as bright as spring.
• Enjoy the festival of holi to the fullest.
• May your life become as colourful as Gulaals of Holi.
• Holi may strengthen your family love, unity and joy.
• May this gathering of holi leads to unity of community and brotherhood.

Holi, a colourful feast of music, gulaals and gathering is beyond religion and country, now, it is celebrated across the globe. So, Enjoy this holi in its truest essence and playfulness. We, team of IndianShelf, wishes you and your family, A HAPPY HOLI!