Holi in India is a color festival steeped in tradition, myths, folklore and fun. Holi celebration is as much alive in the Indian tradition today as it was eons ago. Holi in India has many myths associated with it according to Indian religious traditions. Holi celebration is thought to originate from the burning of Holika, the sister of Asura king Hiranyakashipu. Lighting bonfires to remember the burning of Holika and the victory of good over evil thus mark Holi in India.

Holy celebration in India, though part of the long Vaishnavite tradition, is said to have really taken off as a color festival with the story of Lord Krishna playing with Radha his lover and the other Gopi women by sprinkling colours on each other in Vrindaban. This manner of Holi Celebration is also called Ras Lila in Vaishnavite tradition and is the true origin of the festival of colors, though the name of the festival and true roots of Holi in India are from the more ancient traditions of the burning of Holika.

Holi in India is celebrated with a zest, which is more fervent than taking part in many other festivals. Holi celebration is meant to be fun and though there are deep traditions and religious significances, Holi in India is celebrated by people from all communities and cultures regardless of whether they are part of the Vaishnavite tradition or not.

Holi celebration is also associated with the drinking of bhang a traditional herbal intoxicant. Holi in India for the common man ends up on being high on hallucinogen (bhang) and floating in a world filled with humans painted in psychedelic colours.

By: Surjitsen Sharma

Books on Holi Festival:
Holi Book By Lynn Peppas Paperback Edition 2009
Holi Book By Uma Krishnaswami Library Binding 2003