Holi - Gatherings & Friendships

Holi celebrations generally begin early in the morning. It is welcomed with enthusiasm across communities. Families and communities invite each other to gatherings, spray colored water and smear each other with coloured powder.

While most Indian festivals are colourful and bright, Holi goes the extra mile with its focus on colours! Streets are splayed with green, yellow, red, pink, purple and blue hues. Plates are stacked with coloured powders and buckets are filled with coloured water.

While there are synthetic pigments available in the market now, natural herbs are still widely used. They are safer and also prove beneficial due to their medicinal and cosmetic properties. There are many plant-based sources of these colours. Yellow powder is prepared from turmeric (an antiseptic), green from henna (a natural coolant) and red from kumkum (which improves complexion). Blue coloured powder can be prepared from dried indigo flowers or blue hibiscus. Similarly, popular colours like purple and saffron are prepared from dried beetroot and mixing with lime with turmeric, respectively.

Heavy water consumption is also a modern concern during Holi. Many responsible citizens have resorted to playing dry Holi as an alternative.

The spirit of Holi is reflective of the blossoming of nature in Spring. In many parts of India, traditional folk songs are sung with percussion instruments like the dholak. More popular in urban areas is to have selective Bollywood songs that resonate with the festival. And of course, where music is, dancing follows.

Holi is not only a source of joy but is also significantly contributes to social harmony. Unlike most Hindu festivals, Holi is celebrated with people belonging to all communities and religions, making it one of the most inclusive festivals in India. From ancient times to the present, people of all castes and religious backgrounds gather to play Holi. All differences are set aside in a dearth of color and joy during Holi!

This festival is not exclusive to family and friends. It’s a great opportunity to bond with those outside the familiar circle and celebrate harmony! It is common sight to see children throwing colored water balloons at strangers on the street during Holi. Everyone reacts benevolently to being smeared with colours as a gesture of trust and forgiveness.