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Holi (also known as Dol Jatra, Basantotsav) is the Hindu festival of colors. It is celebrated at the end of the winter season, on the last full moon day of the lunar month Phalguna. In 2012, Holi will be celebrated on March 8.
Holi is observed with great fanfare by Hindus all over the world. Holi celebrations begin on the eve of the festival with bonfires and prayers. On the day of Holi, people throw colored powder and liquids at each other. A common greeting during this time is, "Happy Holi."
Holi celebrations are particularly riotous in India as social rules are relaxed. Colored water is squirted on passers-by, and people are dunked into muddy water. Many people consume bhang, an intoxicating drink made from the female cannabis plant. Social barriers are broken as people of all ages, genders, castes, and wealth gather together and celebrate the festival. In fact, it is said that one can get away with almost any kind of behavior on the day of Holi by saying "bura na mano holi hai," or, "don't mind, it is Holi." In addition to the boisterous nature of the festival, this is a time for family members to get together, give gifts, eat special foods and decorate their homes. Overall, this is one of the most spirited and beloved festivals of the Hindu calendar.
The celebration of Holi is recounted in Hindu sacred texts and stories that have passed from generation to generation. Holi commemorates the miraculous story of Prahlada, a young boy and a devoted follower o thef Hindu god Vishnu. According to Hindu texts, Prahlada was born to Hiranyakashipu, the king of demons. Unable to tolerate Prahlada's devotion to Lord Vishnu, Hiranyakashipu attempted to kill his son several times by poisoning him, throwing him from the top of a mountain, etc. but failed each time. Finally, he ordered his son to sit on a pyre on the lap of his demoness sister, Holika, who was protected from fire burning her. Prahlada accepted his father's command and survived unharmed from the fire while Holika burned to death. The burning of Holika gave rise to the tradition of lighting bonfires on Holi eve. Holi also celebrates the immortal love of the divine couple, Radha and Krishna. And Holi immortalizes the story of Kama, the Hindu god of love, his incineration to death by Lord Shiva, restoration and his love and sacrifice for all. These are three of the most popular stories, and as with most Hindu festivals, the stories vary slightly in different parts of India.
For a long time, Bollywood, the Indian film industry has produced films depicting Holi. Today, Holi celebrations in India and among the Indian diaspora are almost considered incomplete without a generous dose of classic Bollywood Holi songs. Below are some of our favorites. Enjoy:
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Ganeshji, it seemed, would not let me get away from him. In a way that I understand now but couldn't quite see back then, he would not let me get away from myself either. After all, my problem was never really with him to begin with.
By taking vows and being formally accepted into my own tradition, I can approach the deepest freedom of love of God by working within the structure of my tradition.
I have yet to find the right words for what he meant to my family and to me. He made me think that at its heart all religion is about selfless love, and he showed me that it is humanly possible.
Hinduism can mean incredibly right-wing fundamentalists who use it as an excuse for violence, or it can mean my mother, a self-proclaimed atheist who is one of the most devout Hindus I know.
As long as the powders and liquids of various colors that revelers throw and splash on each other, are environmentally friendly, water soluble, biodegradable and non-toxic to pets, babies and adults, the festival is OK. If they are not, they should be legally banned.
ihrams: As long as the powders and liquids of various colors
Festival of colors at Barsana and Mathura is famous thorug out the world. This year 2012 also the festival starts on Day 2 march in Barsana. The Kishori ji's devotees accross the world visited Barsana the birth place of Shree Radha Rani ji. Throught the night saints, devotees sang bhajans, sankirtan in glory of Radha and Krishna. Next morning the festival of colors staretd from rangili gali in Barsana. People played with colors and next day barsana people went to Nand gaon to play Colors with Kanha ji Lord Shri Krishna. This carries on till the end 8th march. Radhe Radhe
Aarti_Sharma: Festival of colors at Barsana and Mathura is famous thorug
Leviticus 18:22
Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.
Leviticus 20:13
If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination:
Romans 1:26-28
jcshiloh: Leviticus 18:22 Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with
“Of the many influences that have shaped the United States into a distinctive nation and people, none may be said to be more fundamental and enduring than the Bible.” - Ronald Reagan
jcshiloh: “Of the many influences that have shaped the United States
Arrived in Delhi last year during the feast of Holi - a beautiful and unforgettable experience. Having the colors put on my face made me feel the unity of all religions.
charlesdickens: Arrived in Delhi last year during the feast of Holi
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The Huffington Post Jahnabi Barooah
First Posted: 03/07/2012 8:35 pm Updated: 03/26/2012 3:23 pm