Holi celebration of colour in India

The festival of colours in India was held in March but I really want to share these stunning pictures with you. And next March is coming quicker than you think… and this is something you might not want to miss. Check your travel agenda now and take note for March 2012.

All of India gears to celebrate the festival of colours. It is a fun-filled festival that brings out the child in every person no matter what the age. People throw Holi gulal and Abeer on friends. There is a lot of music and dancing.

Most revellers love the special thandai on Holi. Thandai is a a cold beverage that is laced with bhang (preparation from the leaves and buds of the female cannabis plant) and prepared with almonds, spices, milk and sugar.

One popular legend that is reputed to bring about the birth of ‘Holi’ goes that long ago there was an evil king named King Hiranyakasipu. His son, prince Prahlad was very holy and often prayed to God. Infuriated by this, the wicked king ordered his sister, the demon Holika, to kill his son. The demon Holika, who was immune to fire, captured prince Prahlad and entered a fire furnace.

But Holika herself was burnt to ashes. Prince Prahlad was safe. The legend states that before the demon aunt died, she begged for prince Prahlad’s forgiveness and the prince forgave her and announced that her name would be remembered once a year. Thus the festival ‘Holi’ was created.

Story and Images via plenty of colour.

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