Holi: The festival of happiness, harmony
It has almost been two years that I have never seen colours. That does not mean I have turned colour-blind but sentiments coming out of my heart as I severely feel the loss of those colourful days before making Australia my home. Colours form the integral part of human sentiments and emotions. They are indicators of happiness, sadness, victory, peace, prosperity or war. The rainbow of colours that brings happiness and joys among Hindus is almost non-existent in this part of the world. And I feel, I have not seen colours for all these years.
Holi is what Hindus call ‘Festival of Colours’ that not only brings joys, happiness but also strengthens relationship and brotherhood. It enhances cooperation, cohesion and social harmony – the fundamental characteristics of Hindu society for centuries. As my community scatters across the globe, finds money more important against social fabric and happiness, the festival of colours is fading away into the dusk.The new generation is reluctant to prioritise the festival to promote happiness and harmony against money and luxury. This year, the Hindus celebrated the festival on Thursday – 8th of March – the day my house and the houses of many Hindus in South Australia remain quiet.
To be honest, and true it is, everyone everywhere needs peace, harmony, cooperation, love, happiness and good relation. Holi gives us opportunities to cater all these. In this sense, the Festival of Colour should never specifically be that of Hindus but of the larger human society – every individual who regards this earth to be his home and calls humanity to be his family.
Holi, is a religious spring festival is celebrated in March, the date fixed through Lunar calendar. It is primarily observed in India and Nepal but extends to Pakistan,Bhutan, Suriname, Malaysia, Guyana, South Africa, Trinidad, United Kingdom, United States, Mauritius, and Fiji where Hindu population forms a major chunk of the society.
The most celebrated Holi is in the Braj region, in locations connected to the Lord Krishna: Mathura, Vrindavan, Nandagaon, and Barsana in India. These places have become tourist destinations during the festive season of Holi.
Holi marks the end of demonism and flourishing of Godhood – the icon of principles that promotes peace, happiness and brotherhood. Vedic versions of the Holi unveils story of demonic female character Holika who volunteered to kill Pralhad, son of Hiranyakashyapu – the king of demons.
Though blessed against any harm by fire, Holika burnt herself as she sits on pyre with young Pralhad (follower of goodness, prosperity) on her lap. Morally, truth and goodness always remain victorious against all forms of hatred, demonism, destruction and violence. These principles form the core objectives of human society to this day and will always be.
One of Holi’s biggest customs is the loosening strictness of social structures, which normally include age, sex, status, and caste. Further, the festival closes gaps between social classes and brings all together. Together, the rich and poor, women and men, must enjoy each other’s presence on this joyous day. Additionally, Holi lowers the strictness of social norms. No one expects polite behaviour; as a result, the atmosphere is filled with excitement and joy.
As Australia promotes multiculturalism, social harmony, integration, happiness and cohesion, recognising this ‘Festival of Colours’ will obviously add more strength to the mission.
The colours used during the festivals are extracted from herbal plants and are good for health. The herbal plants include Neem, Kumkum, Haldi, Bilva. Despite the fact that synthetic colours have replaced these colours in last several decades, the charm of Holi continues to grow wider spreading the message of peace, happiness and joy further. Lets pray for peace, lets celebrate the festival.
Also see here