India is a country with an ancient history where mass religious celebrations have been held since time immemorial. One of them is the Holi festival, also known as Bhojpuri, Phagwah, or a festival of colors. It is held annually and symbolizes the arrival of spring. Let's learn in more detail about how Holi today celebrate the inhabitants of India and other countries.
History of Holi
As already mentioned, the holiday of paints originated in India. There are several versions about its origin, the most popular among which are the burning of Demonesses of Holiks, Krishna's games with the gopis and the incineration of the sight of Siva of the Hindu god of love, Kama.
There are regional differences in Indian Holi . It is most abundantly celebrated in the Punjab, where not only Hindus, but also Sikhs take part in the festival. A spring festival is also taking place in Bangladesh, where it is known as Doljatra.
How is the Paint Festival held in India?
There is a festival of paints Holi in the full moon in late February or early March and lasts 2-3 days. On the first day of the holiday stuffed Holies are burned at a festive fire (many of our compatriots resemble the ancient Russian holiday of Maslenitsa). Also, participants of the festival can see walking on the coals and running through the fire of cattle.
The second day of the festival - in Hindi it sounds like "Dhalundi" - the Hindus arrange a procession until the onset of twilight, as well as paint each other with colors that symbolize the arrival of the long-awaited spring.
The main attribute of the festival is, of course, bright colors. They are made only from natural dyes and herbs. These days, people on the streets sprinkle each other with dry paints, doused with tinted water and even mud. All this carries a cheerful nature of entertainment, because the colors are easily washed off the body and clothes.
In addition to colors, a special drink "tandai" also participates in the celebration. It contains a small amount of marijuana. And, of course, what a holiday without music! Rhythmic music is provided by traditional Indian instruments, such as dholi.
Festival of bright colors in Russia and Ukraine
In large Russian and Ukrainian cities to hold a festival of colors began relatively recently. It looks more like a mass outing, the opportunity to paint gray everyday life with bright colors in a literal and figurative sense. Also, the festival has as its goal and charity - volunteers collect money, things and toys for orphanages and toddlers from disadvantaged families.
If in India in February-March is already warm enough to be able to get a real treat from the holiday, then at this time of the year the weather does not spoil. Therefore, the celebration of the festival of colors in Ukraine and Russia was postponed to a warmer time - the end of May - the beginning of June. In different cities it is held on different days.
And since in our culture Holi is perceived not as a religious Hindu festival, but simply as a good reason to have fun, then the festive program is somewhat different. It includes:
- master classes in Indian dances;
- body art;
- a show of giant soap bubbles;
- performances of famous musicians and singers;
- the provision of services for children's animators;
- the opportunity to participate in fascinating contests and purchase thematic souvenirs.
Paints are usually distributed by the organizer of the festival, and they are paid (as well as the entrance ticket), since they are specially purchased in India. It is forbidden to bring your own colors, so as not to endanger the other participants of the festival - children, pregnant women and people prone to allergic bouts.
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