Indian Festivals

By -
Holi - The Colorful Festival of India

The colorful festival of Holi is celebrated on Phalgun Purnima which comes in February end or early March. Holi festival has an ancient origin and celebrates the triumph of 'good' over 'bad'. The colorful festival bridges the social gap and renew sweet relationships. On this day, people hug and wish each other 'Happy Holi'.

Holi celebration begins with lighting up of bonfire on the Holi eve. Numerous legends & stories associated with Holi celebration makes the festival more exuberant and vivid. People rub 'gulal' and 'abeer' on each others' faces and cheer up saying, "bura na maano Holi hai". 

http://www.holifestival.org/gifs/zero.gif
Holi is one of the major festival of India and is the most vibrant of all. The joys of Holi knows no bound. The festival is celebrated across the four corners of India or rather across the globe. The festival is filled with so much fun and frolic that the very mention of the word 'Holi' draws smile and enthusiasm amongst the people. Holi also celebrates the arrival of Spring, a season of joy and hope. 



Legend of Holi Festival
Holi is one of the oldest festivals of India. There are many interesting stories associated with the festival's origin as one moves across the different states from North to South and East to West. Paintings and scriptures depict the roots of the festival. Mythology plays a very important part in narrating the festival of Holi. The most popular stories of Holi origin relates to 'Holika Dahan' and Legend of Radha-Krishan. 

Story of Holika 
Integrally entwined with Holi, is the tradition of 'Holika Dahan', which is actually lighting of bonfires. The ritual is symbolic of victory of good over evil and has its root in the legend of demon king Hiranyakashyap who wished to end his blessed son, Prahlad's life with the help of his sister, Holika who burnt in the fir and no harm occurred to Prahlad. Since then the day is celebrated in victory of good over bad. 

Story of Radha and Krishan 
The legend of Radha and Krishna is closely linked with this tradition of colors on Holi. Young Krishna, who had a dark complexion was jealous of his beloved Radha's extremely fair skin. In a mischievous mood, he applied color on Radha's face. Following this ancient legend, lovers till date long to color their beloved as an expression of love. 

Holi Celebrations in India 
Holi is famous as Basant Utsav in rural India. It is one of the major festivals in India and is celebrated with extreme enthusiasm and joy. Gulal, abeer and pichkaris are synonymous with the festival. Elaborate plans are made to color the loved ones. Everybody wants to be the first one to color the other. In the ensuing battle of colors, everybody is drowned not just in colors of gulal but also in love and mirth. People love to drench others and themselves in colored water. Gujiyas and other sweets are offered to everyone who comes across to color. 

Temples are beautifully decorated at the time of Holi. Idol of Radha is placed on swings and devotees turn the swings singing devotional Holi songs. Now-a-days small plays are organized reflecting the spirit of the festival. To Be A Part Of Indian Festivals ,Contact : communications@heeals.org
Visit Us At : http://heeals.org/ContactUs

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Menstrual hygiene too and how it effects mental health

By -
Image
  Menstrual hygiene too and how it effects mental health:  Written by volunteer-coordinator Janyl Kenenbaeva  First of all, let me introduce you what is “Menstrual Hygiene Taboo” Menstrual hygiene taboos are social and cultural restrictions, beliefs, and practices that surround menstruation and affect the way menstruating individuals are treated and how they manage their menstrual hygiene. These taboos vary widely across different cultures and societies, and they can have significant negative consequences for the physical and emotional well-being of those who menstruate. Some common menstrual hygiene taboos and the reasons behind them include: Menstruation as Impurity: In many cultures, menstruation is often viewed as impure or dirty. Menstruating individuals may be considered unclean and are sometimes excluded from participating in religious activities, entering certain places, or even cooking during their periods. Silence and Secrecy: In some societies, menstruation is surrounded by
Read more

Funding Forms A Crucial Component In NGO Sustainability

By -
Image
Funding forms a crucial component in not only financing any institution’s operating expenses but  also in fulfilling its desired goals. Similarly, bodies like grassroots non-governmental  organisations (NGOs), local civil society organisations and other non-profit institutions that do  not yield profits and revenues require funding to finance their day-to-day expenses and also to  sustain their zeal and commitment to bring a social transformation. Despite that, it is  disheartening to report that we at HEEALS, Gurugram have not received adequate funds in  recent years to keep us moving forward. Lack of funds poses a threat not only to our collective  performance but also to the quality of our service delivery.  Since our inception, we have always kept the community at the intersection of our goals and  policies. Over the past many years, we have diligently and wholeheartedly reached out to  thousands of people through a diverse range of campaigns such as the distribution of sanitary  p
Read more

Why HEEALS Skill Development Center Is Important ?

By -
Image
Our Skill Development Center is for people in need: young girls. children and people from marginalized communities from our slums, in India.  We are aware of the fact that socio-economical conditions of these people make their life miserable and entangled in poverty, especially because of the fact that they, lacking in basic skills, do not have access to skill-based jobs.  We are trying to give our best contribute to give resources for these people and clarity in their thoughts, in order to help them build their future.   "Through Our Skill Development Center We Are Making The Present Of These Communities Better Than Their Past" -Gaurav Kashyap  Website: www.heeals.org Instagram: @heealsindia Email : communications@heeals.org Whatss app: +91-7982316 Be A Part Of Our International Internship /Volunteering/Volunteer travel program At HEEALS Please Contact Us At : communications@heeals.org Please Come Join Us! DONTAE AND SAVE TAX :  Email : communications@heeals.org Facebook Pag
Read more