Holi, the festival of colours, is among the most loved and celebrated occasions of India, and the world at large as well. People look forward to celebrating the festival, and preparations to observe the traditions begin much in advance.

The story behind Holi

Legend has it that the festival marks the triumph of Lord Vishnu over King Hiranyakashyapu, who would kill anyone who disobeyed him or worshipped other gods. The King’s son Prahlad did not worship his father Lord Vishnu instead. This made him angry, and he conspired with his sister Holika to kill Prahlad.

Holika lured Prahlad into a burning pyre, but Lord Vishnu came to his rescue and Holika ended up burning in the pyre. To this day, the celebrations of Holi involve burning Holika in a bonfire in the neighbourhood.

Interestingly, according to another legend, the origins of the day are based on Lord Krishna complaining to his mother Yoshodha that Radha was fairer as compared to him. Yoshodha then suggested to Krishna to colour Radha in the colour of his choice.

The mischievous Krishna is said to have coloured his beloved Radha in a hue of colours, and thus was born the tradition of applying colours to each other during the festival. Holi is celebrated on the last full moon in the lunar month of Phalguna.

A splash of Colours

People look forward to celebrating Holi. IN fact, the  festival brings together people of all ages to smear colour on each other and celebrate the festival with much joy and aplomb.

Right from the morning, colours are seen everywhere, symbolic of the tradition of starting afresh. IN fact, Mother Nature also turns a new leaf, with the arrival of spring on the celebrations of Holi.

Colours are awash as well with people throwing balloons on each other and splashing water. Blue, green, yellow, pink, orange, red.. the list of bright shades dotting the horizons are endless on Holi.

Traditionally, Holi is also celebrated by eating sweets and savouries and dancing to traditional folk music. Overall, Holi is a massive get together for people. It is a time to meet and greet. It is the time to celebrate good over evil. It is time to add a dash of colours into our lives.

It is the time to have the extended families come together and enjoy each other’s company. It is the time to start afresh and come out of the slumber of the winters.

So Hello Vizag wishing everyone a very Happy Holi!