Yahoo! India Answers blog

March brings in its wake summer heat and bright colours. All of India gears to celebrate the festival of colours. It is a fun-filled festival that brings out the child in every person no matter what the age. People throw Holi gulal and Abeer on friends. There is a lot of music and dancing.

Most revellers love the special thandai on Holi. Thandai is a a cold beverage that is laced with bhang (preparation from the leaves and buds of the female cannabis plant) and prepared with almonds, spices, milk and sugar.

One popular legend that is reputed to bring about the birth of ‘Holi’ goes that long ago there was an evil king named King Hiranyakasipu. His son, prince Prahlad was very holy and often prayed to God. Infuriated by this, the wicked king ordered his sister, the demon Holika, to kill his son. The demon Holika, who was immune to fire, captured prince Prahlad and entered a fire furnace. But Holika herself was burnt to ashes. Prince Prahlad was safe. The legend states that before the demon aunt died, she begged for prince Prahlad’s forgiveness and the prince forgave her and announced that her name would be remembered once a year. Thus the festival ‘Holi’ was created.

There is also another story behind the festival of ‘Holi’ and it is based on the everlasting love between Krishna and Radha. It seemed that in Hindu mythology Lord Krishna was known to court Radha and the light-hearted mischievous courtship of his was linked to Holi. Thus Holi is the celebration of love as well.

In today’s age it is an interesting and fun festival that helps us keep cool even as we have fun! But here is something you can tell us – What do the colours of Holi mean to you?

Answer away or leave a comment. Share your Holi happiness with us.

Happy Holi!

Bhumika Anand
Community Manager