People in many parts of India will be going all out in a daylong burst of revelry, playing with colours, dancing, feasting and following it up with family get-togethers, prayers and cultural soirees in the evening.
Holika Dahan or the lighting of bonfire took place on the eve of Holi across the country since the day is also popularly called ‘Chhoti Holi’ or the ‘Small Holi’.
Holika Dahan is an extremely popular tradition and is celebrated with fervour all across the country and is symbolic of triumph of good over evil.
There are numerous legends associated with this ancient tradition and it is difficult to pin-point as to when actually the tradition started.
Some scholars believe that Holikotsav is named after fried cereals or parched grains called ‘Holka’ in Sanskrit.
These parched grains were used to perform hawana (a fire ritual).
The vibhuti (sacred ashes) obtained from this ritual was smeared on the forehead of those who participated in the ritual to keep away evil.
This vibhuti is called Bhumi Hari. Till date there is a tradition of offering wheat and oat into the Holika fire.
Prez, VP and PM greet people on festive occasion
President Pratibha Patil, Vice President Hamid Ansari and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh have greeted the people on the festive occasion of Holi, Good Friday and Parsee New Year Navroz being celebrated all over India.
In her message, the President said Holi imbibes the
spirit of friendship among people of all faiths.
“On this occasion, let us ensure that the less advantaged in the society do not remain untouched by the spirit of
celebration,” she said.
The President said that as the festival of colours is marked by mingling of diverse colours, “so let our various
cultural diversities come together in celebration, instilling a sense of unity amongst us all”.
In a separate message, Ansari said Holi festival portrays the country’s great tradition of unity in diversity
by transcending all distinctions and bridges the social gap by uniting the people in a joyful celebration of sprinkling of colours.
“Let us celebrate this festival in its true spirit to strengthen the social fabric and promote national integration,” he added.
In a message, the Prime Minister said that the festival symbolizes the different shades of life and inspires us to rejoice in the glory of nature in all its varied colours.
The festival symbolizes the country’s spirit of togetherness, harmony and tolerance.
‘May the festival bring gaiety, happiness health and prosperity to all’, the Prime Minister wished.
In a message to the Parsi community, the Prime Minister said that the festival is an occasion to celebrate the diversity of our country. It marks a new beginning and inspires us to rejoice in the spirit of harmony and goodwill.