Holika Dahan takes place the night before Rangwali Holi. Wood and dung cakes are burned in a symbolic pyre to signify good defeating evil (in Hindu Vedi scriptures, the God Vishnu helps burn the devil Holika to death). The next morning, people gather in public spaces and take part in Rangwali Holi. This is a raucous affair where people chase each other around, throwing handfuls of coloured powders (known as gulal) at one another while getting drenched in water.
The Significance of Holi: Why is it Celebrated?
In the scheme of Hindu celebrations, Holi is a relatively secular one. It draws on various mythologies. First and foremost is the burning of the devil Holika, but it also draws on the legend of Radha and Krishna. Krishna loved Radha, but felt self-conscious about how different their skin-colours were. So on the advice of his mother, he went and playfully painted her face so it was the same colour as his. It is said that lovers often celebrate Holi in this tradition, by colouring their faces the same colour during the celebrations.
Local man celebrating HoliHowever, Holi is mostly seen as a time for people to get together and enjoy themselves. It is purported to be a time when friends, families and communities can get together without any concern for caste or ethnicity, although how much this holds true in reality is debatable. That said, certain groups take its religious elements more seriously than others. In the Braj region of India, celebrations last for 16 days.
What is the Coloured Powder Being Thrown and What Does it Mean?
Historically, the gulal was made of turmeric, paste and flower extracts, but today synthetic versions are largely used.
The four main powder colours are used to represent different things. Yellow, made from turmeric, signifies purity and religious spirit, embodying the energy and optimism of the sun. Green, derived from neem leaves, represents nature and new beginnings, marking the renewal of Spring. Red, extracted from beetroot, symbolises love and fertility, reflecting the essence of life. Recently, there’s been a conscious shift back towards these organic and natural colours, driven by health and environmental considerations. This revival of traditional practices not only safeguards health but also preserves the environment, ensuring the festival’s legacy continues in harmony with nature.
The best way to prevent any powder from sticking to your skin is to moisturise well beforehand. Some people also oil their hair so that the powder is easier to remove, or wear a hat. It is also recommended that anyone taking part uses homemade powders with ingredients that are guaranteed to be non-harmful. One way you can do this is by putting together a mix of flour, water and a few splashes of food dye.
