Lovingly Yours (1)

One of the better known festival of India all across the world and which is the most colorful or vibrant of all is “Holi”. Indian celluloid has spread it all the more to different parts of the globe apart from the NRIs. The joy of Holi has no bound and it also welcomes the arrival of “Phagun”, a mirthful season. The festival is of so much fun and frolic that the word ‘Holi’ itself brings smile and a sense of festivity or fun to us all.

Integrally entwined with Holi, is the tradition of bonfire what we call as ‘Holika Dahan’. The ritual is symbolic of victory of good over evil and originates with the story of the legend of “Hiranyakashyap” who wished to end his blessed son, Prahlad’s life with the help of his sister, “Holika” who also got burnt in the bonfire and Prahlad returned unburnt and safe.

 It is also referred to as the “festival of love” as on this day people get to unite together forgetting all resentments and all types of bad feeling towards each other. The legend of “Radha and Krishna” is also associated with this tradition of playing with colors on Holi. It is said that Lord Krishna who is considered dark complexioned, in a mischievous mood, applied color on his beloved Radha’s face who supposedly  has fair skin. This tradition became an expression of love and to an extent, mischief also. Now, people tend to play with water colours and dry colours like “Abeer” and  “Gulal” with their friends and all their  acquainted ones.

Up to the above part, blog is of very primary knowledge of mythology, history and culture & tradition for those who either do not know much about it or know it for fun only. Good and the bad part of the story, albeit almost unknown, is that this popular festive season gives rise to many love stories and many stories of hatred or animosity also. Young or adolescent ones play colours with the persons of their liking and bolster their charm further. At the same time, in the frolic mood, many tend to go at loggerheads with some others leading to very hostile brawls which continues after the festivities also. There are many popular “bollywood movies” displaying the themes of both love as well as hostility. So by the time I upload this or you read it, maybe many love or hatred stories may have been written as a plot for future blockbusters for all of us to watch after a decade from now. I just wish there are far too many love stories than the hatred stories from this “Holi”.

Wishing you a very happy Holi and mirthful seasons ahead.

Reena’s Xploration Challenge #270

Good evening and see you next time.