Holi is a
spring festival also known as the festival of colours or the festival of love. It is an ancient Hindu religious festival which has become popular with non-Hindus in many parts of South Asia, as well as people of other communities outside Asia.
It is primarily observed in
India,
Nepal, and other regions of the world with significant populations of Hindus or
people of Indian origin. The festival has, in recent times, spread to parts of Europe and North America as a spring celebration of love, frolic, and colours.
Holi celebrations start with a
Holika bonfire on the night before Holi where people gather, sing and dance. The next morning is a free-for-all carnival of colours, where participants play, chase and colour each other with dry powder and coloured water, with some carrying water guns and coloured water-filled balloons for their
water fight. Anyone and everyone is fair game, friend or stranger, rich or poor, man or woman, children and elders. The frolic and fight with colours occurs in the open streets, open parks, outside temples and buildings. Groups carry drums and musical instruments, go from place to place, sing and dance. People visit family, friends and foes to throw colours on each other, laugh and chit-chat, then share Holi delicacies, food and drinks. Some drinks are intoxicating. For example,
Bhang, an intoxicating ingredient made from
cannabis leaves, is mixed into drinks and sweets and consumed by many. In the evening, after sobering up, people dress up, visit friends and family.
CHECK SWEETS BEFORE YOU CONSUME:-
Gujiya, a sweet dumpling made with suji or maida is stuffed with khoya. Sometimes, kesar(saffron) is added to enhance the yellow color of the sweet. But since kesar is very expensive, chances are kesar Gujia will only be available at reliable outlets selling branded products, otherwise chances of adulteration are quite high. While buying branded products, check the batch number, manufacture date, expiry date, food license number, as well as ISI or AGMARK certifications on the packaging. Also, make sure that the packaging has not been tampered with.
Paneer, khoya and milk are generally adulterated with starch which is used to give a thick, rich texture to sweets. To check for the presence of starch mixed with khoya, take a small sample and mix it with water and bring to the boil. Allow it to cool and add two drops of iodine in the solution. If the solution turns blue, then it has been adulterated with starch.
FASHION THIS HOLI
The Colour White
White is a common colour to wear on holi but you can add some color to your outfit by wearing some pastel tones of pink, green, blue etc. Yellow is the color of spring and it’s a great alternative from the regular white.
Floral Print
Floral prints are in trend if you want to stay stylish. Light coloured clothes with floral prints is a great way to celebrate Holi in stylish mood.
Cotton Fabric
Cotton fabric and light colour clothes is a good combination for Holi so that you don’t feel stuffy in the heat. Don’t wear heavy fabric since it gets clingy when wet.
Hair colour
Hair is the biggest accessory and you live with it every single day. You can color your hair, choose a shade according to your skin tone and make sure that the shade isn’t very bold.
Footwear
Wear funky and colourful flip-flops. Avoid wearing heels and leather as they will be uncomfortable.
