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HOLI
is known as the festival of colors. It is celebrated on the
day of the full moon (Purnima) in early March every year.
Holika purnima is also called Hutasani. It is the
celebration of the arrival of Spring - the season of hope
and new beginnings and marks the re-kindling of the spirit
of life according to the Bhagvad Gita. Holi is a day to
celebrate with friends and neighbors. People perform havan
and offer to the gods the new grains that are harvested. The
history of the origin of Holi goes back to Hindu mythology
when Lord Krishna killed the demon "Madhu" in ancient Braj
or modern Mathura in U.P.
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Amongst India's innumerable festivals, Holi ranks as the
most colorful. It celebrates the arrival of spring and death
of demoness Holika, it is a celebration of joy and hope.
Holi provides a refreshing respite from the mundane norms as
people from all walks of life enjoy themselves. In a tight
knit community, it also provided a good excuse for letting
off some steam and settling old scores, without causing
physical injury.
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Twin towns of Nandagow (
where Lord Krishna grew up ) and Barsana ( where Shri Radha
grew up ), near Mathura in the state of Uttar Pradesh start
off the celebrations a week earlier than the rest of India.
Men and women of Vraj clash in a colourful display of battle
of the sexes.
Men of Nandagow raid Barsana with hopes of raising their
flag over Shri Radhikaji's temple. They receive a thunderous
welcome as the women of Barsana greet them with long wooden
sticks. The men are soundly beaten as they attempt to rush
through town to reach the relative safety of Shri
Radhikaji's temple. Men are well padded as they are not
allowed to retaliate. In this mock battle the men try their
best not to be captured. Unlucky captives can be forcefully
lead away, thrashed and dressed in female attire before
being made to dance.
Famous poets like Surdas, Nand-das, Kumbhan-das and others,
have written beautifully as to how Lord Krishna was
similarly received and forced to wear a sari, forced to wear
make-up and made to dance before being released by the
gopies of Vraj. The next day, men of Barsana reciprocate by
invading Nandagow. Pink and white powders called abil and
gulal cloud the sky as frenzied men and women revel on the
streets. A naturally occurring orange-red dye,kasuda , is
used to drench all participants. The state tourist board has
set up excellent vantage points for the public to ensure
safety of the spectators who flock to watch the revelry. A
large open ground, on the outskirts of the town is specially
set aside for the most magnificent display of the
festivities.
The temples in Vrindavan celebrate the festival with great
guesto. The renowned temple of Bakai-Bihari worshipped by
the 15th century saint Haridas, is at the centre of the
festivities. Clouds of pink and white descend upon the
pilgrims.
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