essay on holi wikipedia

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Holi: The Festival of Colors

By: History.com Editors

Published: March 15, 2024

Holi, often called the "festival of colors," is a vibrant and joyful Hindu celebration that marks spring’s arrival, the triumph of good over evil, and the legendary love between Radha and Krishna. 

This festival, mainly observed in South Asia but also recognized globally, typically spans two days and is rooted in ancient traditions, mythology and community gatherings. Its date changes, as it is based on the full moon in the month of Phalguna, part of the Hindu lunar calendar, usually falling in late February or March. In 2024, Holi falls on Monday, March 25.

Holi, dating back to the 4th century, stands alongside Diwali , the festival of lights, as one of the most prominent Hindu celebrations and is famous for the playful tossing of colored powders and water.

The Roots of Holi: Mythology and Legend

Holi's origins are deeply embedded in Hindu mythology, enriched with various stories and legends. One famous tale revolves around the legend of an arrogant and powerful demon king, Hiranyakashipu, and his son Prahlad, who defied his father's wishes by worshipping the deity Vishnu. In a bid to kill Prahlad, Hiranyakashipu conspired with his sister, Holika, to burn him alive. But through divine intervention, Prahlad was unharmed, while Holika perished in the flames. The legend symbolizes the victory of good over evil, a theme central to Holi celebrations.

Also connected to Holi festivities is the love story of Radha and Krishna . According to Hindu mythology, the deity Krishna, whose skin was turned blue by a demon, was enamored by Radha, the epitome of love and devotion.

“Worried that Radha would be turned off by his unnatural appearance, Krishna vented to his mother, who playfully suggested that he smear colored powder on Radha’s face,” CNN reports . “Upon doing so, Radha fell in love with Krishna.”

Holi Rituals and Traditions

In India, where Holi is a national holiday, festivities traditionally begin with Holika Dahan the night before the main event. People light bonfires to honor the triumph of righteousness and sing and dance around them. They might also throw wood, leaves, grains or chickpeas into the flames as a symbolic gesture of letting go of negativity and welcoming the new season with positivity. 

The following day, known as Rangwali Holi, streets burst with color as scores of revelers playfully toss gulal (colored powders) and water at each other, an homage to Radha and Krishna’s love. 

Colors play a significant role in Holi, representing various emotions and elements of nature. Red symbolizes love and fertility, yellow signifies prosperity and new beginnings, blue is associated with the divine Krishna and green embodies the rejuvenation of life and the onset of spring. The throwing of these colors isn’t just fun—it’s a way to celebrate the changing seasons and create a communal sense of unity.

Transitioning from Winter to Spring

Holi also marks the shift from winter to spring, and celebrations with family and friends include sweet treats and drinks. Gujiya, a sweet dumpling-like pastry filled with dried fruits, nuts and other ingredients, symbolizes abundance. The traditional Indian milk drink thandai, infused with sugar, spices, nuts and saffron, and lassi, a yogurt drink flavored with fruits, spices or herbs, are also popular. According to the Hindustan Times , thandai brings “feelings of relief from the scorching heat of summers.” 

The Hindu American Foundation notes that Holi is sometimes compared to Thanksgiving in the U.S., as spring is the time of harvest in the region. Decorations fill Hindu temples, and there’s a focus on harmony and fresh starts. “Holi encourages people to forgive and forget–to pay off old debts, renew broken relationships and make new friends." 

“Why India celebrates Holi: The legends behind the festival of color,” CNN “Why Holi Is the ‘Festival of Colors,’” Time “Here’s What You Should Know About the Hindu Festival of Holi,” Time “Holi: The story of Holika and Prahad,” BBC “Holi 2023: India celebrates festival of colours,” BBC “What to know about Holi, the festival of colors,” CNN “What is Holi? Why is it celebrated? What to know about the Hindu festival of colors,” USA Today “The Meaning Behind the Many Colors of India’s Holi Festival,” Smithsonian Magazine “5 things to know about Holi,” Hindu American Foundation

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Essay on Holi for Students and Children

500+ words essay on holi.

Holi is known as the festival of colours. It is one of the most important festivals in India . Holi is celebrated each year with zeal and enthusiasm in the month of March by followers of the Hindu religion. Those who celebrate this festival, wait for it every year eagerly to play with colours and have delectable dishes.

Holi is about celebrating happiness with friends and family. People forget their troubles and indulge in this festival to celebrate brotherhood. In other words, we forget our enmities and get into the festival spirit. Holi is called the festival of colours because people play with colours and apply them to each other’s faces to get coloured in the essence of the festival.

History of Holi

The Hindu religion believes there was a devil king named Hiranyakashyap long ago. He had a son named Prahlad and a sister called Holika. It is believed that the devil king had blessings of Lord Brahma. This blessing meant no man, animal or weapon could kill him. This blessing turned into a curse for him as he became very arrogant. He ordered his kingdom to worship him instead of God, not sparing his own son.

Following this, all the people began worshipping him except for his son, Prahlad. Prahlad refused to worship his father instead of God as he was a true believer of Lord Vishnu. Upon seeing his disobedience, the devil king planned with his sister to kill Prahlad. He made her sit in the fire with his son on the lap, where Holika got burned and Prahlad came out safe. This indicated he was protected by his Lord because of his devotion. Thus, people started celebrating Holi as the victory of good over evil.

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The Celebration of Holi

People celebrate Holi with utmost fervour and enthusiasm, especially in North India. One day before Holi, people conduct a ritual called ‘Holika Dahan’. In this ritual, people pile heaps of wood in public areas to burn. It symbolizes the burning of evil powers revising the story of Holika and King Hiranyakashyap. Furthermore, they gather around the Holika to seek blessings and offer their devotion to God.

The next day is probably the most colourful day in India. People get up in the morning and offer pooja to God. Then, they dress up in white clothes and play with colours. They splash water on one another. Children run around splashing water colours using water guns. Similarly, even the adults become children on this day. They rub colour on each other’s faces and immerse themselves in water.

In the evening, they bathe and dress up nicely to visit their friends and family. They dance throughout the day and drink a special drink called the ‘bhaang’. People of all ages relish holi’s special delicacy ‘gujiya’ ardently.

In short, Holi spreads love and brotherhood. It brings harmony and happiness in the country. Holi symbolizes the triumph of good over evil. This colourful festival unites people and removes all sorts of negativity from life.

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• HISTORY & CULTURE

9 things to know about Holi, India’s most colorful festival

Here’s the meaning behind the Hindu celebration.

A kaleidoscopic cloud hangs over India, where revellers mark the arrival of spring by throwing powdered dye with abandon, spraying water, and flooding the streets for raucous fun. Holi may be traditionally Hindu, but everyone is equal during this holiday. This year on March 8, color will hide all class lines, the caste system will disappear, and foreigners will join the locals.

Underneath the dancing and colorful chaos lies unique culture and deeply rooted tradition. Here’s what you need to know about Holi.

1. The fun starts early

The colorful party makes up just one part of Holi. The night before, on Holika Dahan (the evening of bonfires), revelers set a symbolic effigy ablaze to commemorate the demise of the demoness Holika . People throw the famed, colored powder on Rangwali Holi , the second and most famous day of the festival. People prepare much earlier by purchasing the powder and kids excitedly practice their aim. In the Braj region of India , Holi celebrations stretch for 16 days.

2. Good triumphs over evil

Holi gets its name from Holika, the demoness sister of evil King Hiranyakashyap in Hindu mythology. As the story goes, the villainous king tried to forbid his son Prahlad from worshiping one of the Hindu gods, Vishnu, but Prahlad persisted despite his father. So the king ordered Prahlad and Holika (who was immune to fire) to sit on a pyre, a wooden structure for burning a body as part of a funeral or execution. When the flames struck, Holika burnt to death in spite of her immunity to fire, and miraculously Prahlad prevailed because he called on the help of Lord Vishnu. So Holi celebrations serve as a reminder of the triumph of good over evil, reflecting the Hindu belief that faith and devotion leads to salvation that can be attained by everyone who believes.

3. Getting stuffed

Families across India lovingly prepare gujiya , a dumpling-like sweet that filled with dried fruits and nuts spiced with cardamom. Countless variations exist, but common fillings include pistachios, cashews, coconut, and raisins, which everyone enjoys during fiery Holika Dahan.

4. Toasting with cannabis milk

Some people toast Holi with a bhang– a milky beverage mixed with a paste of the buds and leaves of cannabis grown high in the Himalayas. Consumed for 3,000 years, this cannabis milkshake connects through mythology to the powerful monk god Shiva–and sold in government-run bhang shops.

5. Why the dye?

Legend holds that after being cursed with blue skin by a demon, Krishna worried that his fair-skinned consort, Radha, would no longer love him. When he complained to his mother Yashoda, she teasingly replied for Krishna to paint Radha’s face whatever color he chose, so he did. The flying multihued pigments, called gulal , remind of the story of Krishna.

( Learn about Holi with your kids .)

6. Natural roots, modernized

Back in the day, gulal was made from flowers, spices, and other natural materials like the brilliant Indian Coral Tree and the Flame of the Forest plants, offering medicinal properties and benefits for the skin. Synthetic dyes became common in the mid-19th century. Today, most gulal used during Holi is synthetic from China, although the Indian government promotes national products and return to plant-based dyes. In 2012, around 200 people were admitted to a Mumbai hospital suffering from color poisoning .

7. Meaningful colors

Much more than painting a pretty picture, the colors hold special significance. Red dye symbolizes love, fertility, and matrimony. Blue represents Krishna, while green stands for new beginnings.

8. Cleaning up

To preempt disaster, Hindus are advised to moisturize hair and skin well to help prevent the gulal from staining. Clothes typically do not survive.

9. Joining the fun

Holi expands well beyond the Indian continent. Hindus celebrate in Bangladesh and Pakistan , plus other countries with large diaspora populations like Suriname , South Africa , and Malaysia . The United Kingdom and the United States also hold parties, concerts, and events across the country, making it possible for many to join the festivities.

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What Is Holi And Why It's Celebrated: History, Significance And Rituals

On holi, all the differences dissolve as communities come together to revel in the shared experience of laughter, song and dance..

Holi 2024: Holi rituals are deeply influenced by tradition.

Holi is a major festival in India that is celebrated by millions across the country. The day is synonymous with colours and sweets, with people meeting friends and family members and smearing gulal on them. In the evening, it's customary in many regions to wear new clothes and meet the near and dear ones. Gujiya, a sweet dumpling filled with khoya (a milk product), and thandai, a refreshing drink infused with nuts and spices, are among the traditional treats enjoyed during the festivities.

History of Holi

Holi's origins trace back to ancient India. One of the most popular legends associated with the festival is the tale of Prahlada and his aunt Holika, a demoness.

Also Read | When Is Holi 2024? How To Perform Puja? All You Need To Know

According to Hindu mythology, Prahlada, a devout follower of Lord Vishnu, survived unscathed from the flames of a pyre, while his malevolent aunt, who sought to harm him, perished. This triumph of good over evil is commemorated with bonfires lit on the eve of Holi, symbolising the victory of righteousness.

Significance of Holi

Holi heralds the arrival of spring, ushering in a season of rejuvenation. As winter's chill finally wanes and nature awakens from its slumber, Holi serves as a jubilant proclamation of life's eternal cycle.

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At the heart of Holi lies its profound cultural significance. It transcends boundaries of caste, creed and class, uniting people with camaraderie and goodwill. On this day, all the differences dissolve as communities come together to revel in the shared experience of laughter, song and dance.

Rituals on Holi

Holi rituals are deeply influenced by tradition. The festival typically begins with the lighting of bonfires, symbolising the triumph of good over evil. The next day, revellers gather to smear each other with vibrant colours, representing the arrival of spring and the blossoming of new beginnings.

Traditional sweets like gujiyas and drinks such as thandai are shared among loved ones, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie. Holi is also a time for forgiveness and reconciliation, as old grievances are washed away along with the colours. Through these rituals, Holi transcends mere festivity, embodying the spirit of unity, renewal, and joy.

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Holi: Festival of Colors

Every spring, people across India and around the world celebrate the Hindu festival Holi , throwing colored water and powders on one another in joyous celebration. On this one day—the full-moon day of the Hindu month of Phalguna—societal rankings such as caste, gender, age, and status are eschewed in the spirit of making merry together, and everyone is fair game to be doused with color.

In other places, the story of Krishna and Radha is central. The story goes that Krishna, a Hindu deity who is considered a manifestation of Vishnu, fell in love with the milkmaid Radha, but he was embarrassed that his skin was dark blue and hers fair. In order to rectify this, he playfully colored her face during a game with her and the other milkmaids. This is thought to be an origin of the colored water and powder throwing. The general merrymaking is also seen as characteristic of Krishna, who is known for his pranks and play.

Learn More About This Topic

• What other festivities are part of Holi?
• Learn more about Krishna
• What are some other customs of Hinduism?

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What is Holi, the Hindu festival of colors and how is it celebrated?

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Holi, widely known as the Hindu festival of colors, is a joyful annual celebration at the advent of spring with cultural and religious significance.

Typically observed in March in India, Nepal, other South Asian countries and across the diaspora, the festival celebrates love and signifies a time of rebirth and rejuvenation — a time to embrace the positive and let go of negative energy.

For one of Holi’s most well-known traditions, celebrants clad in all white, come out to the street and throw colored powders at each other, leaving behind a kaleidoscope of pigments and joy. Festivities with music, dancing and food ensue.

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WHEN IS HOLI CELEBRATED?

Holi is celebrated at the end of winter and the beginning of spring, on the last full moon day of the Hindu luni-solar calendar month of Falgun. The date of the festival varies depending on the lunar cycle. Typically, it falls in March, and will be celebrated this year on March 25.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE STORIES ASSOCIATED WITH HOLI?

The holiday has its origins in Hindu mythology and lore.

In one origin story, the king, Hiranyakashipu, ordered everyone in his kingdom to worship him and was irked when his own son Prahlad, a devotee of Lord Vishnu, disobeyed his command. So, he ordered his sister Holika who was immune from fire to take the child, Prahlad, into a bonfire while holding him in her lap. However, when the pyre was lit, the boy’s devotion to Lord Vishnu protected him and left him unscathed while Holika, despite her immunity, burned to death.

Some also consider Holi a reference to Lord Krishna and his love for his beloved, Radha, and his cosmic play with his consorts and devotees called “gopikas,” who are also revered for their unconditional love and devotion to Krishna.

HOW IS THE FESTIVAL OF COLORS CELEBRATED?

In many parts of India, people light large bonfires the night before the festival to signify the destruction of evil and victory of good.

On the day of Holi, entire streets and towns are filled with people who throw colored powder in the air. Some fling balloons filled with colored water from rooftops and others use squirt guns. For one day, it’s all fair game. Cries of “Holi hai!” which means “It’s Holi!” can be heard on the streets. Holi has also been romanticized and popularized over the decades in Bollywood films.

The colors seen during Holi symbolize different things. Blue represents the color of Lord Krishna’s skin while green symbolizes spring and rebirth. Red symbolizes marriage or fertility while both red and yellow — commonly used in ritual and ceremony — symbolize auspiciousness.

An array of special foods are part of the celebration, with the most popular food during Holi being “gujia,” a flaky, deep-fried sweet pastry stuffed with milk curd, nuts and dried fruits. Holi parties also feature “thandai,” a cold drink prepared with a mix of almonds, fennel seeds, rose petals, poppy seeds, saffron, milk and sugar.

HOW IS HOLI CELEBRATED IN THE DIASPORA?

In North America and in any country with a Hindu population, people of Indian descent celebrate Holi with Bollywood parties and parades, as well as a host of public and private gatherings. It is also common for Hindu temples and community centers to organize cultural programs, friendly cricket matches and other festivities around the holiday.

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Essay on Holi in English [100, 150, 200, 500 Words]

Essay on Holi in English:  Holi is the festival of colours. In this article, you are going to learn how to write an essay on Holi festival in English. Here, we’ve included both short and long essays on Holi (100, 150, 200, and 500 Words). These essays will be helpful for the students of classes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12. So, let’s begin.

Table of Contents

Short Essay on Holi: 100 Words

Holi is one of the most popular festivals in India. It is a festival of colours, joy, and friendship. It is celebrated in the month of March. It is generally celebrated to mark the victory of good over evil. People celebrate the festival by smearing each other with colours. People play with water guns, pichkaris, and water balloons to make Holi more colorful.

People forget their enmities and celebrate the festival of colours. People wear white clothes and visit each other’s houses. Sweets and delicious dishes are prepared on the day of Holi. People distribute gifts to their loved ones. Holi is the symbol of unity, harmony, and brotherhood.

Holi Essay in English: 150 words

Holi is an important festival of the Hindus. It is a festival of colours. The festival of Holi is celebrated in the spring season for two days. The celebration begins with Holika Dahan on the night before the festival and the following day is called Holi.

On the occasion of Holi people are very happy. They forget their cares and anxieties. They make delicious food. They put on new dresses. They sprinkle coloured water on one another. They smear coloured powder on the faces of others. They sing, dance, and jump about. They bens drums and sing Holi songs. They are almost mad with joy. They forget what they are. In the evening they visit their friends, relatives and neighbours. They embrace one another. They smear abir on the faces of others.

Holi is a happy occasion when we mix freely with all. We forget the social distinction between the rich and the poor. This colour of festival unites people and removes all sorts of negativity from life.

Also Read: 10 Lines on Holi Festival

Holi Festival Essay in English: 200 Words

Holi is one of the most well-known festivals in India. It is celebrated in the month of March. It celebrates the arrival of spring and marks the victory of good over bad.

People celebrate Holi by splashing water and smearing each other with colours. People dress up in white clothes and visit family and friends to throw colors on each other. Children enjoy the day by playing with water guns and water balloons. People exchange sweets and gifts on this precious occasion.

This festival has a cultural and religious significance. In ancient times there was an evil king named Hiranyakashipu. He did not believe in God.  His son Prahlad was a devotee of God. The evil king ordered his sister Holika to sit on a pyre with Prahlad in her arms. Holika got burnt but nothing happened to Prahlad. In memory of this incident, Holika Dahan is done on the night before Holi. Religious rituals take place on the night before Holi to symbolize the destruction of evil.

Holi is the festival of love, harmony, friendship, and brotherhood. The colourful festival of Holi is the symbol of unity which inspires us to forget enmity and move on the path of goodness.

Also Read: My Favourite Season [5 Seasons]

Essay on Holi in English: 500 Words

Introduction.

India is a land of fairs and festivals. Hardly a month passes without some fair or festival. Holi is a festival of colours. It is a festival of fun and frivolity. It is an occasion for gaiety and mirth. Men, womanhood children are all in high spirits. In different states of India, it is celebrated in different ways.

Time of celebration

Holi usually comes in the month of March. It marks the end of winter and the beginning of summer. It is a seasonal festival, It marks the beginning of the harvesting season. The wheat crops are ripe in the fields and vesting starts soon after Holi.

How it is celebrated

People sprinkle coloured water on one another. They smear one another’s face with gulal. Coloured water and powders are thrown at one another. The day is marked by practical jokes, fun and laughter. Children move about in streets with bottles full of coloured water and water pumps in their hands. Drums are beaten, songs are sung and the whole atmosphere reasons with shouts of joy. Even old people are not spared. Buckets of coloured water are poured on those who resist. All heads are full of colour dust, all clothes are wet with coloured water and all faces are coloured and smeared beyond recognition.

Throwing of water and colours comes to an end in the afternoon. People wash themselves clean and put on clean clothes. Delicious dishes are prepared and feasts are held. An intoxication is prepared from ‘Bhang’. It is believed to be the favourite drink of Lord Shiva. People eat, drink dance and make merry. Fools’ clubs hold their meetings and pass foolish resolutions. The greats fool is elected as the president of the club.

Holi is celebrated in Mathura and Brindaban in a traditional style. ‘Ras-Leelas’ are performed and memories of Lord Krishna and his Gopis revived on a thousand ways. There, it has a religious touch and people come from far and wide to participate in the Holi festival.

The legend of Holi

Many myths and legends are connected with Holi. It is said that Prahlad was put to by his father Hirnakshap, Because led had a firm faith in God. Inspite of great tortures, Prahlad did not give up in faith in God. Then Hirnakshap asked his sister Holika to sit in a burning pyre with Prahlad in her arms. Holika was burnt to ashes but Prahlad remained untouched by the flames. Thus Holi commemorates the devotion of Prahlad and the cruelty of his father Hirnakshap. A bonfire is lighted every year and Holika is burnt for her villainy. According to another legend, Lord Krishna killed a giantess named Pootna on this day. Holi has yet another significance.

Whatever may be the significance of Holi, it is certainly a colourful festival. It fills our life with fine colours of fun and joy, mirth and laughter. People forget all old enmities and celebrate this festival of colours.

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Holi is a major Hindu festival of India, celebrated in the Hindu calendar month of Phalgun. The festival lasts for one night and one day, beginning on a Purnima (full moon day) in Phalgun. It usually corresponds to March month of the Gregorian calendar. Holi is a festival of joy and love and is fervently celebrated in the Indian sub-continent, especially in India and Nepal. It is also called festival of colours, as people take to streets and play with colours. Unlike most Hindu festivals, Holi doesn’t involve veneration of any of Hindu Gods or Goddesses and is thus purely celebrated for fun. Though, the night before Holi, a ritual of Holika Dahan is carried out, in which people burn their discarded belongings in a bonfire.

Long and Short Essay on Holi Festival in English

Below we have provided different essay on Holi, the most awaited annual Hindu festival of colors.

After going through the these Holi essay you will be able to answer many questions about holi like – why is holi celebrated, when is holi celebrated, how do people celebrate holi and what is the significance of holi festival, etc.

You can also use the information given here in school competitions – essay writing, speeches and debates, etc.

Holi Essay 1 (100 words)

Holi is a major Hindu festival, celebrated annually in spring season. It is the festival of colors during which people, streets and houses could be seen covered in different colors. It is also called the festival of love, as people play with colors, forgetting their old enmity and renewing the relationships.

Holi is a two day festival, which begins the night before the main festival with choti (small) holi, when large pyre is burned on streets as a symbol of Holika dahan (burning of the demoness Holika) symbolic to the victory of good over evil. The next day people play with colors and in evening visit each other exchanging greetings and sweets. The custom of visiting friends and relatives continues for over a week.

Holi Essay 2 (150 words)

Holi is a festival of colors celebrated by the Hindus throughout India. Hindus celebrate Holi as a festival of love and happiness, shedding animosity, greed, hatred and adapting to a new life of love and togetherness.

Holi is celebrated in spring season, in the Hindu calendar month of Phalgun, which usually coincides with the Gregorian calendar month of March, or sometimes even late February. It is a two days festival commencing on a full moon night with holika dahan. Main holi festival is celebrated the next day of holika dahan.  It also coincides with the harvest of wheat and is symbolic of prosperity and happiness.

Spring marks the end of winter and is preceded by summer. Therefore, the climate of spring is particularly pleasing, when flowers abound. Thus, holi is celebrated as the festival of colors, to commemorate nature’s spring beauty and also the good harvest.

Holi Essay 3 (200 words)

Holi is one of the great festivals of India which is celebrated with great zeal, zest and enthusiasm. It is also called as the festival of colors during which people play with colors and splash colors on each other. Holi also signifies the triumph of good over evil as this was the day when evil king Hiranyakashyap was slayed by Narsimha, the half man and half lion incarnation of Lord Vishnu and saved Prahlad who was a devotee of him.

The celebration of Holi starts several days before the festival when people start buying colors, balloons, food items for the preparation of cuisines etc. Children are the one who are very much excited for Holi and start celebrating it in advance by splashing colors on their friends using water cannons or ‘pichkaris’. Markets around the cities and villages get decorated with ‘gulals’, colors, ‘pichkaris’ etc.

Holi is also a festival of harmony where friends and relatives get together in the evening or visit their friends, family and neighbours and greet them with colors and sweets. The mouth watering delicacies of Holi like ‘gujiya’, ‘laddoos’ and ‘thandai’ add a flavor to the season of festivity. People hug each other on Holi and give a new beginning by forgetting all the hatreds and sorrows.

Holi Essay 4 (250 words)

Introduction

Holi, the ‘Festival of Colors’ is celebrated in almost all parts of India with great excitement. As per the Hindu calendar, it is celebrated on the full moon day of the ‘Phalgun’ month and in the month of March as per the Gregorian calendar. People celebrate the festival by coloring each other’s face with dry as well as water colors. People also enjoy the festival by singing folk songs and dance.

The Celebration of Holi

One day prior to Holi, a ritual named ‘Holika Dahan’ is conducted in which a large heap of bonfire is burned in cities and villages. The ‘Holika Dahan’ symbolizes the burning of evil and negative powers and revisits the story of Holika, the evil sister of Hiranyakaskyap who tried to kill his nephew Prahlad by sitting in the bonfire. But by the god’s grace Holika who had a boon of immortality was burned to ashes and Prahlad was saved unharmed. People also make rounds of Holika while chanting devotional mantras and singing bhajans to seek health and prosperity.

During the day, people play by splashing water colors on each other. Children throw water colours by using water cannons or ‘pichkari’ to enjoy the festival. In the evening, people dress up in attractive attire and visit their friends and relatives and hug them by applying ‘gulal’, the dry colors. People also sing folk songs and dance to the tune of famous Holi songs.

Holi is the festival which spreads love, brotherhood, harmony and happiness and symbolizes the victory of good over evil. It is the festival during which people forget their rivalry and hug their enemies forgetting all the hatreds and negativity.

Holi Essay 5 (300 words)

Holi is a most favorite festival of all as it brings lots of joy and happiness. It is celebrated every year especially by the people of Hindu religion as a very important festival. It falls in the start of spring season generally in the month of March (or Falgun). Everyone waits for this festival with lots of enthusiasm and with special preparations of celebrating it.

Why do we Celebrate Holi?

There is a great story of Prahlad behind celebrating Holi. Once Prahlad (who was a great devotee of God) was tried to be killed by his own father as he denied worshiping his own father in place of God. His aunt, Holika, sat in the fire by keeping him in her lap on the order of Prahlad’s father but he was saved by God as he was a true devotee and Holika was burnt in the fire even after she was booned to never get harmed by fire. From that day, people following Hinduism started celebrating the festival of Holi every year to remember the triumph of good over evil.

Burning of Holika

A day before colourful Holi festival, people burn a heap of woods and cow dung cakes in the night resembling the burning of Holika to remember that day. Some people follow the special ritual of burning the waste of ‘sarson ubtan’ massage of each family member in the Holika assuming that it will remove all the evils from house and body and bring happiness and positivity to home.

People play with colours with their family members, relatives, friends and neighbours. Kids of the house enjoy this day by throwing colour filled balloons to each other or using pichakari. Everyone hug and apply ‘abeer’ and ‘gulals’ to the forehead showing their love and affection to each other. Special preparations are done for this day like arrangements of sweets, chips, namkeen, dahi bade, pani puri, papadi, etc. Holi is the festival which spreads love and harmony among people.

Holi Essay 6 (400 words)

Holi is a colourful and most important festival of India. It is celebrated annually in the month of March (Falgun) on Purnima or ‘pooranmashi’ by the people of Hindu religion. People wait for this festival very eagerly and enjoy by playing with colours and eating delicious foods. Children come out of their homes in the early morning with colours and pichkari to enjoy with friends. Women of the houses start preparing things for the Holi celebration especially delicious dishes, sweets, chips, namkeen and other things to welcome their neighbours, friends and relatives on Holi.

Holi – The Festival of Colors

Holi is a festival of joy and happiness which spreads colour and pleasure in the life of everyone. People throw water colours or colored powder (gulal) to each other and break all the barriers of discrimination between them. The significance behind celebrating this festival is the great history of Prahlad and his aunt Holika.

History of the Festival

Long ago, there was a devil king, Hiranyakashyap. He was the father of Prahlad and brother of Holika. He was booned by Lord Brahma that he cannot be killed by any man or animal, neither by any weapon, nor inside the home or outside or in the day or night. Getting such power he became very arrogant and ordered everyone including his own son to worship him instead of God.

Because of his fear, people started worshiping him except Prahlad as he was a true devotee of Lord Vishnu. After seeing such type of behaviour of Prahlad, Hiranyakashyap made a plan with sister Holika to kill Prahlad. He ordered his sister to sit in the fire by having Prahlad in her lap. Holika did so, but fortunately she got burnt in the fire and Prahlad was not harmed and even not touched by the fire as he was under the protection and blessings of God.

From then, people started celebrating this event as Holi festival after the name of Holika. This festival is celebrated to remember the victory of goodness over evil power. In the night or evening, a day before Holi, people burn a heap of wood in the nearby areas symbolizing burning of Holika.

Everyone enjoys this festival by singing, dancing, playing colours, hugging each other and eating delicious food. Holi is the festival which brings people closer and spreads love and brotherhood among people. People spend the festival with their friends, family and relatives with great joy and enjoy the special delicacies of the occasion.

Holi Essay 7 (500 words)

Holi is a very famous festival of colours celebrated every year in the month of ‘Phalgun’ or March by the people of India with great joy. It is the festival of lots of fun and frolic activities especially for the children who start the celebration a week before and continue a week after the festival. Holi is celebrated by the people of Hindu religion all over the country especially in North India in the month of March.

Legend and Story behind the Festival

There are many stories and legends behind celebrating Holi in India for years. It is the festival of great importance and significance. According to the Hindu mythology, it is considered that Holi celebration was started long ago when Holika was burnt in the fire while trying to kill her own nephew in the fire.

It is believed that there was a demon king called Hiranyakashyap, father of little Prahlad who tried to kill his own son in the fire when Prahlad denied to worship him as Prahlad was a great devotee of the Lord Vishnu. When Hiranyakashyap failed in many of his strategies to kill Prahlad, he ordered his own sister, Holika to sit in the fire by taking Prahlad in her lap as she was booned for never getting harmed by fire.

However, this strategy was also failed as little Prahlad was a devotee of Lord Vishnu and he was saved by his God. Holika was burnt in the fire and Prahlad was saved. From that day, people of Hindu religion started celebrating Holi every year.

Holika and its Customs

The day before Holi, people make a heap of woods on the cross roads and burn it symbolizing Holika and celebrate ‘Holika Dahan’ ceremony. People also take many rounds of the burning Holika and worship it to get blessed with prosperity and good health by burning all the sins and diseases in the fire. There is also a custom in north India where people massage the body using mustard paste and then burn it in Holika hoping to get rid of all diseases and evils of the body.

How do we celebrate Holi?

The next morning after ‘Holika Dahan’, people celebrate the colourful festival of Holi by getting together at one place and throwing colors to each other playfully. Holi preparations start a week before the main festival. People, especially children, are highly enthusiastic who start buying different colours a week before the day.

Even they start playing with colours with their friends, neighbours and relatives with ‘pichkari’ and small balloons. The celebration gets started in the morning when people with lots of colors visit their friends and relatives and color them. Holi delicacies comprise of ‘gujhiya’, sweets, ‘pani puri’, ‘dahi bade’, chips etc which are enjoyed by the guests and as well as by the hosts.

Holi is the festival which is mostly focused on spreading brotherhood and love. The colors used in the festival are bright which showcases the prosperity and happiness. Holi also symbolizes the triumph of good over evil which is the soul of most of the Indian festivals. It also teaches us to follow the righteous path and to stay away from evils of the society.

Long Essay on Holi Festival – Essay 8 (1500 Words)

Holi is a major Hindu festival celebrated with much fun and enthusiasm throughout India, as well as other countries of the sub continent. The customs and rituals of Holi celebration may vary between different regions of India, but all of them involve joyous playing with colours. It is a much awaited festival for playful adventurers as well as for the foodies, not to mention the children. Celebrated in the Phalgun month, the festival marks the arrival of spring and the end of winter. The celebration usually falls in late February or middle of March as per the Gregorian calendar.

Holi – a festival of Colors, Joy and Love

Holi is different from other Hindu festivals in the way that it doesn’t require veneration of any deity, as is mandatory with other festivals. The festival calls for pure joy, with no religious obligations what so ever.

It’s impossible to imagine Holi celebrations without colours. It is in fact also called- the festival of colours. People play with coloured powders locally called gulal. They spray gulal on friends and family members, greeting each other “Happy Holi” and hugging. Children could be seen playing in groups with various types of water guns (pichkari).

The houses and streets all get coloured with a combination of beautiful and bright red, yellow, blue, orange and violet. With the chilly winds of winter gone, people wear lose clothes and sprinkle each other with colours and coloured water. Everyone is painted in different colours from tip to toe; so much so, that it takes a moment or two to recognize even one’s closest friend.

The Legend of Holika Dahan

Holi is a two day festival, beginning on the evening of full moon day (Purnima) in the Hindu month of Phalgun. The colour Holi is played on second day morning.

The first day of Holi is called Choti (Small) Holi and a ritual of Holika Dahan is followed in the evening. Bonfires are made at street junctions or other suitable places in market, roads, streets, colonies etc. People burn their old belongings in the fire, symbolic to burning their feelings of envy, hatred and animosity. The ritual also signifies the victory of good over evil.

One of the commonly accepted legends of Holika Dahan is associated with the demon king Hiranyakashyap and his son Prahlada. Prahlada was an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu; this infuriated Hiranyakashyap, who thought of himself as the God, in wake of the immortality boon that was granted to him. However, his son Prahlada was adamant in his resolve to worship Vishnu and rejected worshipping his own father, Hiranyakashyap.

Dejected by his own son, Hiranyakashyap got enraged and started subjecting Prahlada to torture, in order to persuade him to relent. When Prahlada refused regularly, Hiranyakashyap conspired with his sister Holika to trick Prahlada on sitting over a burning pyre with her. Holika supposedly had a boon granting her protection from burning in a fire. The evil plan was to burn Prahlada in the pyre, while Holika will be protected by the boon.

Holika finally succeeded in agreeing Prahlada to sit in the pyre with her. Prahlada agreed as he had extreme faith in his deity Vishnu. Holika got seated in the pyre with child Prahlada in her lap. As soon as the pyre was lit, Lord Vishnu intervened to save Prahlada and Holika was burnt to ashes, despite the boon. The boon granted to Holika didn’t worked, because; the immortality was granted to her only if she entered a fire alone.

Thus, people burn pyre on Choti Holi symbolic to the burning of evil Holika and also to welcome the colourful celebrations the next day.

Lath Mar Holi at Barsana

In the compound of Radha Rani temple at Barsana a small town near Mathura, the custom of Lath Mar Holi is being celebrated since centuries. Men from the nearby Nandgaon, visit Barsana where women would hit them with sticks, traditionally called lathis in Hindi. Men on the other hand, would protect themselves with shields and those who got caught are made to dance wearing women attire.

The Lath Mar Holi of Barsana has become so popular that millions of native Indians as well as foreign tourists visit Barsana to witness the celebrations.

Lose Your Inhibitions and Play with Colours

The festival of Holi has many positive effects on one’s personality as well as social relations. It is a festival to discard your shyness and make new friends. What could be the better way to make new friends than to by play with colours?

The festival helps you to identify the inner joy, which had been lying suppressed inside you. Discard your shyness, hesitation and all the emotions those have been holding you back in daily life. With just a little effort from your side, you will transit to a new world of colour, love and joy.

Spray colour on whoever you can, without any hesitation, thus, you will make new friends and will sure remember the celebrations. All you need to do is to lighten your soul by shedding all your inhibitions.

Time to Forgive and Forget

Holi is a festival of joy. True joy is a matter of soul rather than the body. If we are physically fit, but keep the feeling of hatred or animosity against someone, we cannot be happy in true sense. Whether you have done wrong onto someone or someone has done wrong onto you, in both the cases it’s your inner joy that suffers.

The celebration of Holi provides a marvelous opportunity to turn your enmity into friendship or repair a broken relationship. Shed all your hatred and forgive the sinner, or forget if someone or something has offended you or made you sad. When we shed all the bad feelings and open our arms to the joy and a new world, we will be happier.

The custom of visiting houses of friends and relatives is a major ritual during the Holi season. The custom continues for weeks even after the Holi celebrations. It is the best time to repair broken relationships or to renew the forgotten ones.

Indian Holi Delicacies for the Platter

Holi is undoubtedly the festival of colours, but it is also a festival of delicacies for those with an appetite for sweets and other mouthwatering dishes. There are hundreds of literally mouth watering dishes prepared during Holi, in various corners of India. Every region and culture of India has its own signature Holi delicacy.

The air is filled with a mix of sweet aroma and the essence of numerous fried delicacies those are prepared in abundance in every household. Gujhiya, a sweet delicacy popular in north India, prepared by deep frying dough pockets filled with khoya (a kind of milk food) and nuts, is one of my favourites. Dahi Vada is another Holi delicacy which has its roots in northern India.

In the state of Maharashtra, Puran Poli is prepared during the Holi festival. It is also Maharashtra’s festival favorite and is prepared in almost all the festivals. It is basically a flat dough chapati filled with sweet chana dal.

This Holi ‘Say no to Synthetic Colours’

Holi being a festival of colours, lots of temporary shops could be seen selling rather cheep colours. The colours available in form of powder often constitute toxic metals like copper, mercury, aluminum and lead. They may also contain harmful dyes and paints, not suitable for use by humans.

Use of cheap synthetic colours, results in a number of ailments, ranging from a mild skin rash to as serious as cancer. Cases of skin lesions, burning sensation and eye irritation are reported during the Holi festival, possibly due to the toxic compounds in the colours. Synthetic colours are often prepared with a base of corn starch or flour, whose contamination makes the situation worst.

Fortunately, people are getting more aware about the harmful effects of synthetic colours. A custom of using naturally derived colours is developing and is being practiced widely. By switching to colours derived from natural resources, we not only save our health but the health of environment as well. Natural colours when enter soil or water resources do not pollute them like the synthetic colours do.

Natural colours are derived from natural harmless minerals like gulal, mehndi, turmeric etc. Flowers are also used to produce colours, like red colour is produced from roses; yellow colour is produced from sunflower. Besides, many natural colour dyes can be produced from plants and flowers.

Holi is a festival of colour, celebrated with fun and joy. Get ready to drench in water and colour, but also be careful to not to harm yourself and others. Open your mind, shed your inhibitions, make new friends, pacify the unhappy ones and repair broken relationships. Be playful but also be sensitive to others. Don’t trouble anyone unnecessarily and always keep your conduct composed. Last but not the least; take a resolve to play only with natural colours this Holi.

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Holi: Festival of Colors

It's OK to get a little messy while celebrating this holiday in India.

Bright neon powder covers revelers in northern India during the annual Hindu celebration called Holi, usually held in March. Known as the festival of colors, Holi is celebrated on the last full moon in the lunar month of Phalguna.

This ancient tradition marks the end of winter and honors the triumph of good over evil. Celebrants light bonfires, throw colorful powder called gulal , eat sweets, and dance to traditional folk music.

( Learn about Holi at National Geographic .)

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Essay on Holi in English

Holi, often referred to as the “Festival of Colors,” is one of the most vibrant and celebrated festivals in India. In this essay, we will explore the joyous festival of Holi, its cultural significance, and the unique traditions that make it a cherished event for millions of people.

The Significance of Holi

Holi holds great cultural and religious significance in India. According to experts in Hinduism, Holi marks the victory of good over evil and the arrival of spring. It is celebrated with enthusiasm and fervor by people of all ages and backgrounds.

The Colors of Celebration

Holi is known for its colorful celebrations. Statistics show that millions of people participate in this festival, coming together to splash vibrant colored powders, known as “gulal,” on each other. This colorful tradition symbolizes the breaking of barriers and spreading love and happiness.

Traditions and Rituals

Holi is steeped in traditions and rituals that vary across different regions of India. For example, in some parts of the country, a bonfire called “Holika Dahan” is lit the night before Holi to symbolize the triumph of good over evil. Understanding these traditions enriches the experience of the festival.

Uniting Communities

Holi transcends barriers of caste, creed, and social status. Experts in sociology highlight that Holi brings people together, fostering a sense of unity and togetherness. During Holi, people visit each other’s homes, exchange sweets, and celebrate as one big family.

The Joy of Sweets and Savories

Holi is not just about colors; it’s also a time for indulging in delicious sweets and savory foods. A wide variety of traditional dishes are prepared during this festival, including “gujiyas” and “thandai.” Food experts emphasize the rich culinary traditions associated with Holi.

Conclusion of Essay on Holi in English

In conclusion, Holi in English is a kaleidoscope of colors and culture, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil and the arrival of spring. This festival unites people from diverse backgrounds, allowing them to celebrate with joy and love. Understanding the significance of Holi and its traditions adds depth to our appreciation of this vibrant celebration. As we embrace the colorful splendor of Holi, let us remember its message of unity, love, and the victory of light over darkness. Holi is not just a festival; it’s a beautiful tapestry of culture and tradition that weaves people together in a riot of colors and happiness.

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The Meaning Behind the Many Colors of India’s Holi Festival

From red to green to indigo, each color provides festival-goers with a sense of beauty, ritual and tradition

Victoria Finlay

If you land in India anytime in late February or March, it’s wise to check the dates of the annual Holi festival, and bring a spare set of clothes. That’s because for a few days in spring, people crowd the streets and splash brilliantly colored dyes on anyone walking by. It’s hard to avoid the fun—and paint—unless you stay inside or look menacing enough to discourage the custom.

“Watch out, madam!” said my taxi driver in Amritsar as we drove through a melee of young people pelting each other with powder.

“The colors never come out of your clothes,” he said. “And you might be having purple hair for many days. It is a complete liability.”

I did a quick check. I was wearing black, a color rarely seen in India. In the caste, or “varna,” system (which in Sanskrit translates as the “color” system), it is usually associated with the lowest categories of social classes, and can be viewed as unlucky. A Forbes study in 2009, which compared corporate logo colors in India with international brands, suggested that black is the one color that companies in India assiduously avoid. I was happy for my clothes to be permanently splattered.

“Can we stop?” I asked. “Or will I make your taxi dirty when I get back in?”

“No, madam, I have a cloth for just this exact purpose,” he said. “And I have some powder I bought for my children. You can have some gladly, to join in our customs.”

Holi represents the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil. It is also said to be the enactment of a game the Hindu god Lord Krishna played with his consort Radha and the gopis, or milkmaids. The story represents the fun and flirtatiousness of the gods but also touches on deeper themes: of the passing of the seasons and the illusory nature of the material world.

Traditionally the colors used in Holi came from flowers and herbs—which in the hot climate of India tend to produce bright natural dyes—but today they’re usually synthetic. The tub of crimson powder the driver handed me was almost fluorescent; holding this as my weapon of choice, I walked into the Holi smoke.

It was mostly yellow, a medieval painting of hell with figures vaguely visible through sulfurous fog. But the gloom was lifted by exuberant puffs of pink, blue and green. To be inside the tinted mist was to enter a delightful, unpredictable world, filled with contagious laughter.

At first people politely avoided the foreigner. But then a girl in a blue-splattered sari ran up giggling and smeared paint on my face. I returned the favor with a handful of pink. After that, nothing was off-limits—legs, arms, hair, clothes—everything was a potential canvas.

With its gorgeous textiles, exotic flowers, exuberant advertising billboards, hand-painted rickshaws and trucks covered with lights, patterns and brightly painted pictures of gods, India is one of the most colorful places on the planet.

But there’s something else to know about colors here. They are not just pretty: In India they have meaning.

“Your face is blue, madam. Like that of Krishna,” the taxi driver said affably, as he took me back to my hotel.

In Hinduism there are three main deities: Brahma the creator, Shiva the destroyer and Vishnu the preserver. Vishnu spends eternity sleeping, until when called upon in a crisis, he wakes and like the most powerful of superheroes saves the world. 

One name for him is Nilakantha, the blue-necked one, because of a story that he drank a pot of poison to save creation. So blue is a reminder that evil exists but can be contained, through courage and right actions. 

Krishna is a manifestation of Vishnu. His name means “dark,” and like Vishnu he is portrayed with blue skin. 

In addition to being associated with the gods, blue—through the indigo dye—is also historically linked with India. In the first century a. d. the Roman historian Pliny the Elder wrote about “indicum, a production of India,” which “yields a marvelous combination of purple and cerulean [sky blue].”

He suggested that the dye was a kind of slime sticking to the scum on river reeds. It actually comes from a bush with small green leaves that when dried and fermented in a dye vat look pretty scummy, which explains the misunderstanding. 

In Pliny’s time, indigo would probably be shipped to the Roman port of Ostia in the form of hard cakes. It was valuable enough to fake: Pliny reports people selling “indigo cakes” made from dried pigeon dung, stained with just enough genuine dye to pass as real.

Indigo is intensive to process, and has historically been cultivated where labor is cheap. It had a brief heyday on slave plantations in the Caribbean and South Carolina in the 18th century, pricing the Indian plantations out of the market. But when slavery was abolished, the British planted indigo again in Bengal, where weather conditions are ideal. 

Because laborers were subject to abuse, there were two “blue mutinies”—one in 1860 and another in 1917. The second was initiated by the 47-year-old Hindu lawyer Mohandas (later known as Mahatma) Gandhi, as one of his first acts of peaceful civil disobedience against British rule, which finally led to Indian independence in 1947.

If blue is the spiritually complex color of the gods, green is the color of nature and happiness. It’s the color of another manifestation of Vishnu, Prince Rama, who spent most of his life in exile in the forest. In Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh in central India, married women often wear green bangles and a green sari in Rama’s honor; a widow, however, never wears green. 

There is no naturally green dye in India, so dyers would often double dip their cottons and silks in indigo and in turmeric or pomegranate peel, which made vivid yellow dyes.

Yellow is also associated with the third caste, of Vaisyas, or merchants. The 3,500-year-old  Rig Veda  book of sacred hymns refers to Lord Vishnu as  tantuvardhan , or weaver, because he is said to have woven the rays of the sun into a garment for himself. He and Krishna are almost always shown dressed in yellow. In paintings of these deities, artists in India sometimes used one of the stranger pigments in history: Indian yellow.

Through the 18th and 19th centuries, wooden boxes of this strange-scented pigment would arrive at the London docks. When the colormen, whose job was to process and sell paint to artists, picked up the deliveries, they had little idea of how it was made or what it was. Just that it made a fairly good watercolor, even though it was rubbish in oil. 

Perhaps it was urine mixed with turmeric, speculated amateur artist Roger Dewhurst in 1786, writing anxiously to friends, wondering how to make these strange cakes into paint. Or perhaps it was “the urine of camels,” suggested leading colorman George Field. Others thought it might come from snakes, or buffalo.

Then in 1883 a communication was delivered to the Royal Society of Arts written by a Mr. Mukharji of Calcutta (present day Kolkata). He had visited the only place where Indian yellow was sourced—a suburb of Monghyr (now Munger) in Bihar, about 300 miles north of Kolkata, where he watched cows eating mango leaves, and then being encouraged to urinate into a bucket (the process is not unlike milking). But the practice was cruel; the restricted diet left the cows thin and malnourished. Within 30 years or so of that letter, the trade in Indian yellow stopped completely, partly because of tougher rules about animal cruelty and partly because new, more stable paints were available, and there just wasn’t the demand. 

I visited Munger in 2001 while researching a book about the stories of colors around the world. My translator had not turned up, and unable to speak more than a few words of Hindi, I acted out a ridiculous charade of cows, urine, mango leaves and paint to a gathering crowd of amused locals. 

It felt insane to think that any trace of this obscure paint might be found. But when the good-natured laughter died down, a young man at the back suddenly said in English: “We do not have this paint. But we do have a mango garden.” 

A crowd of excited, singing children led me to the walled mango orchard. And like an explorer come finally to the source of a river, I knew I was at the place that for years had provided a mysterious yellow to soldier artists of the British Empire and Hindu artists wanting to paint the garments of Krishna and Vishnu the elusive color of sunshine. 

I remember wishing I knew what this oddest of paints had smelled like and thinking I would probably never know. But several years later, in the wonderful, old-fashioned L. Cornelissen & Son art supplies shop near the British Museum in London, I learned that the store still had a few balls of Indian yellow reserved in small batches for conservators who really needed it. 

“Could I sniff?” I asked. The director, Nicholas Walt, opened a jar. It smelled of spices and sunshine and heat and flowers and dust. In a funny way that jar of Indian yellow smelled absolutely of India.

And then there is red.

In 1829, a deserter from the Army of the British East India Company traveling in disguise as an American from Kentucky became the first foreigner to record what he saw in the ruins of Mohenjo Daro, in what was then northern India. 

The deserter, James Lewis (traveling under the alias Charles Masson), was later to become one of Britain’s most dedicated archaeologists. But he didn’t spot this site in the Indus Valley for what it was—the world’s largest Bronze Age urban settlement—and instead thought it was some kind of castle. 

It wasn’t until 1921 that a team of archaeologists did a thorough excavation and, among the artifacts, discovered a fragment of cotton fiber stuck to an ancient silver vase. The fiber most likely had been bright red—or perhaps bright orange or deep purple—and had been dyed from the root of the madder plant. 

Woven 4,300 years ago, it is the oldest piece of decorated cotton cloth ever found. Its presence, together with dye vats from a similar period found nearby, joyfully suggests that ancient India must have been as full of brilliant color as modern India is.

Today brides and married women wear red. It’s the color of weddings and life and festivals and all-around auspiciousness, not just for Hindus but also for Muslims, Buddhists and Jains. 

When a married woman dies, her body is covered with a red cloth, perhaps rather like the one found in Mohenjo Daro, symbolizing her wedding sari. But a woman who becomes a widow never wears red again and at her death is covered in white, the color of purity and renunciation.

Many people in India mark a red dot, or tilak, on their forehead. The red color is called kumkum and is made from turmeric powder, which is yellow except when mixed with lime, which miraculously turns it to scarlet. It is always put on deities, and is a sacred mark of protection. 

“Color is a physical thing: It’s not just a surface,” said the British artist Anish Kapoor in a BBC interview, in explaining his bold use of primary colors. “… It’s that sort of interplay between the ‘stuffness’ of color and its illusory, somewhat evasive, ‘other’ qualities that much of the work is about.” 

You might say something similar about how colors work in India. On the surface, they provide pleasure as well as useful signals of tradition and ritual. But if we’re attentive, colors in India also remind us of that which is easy to forget: the evasive nature of matter, and of our own special relationship with light, whatever that light may be.

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Victoria Finlay | | READ MORE

Victoria Finlay is a U.K.-based journalist and the author of several books, including Color: A Natural History of the Palette and The Brilliant History of Color in Art . She lived in Asia for 12 years as arts editor of the South China Morning Post.

English that goes straight to the heart

Essay on Holi

Holi is one of the most famous and light-hearted festivals which is celebrated by billions of people. It is the day of festivity of the victory of good over evil.

Here, we present you with a brilliant essay on Holi.

Essay on Holi (200 Words)

Holi, the vibrant festival of colors, is eagerly anticipated by people of all ages. As one of the main festivals celebrated in India, Holi holds great importance and carries a significant impact on Hindu mythology. It is observed throughout the country with immense zeal and enthusiasm during the month of March.

The festival derives its name from ‘Holika,’ the sister of the ruthless King Hiranyakashipu. Holi is a joyous occasion that brings people closer to their loved ones. People wholeheartedly enjoy Holi by splashing and smearing each other with a delightful array of colors and colored water, transforming everyone into living rainbows.

Children, in particular, eagerly await Holi, engaging in playful pranks and drenching others with color-infused water. They fill balloons and water guns, known as Pichkaris, with colored water, joyfully targeting passersby on the streets. They also apply a touch of color to the feet of their elders, seeking blessings from them and from the divine.

Holi is one of the most renowned and lighthearted festivals, celebrated by billions of people. It is observed not only in every town and city in India but also by the Indian diaspora across the globe. Holi serves as a day of jubilant celebration, symbolizing the victory of good over evil, spreading joy, and fostering unity among individuals.

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Essay on holi (300+ words).

Holi, the eagerly anticipated festival of colors, holds immense importance and impact on Hindu mythology . Celebrated throughout India with great zeal and enthusiasm, Holi is a vibrant and joyous occasion that brings people closer to their loved ones.

The festival derives its name from ‘Holika,’ the sister of the fierce King Hiranyakashipu. In ancient times, King Hiranyakashipu had a son named Prahlad, a devout follower of Lord Vishnu, despite his father’s orders to worship him instead. Enraged by this defiance, Hiranyakashipu decided to kill Prahlad. He called upon his sister Holika, who possessed a boon that made her immune to fire. Holika was instructed to sit with Prahlad on her lap and enter a blazing fire. However, instead of Prahlad, Holika was consumed by the fire while Prahlad remained unharmed, protected by Lord Vishnu. Holi, therefore, teaches us that evil forces meet their end and signifies the victory of good over evil.

Holi is a delightful festival that fosters closer bonds among people. It is celebrated with joy and enthusiasm as participants play with vibrant colors and splash colored water on one another. Soon, everyone is covered from head to toe in a beautiful array of rainbow hues.

Children eagerly await Holi, indulging in playful pranks and drenching others with colored water. They also apply a touch of color to the feet of their elders, seeking blessings from them and from the divine. Dancing and singing in joy and happiness, Holi becomes a time of togetherness and celebration.

Holi conveys a message of living a life of truth, joy, and peace, while also encouraging us to confront and defeat evil forces. It symbolizes the eradication of negativity and inspires us to embrace goodness. Holi marks a day of happiness, joy, and triumph over malevolence. It motivates individuals to stand against demons and exemplifies the victory of good over evil.

Essay on Holi (500+ Words)

Holi, the eagerly anticipated festival of colors, holds a special place in the hearts of people. As one of the main festivals celebrated in India, Holi carries great significance and leaves a lasting impact on Hindu mythology. It is celebrated with fervor and enthusiasm throughout the country in the month of March. The vibrant colors of Holi symbolize love, joy, and happiness.

The festival derives its name from ‘Holika,’ the sister of the fierce King Hiranyakashipu. Long ago, King Hiranyakashipu had a son named Prahlad, who was a devoted prince. However, Hiranyakashipu, a malevolent ruler, did not believe in God, including Lord Vishnu. He demanded that people and his son worship him instead. Despite his father’s orders, Prahlad remained a steadfast devotee of Lord Vishnu.

Enraged by Prahlad’s refusal to worship him, Hiranyakashipu decided to kill his son. He sought the assistance of his sister Holika, who had the power to remain unharmed in the midst of fire. Hiranyakashipu instructed Holika to sit with Prahlad on her lap and enter a blazing fire. To everyone’s astonishment, it was Holika who perished in the flames, while Lord Vishnu protected Prahlad. Holi, therefore, teaches us that every evil force meets its end and signifies the victory of good over evil.

Holi is a delightful festival that brings people closer to their loved ones. It is celebrated with immense joy and enthusiasm. People play with vibrant colors and throw colored water, resulting in a colorful spectacle where everyone is covered from head to toe in the hues of the rainbow. Children eagerly await Holi, engaging in playful pranks and splashing colored water on others.

Children fill balloons and water guns, known as Pichkaris, with colored water and playfully target people on the streets. They also apply a touch of color to the feet of their elders, seeking blessings from them and from the divine. Dancing and singing with boundless happiness, Holi becomes a time for celebration and joy.

During Holi, people come together to dance and sing with great enthusiasm. They meet one another, smearing colors on each other’s cheeks, and share in the happiness and joy of the occasion. Some even prepare buckets filled with colored water, freely splashing it on those they encounter on the streets. People exchange greetings and offer various kinds of sweets as a sign of welcome.

Holi imparts a message to live life with truth, joy, and peace, and to combat any evil spirits that may exist. It signifies the eradication of negativity and inspires belief in virtuous actions. Holi is a day of happiness, joy, and triumph over malevolence. It motivates individuals to stand against demons and exemplifies the victory of good over evil.

Holi is celebrated with tremendous enthusiasm in every town, city, and even among Indians residing in foreign countries. It is a public and religious holiday, and thus, most government and non-government organizations, including public offices, banks, and post offices, remain closed on Holi.

Essay on Holi (550+ Words)

Holi is a vibrant and joyous festival celebrated in India, known as the festival of colors. It holds immense significance in Hindu mythology and is eagerly anticipated each year. Celebrated with great enthusiasm across the country, Holi takes place in the month of March. The festival is characterized by its lively atmosphere, filled with love, delight, and a sense of unity among people.

The name “Holi” is derived from “Holika,” the sister of the wicked King Hiranya Kashyap. According to the ancient tale, King Hiranya Kashyap, who did not believe in God or Lord Vishnu, demanded that people worship him instead. However, his son, Prince Prahalad, remained a devout follower of Lord Vishnu and continued to worship the deity.

Infuriated by his son’s devotion to Lord Vishnu instead of himself, King Hiranya Kashyap decided to eliminate Prahalad. He enlisted the help of his sister, Holika, who possessed a boon that made her immune to fire. Holika was instructed to take Prahalad on her lap and set him ablaze. However, divine intervention protected Prahalad, and it was Holika who was reduced to ashes. This tale symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and teaches the lesson that every evil force eventually meets its end.

Holi brings people closer to their loved ones and fosters a sense of unity. The festival is celebrated with immense joy and enthusiasm, as people engage in various colorful activities. They play with vibrant colors and water, resulting in everyone being covered from head to toe in a rainbow of hues. Children, in particular, eagerly await Holi, enjoying color pranks and drenching others with water and balloons filled with colored water. They also seek blessings from their elders by applying a little color to their feet. Dancing and singing in jubilation, people celebrate the festival with immense happiness.

During Holi, people come together to dance and sing with great zeal. They meet and express their joy by applying colors to each other’s cheeks. Some even prepare buckets of colored water to playfully drench passersby on the streets. Welcoming one another warmly, people exchange sweets and extend their heartfelt greetings.

Holi is one of the most renowned and lighthearted festivals, celebrated by billions of people. It signifies the victory of good over evil and holds profound significance in Hindu mythology. The festival emphasizes the importance of true happiness and inner peace.

Holi imparts a message to live life with truth, joy, and peace, encouraging individuals to combat any forces of evil. It represents the eradication of negativity and instills faith in virtuous actions. Holi is a day filled with happiness, joy, and the triumph of good over evil. It serves as a reminder to stand against demons and celebrate the victory of righteousness.

This exuberant festival is celebrated with immense enthusiasm in every town and city of India, as well as by the Indian diaspora around the world. Holi is observed as a public and religious holiday, leading to the closure of government and non-government organizations, including public offices, banks, and post offices. Schools and colleges also remain closed, allowing people to plan long tours with their families.

Holi’s vibrant spirit and its underlying message make it a cherished and widely celebrated festival. It brings people together, spreads happiness, and reinforces the values of love, unity, and the triumph of good over evil.

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