One of the oldest festivals in the world, the Indian tradition of Holi celebrates the arrival of Spring, the triumph of good over evil, and the sharing of love... through the sharing of colour. Based in Hinduism, chaotically colourful Holi festivals are happening today not just in India, but all over the world.
Celebrated on the days on either side of the Spring Full Moon, Holi begins with the burning of bonfires to symbolize Holika Dahan, the mythological death of the Hindu demon goddess Holika. Pyres are lit at dusk and everyone adds wood, twigs, and dead leaves to the communal flame, an effigy to Holika, but also an act of purging one's own soul from evil and renewing faith in good.
This makes way for Rangwali Holi, a full-day celebration that is best known as the Festival of Colours. With vibrantly pigmented powders and coloured water, participants cover each other with colour. Young, old, rich, poor, men, women, friends, families, couples, even widows (who traditionally live out their lives in sombre mourning) join in this joyous painting free-for-all.
Holi's roots also link to love. The blue-skinned Hindu god Krishna grew up believing that he would never find love among the fair-skinned girls, so his mother told him he could simply paint the face of his true love Radha whatever colour he wished. Their bond as a colourfully connected couple is still referenced today.
Holi is also seen as a day to make amends, forgive and forget past conflicts and debts, connect not just with loved ones, but with strangers, people you might not otherwise know or have contact with. All are welcome to join together to sing, dance, laugh, and play with a full spectrum of colours as bright and diverse and unified as those who celebrate with it.
Grab yourself some colour and join the party! And if you aren't celebrating Holi today in the real world, a Google image search will certainly get you closer and immerse you in the experience with people and places that are. I found my images here.
At a time when the world has had some darker days, may the Equinox move us all forward to brighten and colour our spirits through forgiveness, renewal, balance, togetherness, and joy.