The festival of holi is also known as the festival of colors which is celebrated in all parts of the Indian society which has no limits on religion or caste. The Holi is known to mark the victory of good over evil.

The main day in Holi is known as Dhulheti or Dhulandi is celebrated by throwing coloured powder and water at each other. Just before the Dhulheti night, bonfires are lit on the eve of this festival, which are also known as Holika Dahan or Chhoti Holi. The bonfire lit has history behind it. It is lit in the memory of miraculous escape of Prahlad accomplished when Demoness Holika carried him along with her into the fire (Holika was with God blessing that she can survive in any severe fire). This part of this festival celebration is known as Kama Dahanam in Hyderabad and South Indian states.

It’s celebrated during the winter season end on the last full moon day of Phalguna month which typically comes in February and March month. In Hindu, the Lord Krishna is an ideal lover and it is the spirit of mischievous passion of courtship that marks the spring season celebrations. Both Lord Krishna and Radha are seen representing the celebration of Holi by applying colours on each other faces. It’s believed by many people that this festival forgets the anger among the people and brings friendship among each other.

Holi colours

In Hyderabad, Holi is mostly celebrated by the people who have migrated from North India and other part of the world and has rare ritual attractions for the local people here. It’s not as attractive and joyful as that we seen in Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and other northern states.

The colours sprinkled on to each other are made of Neem, Kumkum, Haldi, Bilva and other medicinal herbs. Unfortunately the commercial aspect of this festive celebration has led to increase in the use of synthetic color which can contain toxic substances.

A special drink called thandai is prepared from almonds, rose petals, pista etc.,. Traditional color is made from the wet colours by boiling & soaking the Palash flowers which produces yellow coloured water.

 

 

On July – 7 – 2014

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