Holi 2022: Festival of a Rangeen Buzz


Holi 2022: Festival of a Rangeen Buzz

India is a cultural heritage of various festivals of optimism, happiness and enthusiasm. Experiencing each of them is similar to living a hundred lives in one; they are that diverse in their essences. Indeed, festivals are one of the beautifications of the country. Hence, the 12th month of the Hindu calendar that corresponds to February or March in the Gregorian calendar, Phagun, marks the beginning of the spring season and India’s most colorful festival – HOLI.

The Pandora box of wholesome fun and pranks illustrate the atmosphere in the colorful festival of Holi. This festival is gradually gaining popularity in the global sphere too. People celebrate the festival by applying colors and splashing water on each other in numerous hues of jubilance. This is the festival to immerse yourself in the pinks, greens and reds of Holi, and forget the blues of life.

Hindu mythology

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After two years of the battle of the pandemic, millions of people are excited and getting ready to celebrate the festival. As Holi celebrates the triumph of good over evil, this year's Holi celebration is about victory over the muted festivities. The festival of a stunning array of brilliant colors and a plethora of celebrations commemorates Lord Vishnu's victory over King Hiranyakashyapu, who killed everyone who disobeyed him or worshipped other gods and reminds us all of the power of goodness. 

The celebration of Holi usually lasts for two days, beginning with the festival of Holika Dahan on the full moon day of Phagun month and Rangwali Holi on the following day is the highlight. On the eve of Holi, Holika Dahan represents the end of Hiranyakashyapu’s demon sister by burning in the pyre. People mark the event by making bonfires in their neighbourhoods.

Each region of the country celebrates Holi with its traditions. The celebrations in some part of India tend to be more colorful and vivid, while other focuses primarily on religious and temple rituals. It is also celebrated in other South Asian countries such as Nepal, Pakistan and Bangladesh, with a sizeable Hindu population. The Hindu diaspora in various countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia, has introduced the festival and celebrated it with happiness and enthusiasm.

Ecofriendly Holi

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Being involved in festivities and taking care of the environment around us would complete the celebration. Hence, this year, play Holi in an environmentally sustainable manner. Holi will be celebrated in the same way we do now but in a more nature-friendly manner. 

Below are a few environmentally friendly ways to celebrate Holi to the fullest & simultaneously take care of the environment:

Use of Natural Colors

One of the greatest ways to celebrate the festival of color is to use natural colors. Use of turmeric chandan, and henna, and your imagination to create diverse combinations, would help you to make natural colors. These colors are safe to use and can be readily removed.

Avoidance of Balloons & Plastic Bags

Holi is a festival devoted to spreading joy. On the other hand, plastic bags and balloons might cause injury or damage to various external organs and the surroundings. For some years, people have been trying to avoid using plastic bags and balloons and discourage others from doing so in order to have a safe and enjoyable Holi. Let's carry the zeal and protect the present and future environment.

A Dry Holi

Using pichkaris will result in wasteful waste, water waste, and pollution of the environment. As a result, enjoy a dry Holi to avoid such unnecessary and harmful consequences and to rescue our incredible ecosystem.

Flowers Fest

The most charming way to celebrate Holi is to play it with flowers. To play an eco-friendly Holi, dress as Radha Krishna and use flower petals. Fill your celebrations with tunes and joyfully dance to the beats. However, instead of dumping used flowers in water, dispose of them in a trash can.

No to Irrelevant Colors

It is usually preferable to observe all festivals, including Holi, safely. Using improper colours such as oil paints, petrol, dirt, or other chemical goods can be hazardous to your health and the environment.

Don’t color pets or strays. 

Deliberate or otherwise exposures of colors on animals cause havoc on their health and well being. Animals habitually lick themselves, and chemical contained colors can cause stomach ailments and other illnesses. The colored water can cause skin infections and affect eyesight. Indeed, pets should be involved in the festive spirit and have fun at home. But ensure that everything is within limits, such as a tikka on the forehead using turmeric powder is acceptable, but nothing more than that. 

Delectable items to attract Bon Appetite 

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Festivals without some special dishes are incomplete. To add a certain traditional sheen to the fun and frolic, Holi too has its own specialities. Here are the most mandatory and delectable items for the Holi menu.

Thandai: If there's one drink that you cannot greet your guests without on Holi, it's a well-made Thandai. 

Bhujia: Craving for crunchy Indian snacks can be fulfilled by Bhujia. 

Badam Drink: Youngsters have always delighted more at servings of milkshakes as against a glass of thandai. To top it all, badam milkshakes will gel well with the rest of your menu while offering you another option to sherbets and thandai in the segment of the cold beverage.

Rasogolla: Indian festivals and sweets are an undeniable fact. Rasogolla to the menu would light up the Bon appetite as brightly as the colours on their cheeks.  

Gujia: Another must-have item for the Holi party table is Gujia. Holi and Gujia is simply a made-for-each-other pair, and no one can speak of one without remembering the other.

While festivities are about having fun with loved ones, Holi is even more so. Hence, when you and all your cousins, aunts and uncles, grandparents, friends and neighbours gather under one roof, only then do you get the vibes of "Holi hai!"

Wish you all a very Happy and Safe Holi!