"Colours radiating through our spirits": Happy Holi 2021

Holi Celebrations 2021

India is standing at the junction to celebrate the festival of joy and happiness-Holi. With colours being stocked, water guns being filled, the essence of sweets looming in our homes, ecstasy and excitement driving our hearts, we are looking forward to celebrating this festival of colours in the most delightful way possible. Holi marks the victory of devotion, truth, goodness, nobility, selflessness, honour and purity over the evils of conceit, jealousy, arrogance, falsity, pretence, negativity, disloyalty and selfishness. This festival holds a significant place in the hearts of people as it urges them to forget and forgive all the misdeeds and toxicity we build in our hearts, and move on ahead with an optimistic and fresh mindset.

The sky enlightened with vibrant colours, people putting behind all the grudges and agony they hold in their hearts by hugging out all the differences, melodies being recited in every household, the colourful aura of surroundings, marketplaces crowded with enthusiastic shoppers, all indicate the beginning of festivities in the hearts of people. India, which is known for its incredible diversity, welcomes all the festivals with open arms and hearts. Before the calendar turns to actual day, we begin the preparations for the festivities and the exhilaration ruling our hearts increases with each rising day.

According to Hindu Mythology, holi is celebrated pay tribute to the triumph of good over evil. The idea arises from an epic which honours Hindu God Vishnu and his devotee Prahalada. King Hiranyakashyapu, popularly known as king of demonic powers Asuras, was engrossed in his arrogance and self centred intentions. He assumed himself as God and wanted everyone to worship him. However, his son refrained from doing so and continued his wholehearted devotion to Lord Vishnu. This infuriated Hiranyakashyapu, subjected his son to brutal and inhumane treatment to compel him to follow his path. Nothing worked to stumble the boy's conscience and inclination. Finally, he decided to call Holika, Prahalada's evil aunt who tricked him into sitting on pyre with her. Holika covered herself with a fire resistant cloak, but Prahalada wasn't immune to surviving the fire. As the flames rose, the cloak was swept from Holika's body and it encumbered Prahalada, saving him from the ravages of fire. The fire burned down Holika symbolising the message of "Goodness wins over Evilness". This very event gave birth to this festival and the fire is still burnt, a night before the festival in reminiscence of burning down all the negativity from our souls. The Holika bonfire is symbolic to this incident known as "Holika Dahan" or "Chhoti Holi".

This Hindu festival also marks the beginning of spring season after the end of chilling winters. Also known as "festival of spring" the fragrance of blooming flowers fills the air with enchanting vibes of blossoming love, laughter and affinity. Celebrating the divinity of Lord Radha and Krishna, it is also a harvest festival which excites the farmers for a great new year. The festival is celebrated on Purnima (Full Moon Day) of Phalgun month of Hindu Calender.

In these times of a pandemic swaying our world, our celebrations are subjected to certain covid 19 restrictions. As responsible citizens, keeping our interests aside, we should inarguably abide by the guidelines imposed by the government for the celebration. Currently, India is experiencing a difficult time, due to unexpected and unregulated spike in covid 19 cases after surfacing of new and dangerous mutants of the virus. Keeping this in mind, people should limit our social interactions wherever possible to practice social distancing. This doesn't mean that people can't celebrate the festival with loved ones. You should avoid crowded and massive gathering, and try to connect with your friends and family at your home or via online calls or meets. Festivals are more about relishing the bond you share rather than flaunting the way you celebrate. Avoid organising or indulging in any large gathering. Since one year, this pandemic has halted all our daily activities and celebrations but we have come a long way in combating the repercussions. Amid these subdual circumstances, we should cooperate and coordinate by complying to shutdowns or guidelines issued by your state. No celebration is worth your life.