Holi celebration takes place with lot of joy and verve throughout
the country. The enthusiasm of the people reaches its peak and matches with
the nature which is in full bounty at the time of Holi.
Holi is being celebrated in Indian since time immemorial but the popularity
of Holi celebrations seems to be rising with every passing year and so is
the level of hoo-ha. As no other festival gives so much liberty to the
people to let their hair loose and enjoy their hidden crazy self.
Differences of any sort are drowned in the coloured waters of Holi and
people just enjoy being a play animal. To further enhance the festive spirit
of Holi celebrations we have a social sanction to get a kick with the
tradition of bhang. Then there is total wildness as people dance to the
rhythm of dholak and sing traditional folk songs in loudest possible pitch.
Children particularly enjoy the festival as they throw
water filled
balloons at passersby...and if anybody stares..they have ready
answer, 'Bura na mano Holi hai..' and evoke a smile on the irritated face.
Besides, they have their water missiles, called
pichkaris to drench
the person from far and escape further drenching.
In the midst of these colouring games are savoured the mouth watering holi
specialities like
gujiya, malpuas, mathri, puran poli, dahi badas
etc and downed with glasses full of thandai.
In some states there is also a tradition of breaking the pot full of
buttermilk which is hung high on the streets. A group of boys form a human
pyramid and one of them break the pot. All this while womenfolk throw
buckets of colour water on them and sing folk songs.
And after a wild and eventful day, evenings are celebrated in a dignified
manner by visiting friends and relatives. People exchange sweets and hug
each other conveying the warm wishes for Holi. These days there people also
participate and organise Holi Meets and enjoy the festival till late in the
night.
Holi celebrations that starts with the burning of Holika on the eve of Holi
thus culminates with the lot of funfilled activity and bonhomie. However, at
some places specially Mathura and Barsana Holi celebrations continue for a
week as each major temple organise a Holi bash on different day. Lovers of
the festival enjoy every moment to the hilt.
