Holi is a colorful Indian holiday, which is celebrated on the day of the full moon of the month of Phalguna (February-March). Thus, the date of the holiday varies depending on the position of the moon in the sky. So, in 2013 Holi was celebrated on March 27, and in 2014 on March 17.
This celebration is also called the "Bengali New Year" or "Festival of Colors". Where does this name come from? The fact that the holiday symbolizes the onset of spring, which in Hinduism is associated with the beginning of the new year, a new starting point.
By tradition, in the evening of Holi, people kindle bonfires, which symbolize the burning of Hollyka. The next day the participants of the celebration make a certain kind of a crusade before the twilight comes, sprinkling each other with colored powder or watering. For sifting, medicinal mixtures of herbs (him, bilva, kumkum and others) recommended by sacred healers are used. These herbs help from a variety of diseases, which most often occur in the spring.
Due to its special atmosphere, Holi's paint festival has gained popularity far beyond India. Today it is celebrated in the countries of the USA and Europe. There, the celebration is more often in June-August. Dates are chosen regardless of the position of the new moon and do not carry any symbolism.
Celebrating in Russia
The Indian celebration was very fond of Muscovites, who celebrate it several times a year. So, in 2014, the Holi Color Festival in Moscow was celebrated on March 15, June 7, July 13, August 16 and September 6. The venue was the Olympic complexes and parks. On the day of the festival, performances of artists and DJs, contests and other interesting events were held.
The entrance is usually free. The only thing you need to spend money on is a set of colors. Instead of classical concentrated herbal mixtures in Russia, dry powder mixtures of Gulal are used. They are made of their fine corn flour and medicines (hibiscus flowers, sandalwood, turmeric, calendula). Chemical dyes are not used categorically, as they can cause harm when in contact with the skin or eyes.
In addition to Moscow, the Holi Color Festival is held in Vladivostok on a wide scale. Here is a slightly different payment system. The organizers offer to buy a ticket for the festival, the cost of which already includes 4 bags of paints Holi Gular. Organizers offer guests a lot of entertainment, among which you can find:
- concert with the participation of creative teams;
- jumping through a rope, twister, trampoline and megajeng;
- painting of henna;
- Indian dances;
- Rest area with plaids and soft armchairs .
At the festival there are photographers who post pictures on social networks and on special websites dedicated to the Holi holiday at the end of the holiday.
Festival of paints of holi in Kiev
The Ukrainian capital also spoils its residents with bright exotic holidays, among which one can not fail to celebrate the Holi festival. Here, the organizers are more creative and suggest not only to shower, but also to "pour" paint. On sale there are special water pistols, "charged" with colored water.
Guests of the festival are also offered master classes on Indian dances and cooking Indian food, painting the body of henna and other interesting events.
Features of the celebration
Going to the festival you need to put on clothes that you do not mind getting dirty. Do not try to dress smartly and smartly. Color paint will make each participant bright and unlike the others. In addition, it is desirable to grab points that protect your eyes from getting into them colored powder.
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
