The Holi Festival is known as the "Festival of Colors”. It is celebrated to welcome spring and to celebrate the victory of good over evil. This year it is being celebrated on March 8th, 2023. Though there are variations in the timeline from state to state. For example, in Mathura, the birthplace of Krisha, Holi celebrations can last for 16 days.
During the Holi festival, people throw colored powders and water at each other as part of the celebration. Also, most people dance, sing, and eat traditional foods.
Holi Mythology/Holi Legend
In Hindu mythology, Holi is related to the story of Prahlad and Holika. Prahlad was a follower of Lord Vishnu, and his father, the demon king Hiranyakashipu, wanted him to give up his strong devotion. When Prahlad refused, Hiranyakashipu decided to kill him with the help of his sister, Holika, who was immune to fire. However, Holika was burned to ashes and Prahlad was saved by Lord Vishnu’s strength. This Holi mythology symbolizes the victory of good over evil.
Why the Colored Powders during Holi?
Holi legend goes that Lord Krishna (the eight incarnation of Vishnu) was worried after being cursed with blue skin by a demon. He worried that his consort Radha would not love him anymore. When he shared this with his mother, Yashoda, she teased him and told him to paint Rahda’s face with any color of his choosing. This is why the colors are used as a reminder of this story of Krishna.
Where is Holi Celebrated?
The Holi Festival goes well beyond just the Indian continent. Hindus in Bangladesh and Pakistan also celebrate Holi. Additionally, other countries with a large diaspora of Indians like Suriname, Malaysia, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States also participate in events across the country.
Holi Food
Some traditional foods eaten during holi are listed below.
Gujiya
Gujiya is a traditional sweet dish that is a vital part of Holi. It is a sweet dumpling filled with nuts, cardamom powder, and Khoa/Mawa (which is made by either dried whole milk or milk thickened by heating in a pan). The dumpling is then fried and then dipped in sugar syrup. It has a combination of sweet and crispy taste.
Thandai
Thandai is a drink that is also enjoyed during Holi. It is a sweet and refreshing milk-based drink that is made with almonds, fennel seeds, saffron, cardamom and rose petals. The drink is served cold and is perfect when in hot weather. There is a version of Thandai which also includes Cannabis which is called Bhaang. Bhaang has a psychoactive effect and is known for certain intoxicating properties. It is usually consumed in small quantities and is often mixed with milk, spices, and sugar to create a sweet and flavorful drink. However, due to its psychoactive properties, bhaang is not legal in some parts of the country and should be consumed responsibly.
Dahi Bhalla
Dahi Bhalla is a savory snack that is popular during Holi. It is made by soaking vadas in curd and then topping it with roasted cumin powder, tamarind chutney, & mint chutney. It is a perfect balance of sweet and tangy and is a great appetizer to start a Holi meal.
Papri Chaat
Papri Chaat is a popular street food that is enjoyed all year round but is also popular during Holi. It is made with crispy papris (fried dough wafers), boiled potatoes, yogurt, chickpeas and a variety of chutneys. The dish is tangy, spicy, and sweet all at the same time, and something that can be enjoyed during Holi.
Namak Pare
Namak Pare is a crispy and crunchy snack that is made with salt, flour, and spices. It is a perfect accompaniment to any sweet dish.
In conclusion, Holi is not just a festival of colors but also a festival of food. From sweet gujiyas to savory dahi bhallas, there is something for everyone to enjoy during the Holi Festival. Apart from food, Holi is also a time to sing and dance.
Famous Holi songs from Bollywood:
- “Balam Pichkari” from Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani
- “Rang Barse” from Silsila
- "Holi Khele Raghuveera” from Baghban
- “Jai Jai Shiv Shankar” from War
- "Chhan Ke Mohalla" from Action Replayy
- “Soni Soni” from Mohabbatein
There are many more songs, but the list above is a good place to start. So, next time you celebrate Holi, make sure to dance, sing, and indulge in these traditional treats. Pick up some Indian snacks and south Asian ingredients at GetJaldi. Happy Holi!