Indian Spring Festival-Holi 2011

Holi is one of the major festival of India and is the most vibrant of all. The joys of Holi knows no bound. The festival is celebrated across the four corners of India or rather across the globe. The festival is filled with so much fun and frolic that the very mention of the word ‘Holi’ draws smile and enthusiasm amongst the people. Holi also celebrates the arrival of Spring, a season of joy and hope.[...]

Holi (Hindi: होली) or Phagwah (Bhojpuri) is a popular, Hindu spring festival, observed in North India and Nepal, also called the Festival of Colours. In West Bengal, it is known as Dolyatra (Doljatra) or Boshonto Utsav (“spring festival”).

This is an annual festival of colors. Holi Festival has an ancient origin and celebrates the triumph of good over evil. It’s amongst the important festival of Hindus, other being Diwali and Rakshabandhan. The holiday is primarily celebrated in countries with large Hindu populations such as India, Suriname, Fiji, Mauritius and Trinidad. The festival marks the end of winter and the abundance of the upcoming spring season.

Holi in Andhra Pradesh

Though the celebrations of Holi in South India are not as grand as compared to that in North India. Yet, what is particularly noticeable in Andhra Pradesh as in other Dravidian states is the heightened feeling of communal harmony. Here too, people participate in merry making. Besides, in the evening, youngsters play with dry colours and seek elders’ blessings by putting gulal and abeer on the feet of the elders.

The Banjara tribes of Andhra Pradesh celebrate Holi in their own way. Graceful dances are performed by the colourful Banjara gypsies

Children particularly enjoy the festival as they throw water filled balloons at passersby…and if anybody stares..they have ready answer, ‘Bura na mano Holi hai..’ and evoke a smile on the irritated face. Besides, they have their water missiles, called pichkaris to drench the person from far and escape further drenching.

In the midst of these colouring games are savoured the mouth watering holi specialities like gujiya, malpuas, mathri, puran poli, dahi badas etc and downed with glasses full of thandai.

Health Tips for celebration of Holi festival:

Doctors and nature conscious people are advising devotees, those participating in holi 2011 celebrations to go for natural colors instead of synthetic colors. Synthetic colors may harm the skin and some times they harm eyes. Color will not go away even after few baths if we use synthetic colors for holi. Participants of holi 2011 celebrations are advised to keep cotton in their ears so that water will not go inside the ears. Color water should not be sprayed directly on to the eyes of those participating in holi celebrations for year 2011.

Aware of with chemical mixed colours. just use only natural colours. Add Colours to your life http://www.addcolours.com