Most of us know about Holi as the festival of colour. Many of us also know about the legend behind the festival; that of Bhakt Pralhad and his evil, filicide attempting father trying unsuccessfully to burn him alive with the assistance of his sister Holika. However over time, the celebration of Holi has embraced some regional flavours and local traditions have become associated with the festival as well. Here is a look at some Holi traditions from across the country; some well known, some less so:
In the hills, Holi celebrations are a unique blend of music and dance. The ‘khadi’, ‘baithi’ or ‘baithaki’ and ‘mahila’ musical traditions, Holiyaron ki toli and much more make up the traditional celebration of Holi in the hills.
Known as Goa’s answer to Holi, this is the state’s big spring gala, where there is singing, dancing, parades and other celebrations. The tradition goes back hundreds of years.
In thandai, in pakodas, pellets and various other ways, bhaang the intoxicant finds spiritual, religious, cultural and social sanction on this festival. Bhang is a Pan Indian holi tradition and has been around for about four thousand years; thought to have been introduced to humans by Lord Shiva himself!
One day is evidently not enough so the people of Manipur celebrate Holi, or what they call Yaoshang for five days! Thabal Chongba or dancing in the moonlight, folk theatre and sports activities are part of the celebrations.
The term ‘Lathmar’ literally means to beat with sticks! In parts of Uttar Pradesh, this unique traditional celebration features men teasing women by singing provocative songs and women in turn beating them with sticks! Some men are then ‘captured’, made to wear female clothing and dance in public!
In Udaipur, the royal family really gets into the act around Holi. A huge Holika dahan takes place at the royal palace, there are ceremonial processions, cultural performances and more to mark the occasion. Other cities in Rajasthan also have royal celebrations.
The Sikhs of Punjab celebrate Holi in their own unique style. The Hola Mohalla is a three day festival organised at Anadpur Sahib and it features kirtan, poetry and music and of course langar where everyone sits together in queues or pangaths to eat. The event concludes with a solemn, military style procession.
Where there are Indians, there are festivals right? Quite! Even if they are on the other side of the world from India! Indians and others in Trinidad and Tobago celebrate the festival where it has now become a multi religious, multi ethnic observance! There is a carnival atmosphere marking the festival: singing, dancing and of course colours!
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