It’s almost that time of the year when the whole country becomes super vibrant owing to the most beloved festival- Holi. Holi is one of the most colorful and bright festivals in India. The festival marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring. Holi is essentially a festival of colors, but there are several ways to celebrate it. India is a vast country with enormous diversity; thus, people across the country celebrate Holi in different ways. Let’s take a look at how Holi is celebrated throughout the country.
1. BasantUtsav, Bengal and Assam - The arrival of spring or Holi is celebrated a little differently in West Bengal and Assam. This festival is known as BasantUtsav. Basant means spring and Utsav mean festival, the translation of BasantUtsav is spring festival. On the occasion of the Basant Festival, women dress up in yellow sarees. Yellow is a color of positivity and abundance; hence the onset of spring is carried out by wearing the color yellow. People celebrate BasantUtsav by playing with colors and reciting poetry, songs, and performing dances. In some households, Brass God Idols are worshipped before going on the streets to play with colors. 2. Lathmar Holi, Uttar Pradesh
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An exciting approach to Holi is seen in Uttar Pradesh, known as Lathmar Holi. On this occasion, women are given lathis or canes and can hit men or boys playfully during the celebration. The men are equipped with shields known as dhal. All of this is done in a playful spirit and not to instigate violence. In a state like Uttar Pradesh, this marks a significant step for women empowerment too. The people in Uttar Pradesh believe that when Lord Krishna went to Radha’s village to play Holi, the town responded by hitting him with Lathis. In UP, you find people worshipping Brass Idols of Lord Krishna during the festival of Holi.
3. Phaguwa, Bihar - In Bihar, Holi is recognized as Phaguwa, which involves Holika Dahan and a few other rituals. Holika Dahan is the burning of a massive bonfire that is significant of the victory of good over evil and the spiritual cleansing of man, which leads to inner peace. The Holika Dahan happens on the eve of Holi, and the next day is spent by getting out on the streets and smearing paint on your friends and family. The day usually ends with everyone gathering in the communal areas and singing songs, reciting poetry, and dancing.
Holi is a famous festival throughout the country, and people often wait eagerly to celebrate the carnival of colors. Holi marks the arrival of spring, and in some beliefs, people pray to the gods to thank them for a good harvest. In modern times, Holi has international recognition and is celebrated all over the world. Holi is about spreading joy, happiness, and positivity amongst your friends and family. The festival of Holi in India is incomplete without the distribution of homemade traditional Indian sweets.