Holi Celebrations in Delhi
Holi, also known as the festival of colors, is one of the most vibrant and lively festivals celebrated in India. The festival is celebrated all over the country, and Delhi, the capital city, is no exception. The city of Delhi comes alive during the festival of Holi, and people from all walks of life come together to celebrate the occasion with great enthusiasm and joy.
The festival of Holi is usually celebrated in the month of March, and it marks the arrival of spring. The festival is a two-day affair, and on the first day, people light bonfires to symbolize the victory of good over evil. The second day is when the actual celebrations take place, and people smear each other with colored powder, dance to the beat of music, and indulge in traditional delicacies.
In Delhi, the celebrations start a week before the actual festival. The markets are filled with colors and traditional sweets, and people start stocking up for the big day. The entire city is decked up in bright colors, and the air is filled with the sound of music and laughter.
The Hindu celebration of Holi ushers in the arrival of spring. It’s a lot like the La Tomatina event, however instead of throwing tomatoes, participants use powered colours. The Indian diaspora has helped promote Holi beyond India, making it a widely celebrated event in many countries. In many countries, including Guyana, Jamaica, South Africa, and Fiji, the Holi Festival has become a significant annual event.
The festivities of the two-day festival kick off with a bonfire on the night prior, representing the burning away of whatever evil or negativity that may have been accumulating in one’s thoughts. Holi celebrates the arrival of spring and goes by several other names, including Basanta Utsav, Rangwali Holi, Phagwah, Dhuleti, and Dhulandi. A country where farming is a major industry celebrates the end of winter and the start of harvest with the festival of Holi.
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When is Holi celebrated?
People join together on Holi to smear each other with gulal, a brightly coloured powder (powdered color). Popular Indian desserts like gujiya and thandai (cold beverages laden with nuts) are among the specialties cooked up. This year, Holi in Delhi will be celebrated on 8th March 2023.
According to the Hindu lunar calendar, Holi occurs in the month of Phalguna, which spans from about the middle of February to the middle of March. Holi is significant in India’s agrarian-inspired culture because it celebrates the Phalguna, which ushers in spring.
Holi, like every other Indian holiday, is steeped in profound symbolism. The event celebrates the triumph of good over evil and the beginning of a new era. The evil witch Holika supposedly sacrificed her nephew Prahalad by setting him ablaze on a funeral pyre. Vishnu, one of the three gods in the Hindu pantheon, intervened to save the infant, while the demon was burned alive in the same pyre.
To mark the legend, Hindus light a ceremonial bonfire the night before Holi. The holiday is also known as Chhoti Holi or Holika Dahan. The next day is Holi, and people have been throwing coloured powder at each other since dawn. A common sight at the Holi Festival is a group of drummers and musicians playing a set of ceremonial songs written specifically for the event.
What to wear for Holi?
Although there is no hard and fast dress code for Holi, most Indians will wear either Kurta Pajamas or Salwar Kameez. Wearing all-white at Holi may not be the most sensible choice, despite Bollywood’s romanticization of the holiday.
Some companies that make Holi paint include artificial dyes in their gulal. The powdered pigments can irritate sensitive skin, so it’s best to take measures. Delhi, India’s capital, is where many people go to celebrate Holi. The coming of spring is celebrated with a day of supercharged colour play, delicious treats, and socialising. Those who venture out into the streets are pelted by a rainbow of gulal as it flies from every direction.
The Holi Festival is an astonishing sensory journey since it highlights one of the most remarkable aspects of Indian culture. Holi has gotten a chic makeover in Delhi. Holi parties are hosted by both large and small-scale organisers, and guests have access to an endless supply of thandai, food, and colours. The celebrations may change, but the feelings they represent do not.
On the day of the festival, people gather in groups and start the celebrations by smearing each other with colored powder. The streets of Delhi are transformed into a sea of colors, and people forget all their differences and come together to celebrate the occasion. The festival is a great equalizer, and it brings people from all walks of life together.
Also, stay away from the bhang ladoos and bhang thandai; they’re loaded with cannabis. Some of the best Holi celebrations in Delhi include. One of the most iconic places to celebrate Holi in Delhi is the Holi Cow festival, which takes place in the suburb of South Delhi. The festival is a perfect blend of tradition and modernity, and it is one of the biggest events in the city. The festival features live music performances, food stalls, and an array of colors to play with.
Also Read : Holi Parties in Delhi 2023 : Ticket Price, Online Booking
Another popular spot to celebrate Holi in Delhi is the Lathmar Holi in Mathura. Mathura, located just a few hours away from Delhi, is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Krishna. The Lathmar Holi is a unique celebration, where women playfully beat men with sticks, and the men try to protect themselves with shields. The celebration is an ode to the love story of Lord Krishna and Radha.
The festival of Holi is one of the most awaited festivals in Delhi, and it is celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm. The festival brings people from all walks of life together and is a celebration of love, unity, and joy. Delhi is the perfect place to experience the vibrancy of the festival, and it is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to witness the festivities of Holi.
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