Bunty4ever:- Kimi, I want to tel u something really important!
Kimi_Kumkum:- really Important Bunty4ever???
Bunty4ever:- Trust me!
Kimi_Kumkum:- Ok say then… & plz be fast coz I hv no time as I want to go 4 shopping!
Bunty4ever:- Actually I want to say that u r very 'chulbhuli'(cute+sweet)
Kimi_Kumkum:- Cheerz 4 d compliment!!!
Bunty4ever:- Kimi, y r u in a bad mood 2day???
Kimi_Kumkum:- Coz I texted Sumit (Hussain of kumkum) bt he is not replying me!!! U knw I love him naa….
Bunty4ever:- Kimi, I m sure he wil sooon get back to u!!! he mite be busy!!
Kimi_Kumkum:- but ah…
Bunty4ever:- wat ah?? Let me change ur mood!!!
Kimi_Kumkum:- how wil u do dat???
Bunty4ever:- what date is today???
Kimi_Kumkum:- 4th of March!
Bunty4ever:- Ok, so from today… umm.. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14.. So 11 dayz left & so I think v shud all start celebrating!!!
Kimi_Kumkum:- huh?? Celebrate wat???
Bunty4ever:- Listen to this… & promise me dat u too wil join me!!!
Kimi_Kumkum:- join u in what???
Bunty4ever:- Promise me first!!! I m sure ur mood wil also change!
Kimi_Kumkum:- ok!! Promise…
Bunty4ever:- RANG BARSE…
Kimi_Kumkum:- Wiked! Holi??? Wow… M gna have a blast & I m sure dat all 'INDIA-FORUMS' members wil also have a blast!!!
Bunty4ever:- INDIA-FORUMS PPL, Join us & letz all together have a blast!!!
Bunty4ever:- Rang barse bheege chunar wali, rang barse
Kimi_Kumkum:- Rang barse bheege chunar wali, rang barse
Bunty4ever:- Rang barse bheege chunar wali, rang barse
Kimi_Kumkum:- Are kaine maari pichkaari tori bheegi angiya
Bunty4ever:- O rangrasia rangrasia, ho
Kimi_Kumkum:- Rang barse bheege chunar wali, rang barse ...
Bunty4ever:- Sone ki thaali main jona parosa
Kimi_Kumkum:- Are, sone ki thaali main jona parosa
Bunty4ever:- Haan, sone ki thaali main jona parosa
Bunty4ever:- Are, khaye gauri ka yaar balam tarse rang barse
Kimi_Kumkum:- Holi hai!!!
Kimi_Kumkum:- O, Rang barse bheege chunar wali, rang barse ...
Bunty4ever:- Launga ilaichi ka, are launga ilaichi ka
Kimi_Kumkum:- Launga ilaichi ka? Haan
Bunty4ever:- Are launga ilaichi ka beeda lagaya
Kimi_Kumkum:- Haan, launga ilaichi ka beeda lagaya
Bunty4ever:- Chabe gauri ka yaar, balam tarse
Kimi_Kumkum:- Holi hai!!!
Kimi_Kumkum:- O, Rang barse bheege chunar wali, rang barse ...
Bunty4ever:- Are, bela chameli ka sez bhichhaya
Bunty4ever:- bela chameli ka, sez bhichhaya
Kimi_Kumkum:- Are, bela chameli ka sez bhichhaya
Bunty4ever:- Haan, bela chameli ka sez bhichhaya
Kimi_Kumkum:- Soye gauri ka yaar, balam tarse
Bunty4ever:- Holi hai!!!
Kimi_Kumkum:- O, Rang barse bheege chunar wali, rang barse ...
Bunty4ever:- Rang barse bheege chunar wali, rang barse
Kimi_Kumkum:- Bunty4ever, u indeed changed my mood!!! Thank u so much!!!
Bunty4ever:- Excately, my pleasure! So I-F PPL, Wat waitin 4???? C'Mon, Grab a person next to u & play Holi!!!!
Kimi_Kumkum:- If u don't know wat 'HOLI' is den read to what our Coolbies, Viewbies and Cool Viewbies rite & den celebrate it!!!
Bunty4ever:- I m 100% sure u all wil have fun!!!
Kimi_Kumkum:- So join in & have fun!!!!
Bunty4ever & Kimi_Kumkum:- HAPPY HOLI!!!!!!
Krish:- Presenting to u all the I-F hard working members & dey al wil tel u all about 'HOLI'!!!! Incase if u don't knw wat Holi is!!! Do read & den do Celebrate it!! It only cums once in a year!!! Have fun!
Newkidondblock:- Holi is the most colourful festival of the Hindus and falls on the Full moon day in the month of Phalgun according to the Hindu Calendar which is the month of March as per the Gregorian Calendar. This Holi festival has many elements of primitive and prolific rites and reveries that have defied civilisation and prudery. During the three days of this festival, particularly the whole country, towns, cities and villages - go gay with merry makers, streets, parks and public places are crowded with people, daubed in diverse colours, looking funny and ridiculous. Children and youngsters vie with each other in being original and use fast and sticky colours. It is all a mirthful abandon for them.
Monika.Goel:- This festival of joy, mirth and buoyancy is celebrated when both Man and Nature cast off their winter gloom. Holi heralds the arrival of Spring - the season of hope and new beginnings and marks the rekindling of the spirit of life. Gulmohurs, corals, silk-cottons and mango trees start flowering, gardens and parks present a glorious spectacle of a riot of colours - crimson, red, pink, orange, golden yellow, lemon and a variety of glittering greens. Men who remained indoors during the cold months of winter emerge out to see a new sparkling world of colour and gaiety.
Tumhari_Khushi:- The flowers breathe out their fragrance into space and brooks and streams leap in the valleys, Men rejoice with brilliant light of day and the eloquent silence of night. And then the joy bubbling in their hearts find expression in dance, drama and music. Holi also puts an end to the days of trials and tribulations for the poor who remained ill-clad and without adequate shelter during the chilling cold of the winter season.
Nomi:- Holi is one of the most ancient festivals of the Aryans which finds an honoured mention in our old Sanskrit texts like Dashakumar Charit and Garud Puran. Even the play "Ratnavali" written by Harshdev in 7th century contains a delightful description of Holi festival.
sweetviolet:- In those days Holi was celebrated as "Vasantotsav". Acclaiming it as a spring festival Mahakavi Kalidas has called it "MADANOTSAV". The famous Bhavbhooti in his play "Maltic-Madhav" mentioned that the King mingled with his subjects and shared the maddening merriment of Holi.
Memsaab:- The festival of Holi is celebrated on the day after the full moon in early March every year. Originally a festival to celebrate good harvests and fertility of the land, Holi is now a symbolic commemmoration of a legend from Hindu Mythology.
Queenkumar:- The story centres around an arrogant king who resents his son Prahlada worshipping Lord Vishnu. He attempts to kill his son but fails each time. Finally, the king's sister Holika who is said to be immune to burning, sits with the boy in a huge fire.
abhita:- However, the prince Prahlada emerges unscathed, while his aunt burns to death. Holi commemorates this event from mythology, and huge bonfires are burnt on the eve of Holi as its symbolic representation.
akramabs:- This exuberant festival is also associated with the immortal love of Krishna and Radha, and hence, Holi is spread over 16 days in Vrindavan as well as Mathura - the two cities with which Lord Krishna shared a deep affiliation.
anjana_pi:- Apart from the usual fun with coloured powder and water, Holi is marked by vibrant processions which are accompanied by folk songs, dances and a general sense of abandoned vitality.
anju_bangalore:- Today Holi is an excuse for Indians to shed inhibitions and caste differences for a day of spring fever and Big Fun. Teenagers spend the day flirting and misbehaving in the streets, adults extend the hand of peace, and everyone chases everyone else around, throwing brightly colored powder (gulal) and water over each other.
artijain:- The festival's preamble begins on the night of the full moon. Bonfires are lit on street corners to cleanse the air of evil spirits and bad vibes, and to symbolize the destruction of the wicked Holika, for whom the festival was named.
charu_81:- The following morning, the streets fill with people running, shouting, giggling and splashing. Marijuana-based bhang and thandai add to the uninhibited atmosphere.
Chetsmyster:- Promptly at noon, the craziness comes to an end and everyone heads to either the river or the bathtub, then inside to relax the day away and partake of candies.
chillyflakes:- In the afternoon an exhausted and contented silence falls over India. Although Holi is observed all over the north, it's celebrated with special joy and zest at Mathura, Vrindavan, Nandgaon, and Barsnar.
ejaz_lover:- These towns once housed the divine Krishna. Each area celebrates Holi differently; the Bhil tribesmen of western Madhya Pradesh, who've retained many of their pre-Hindu customs, celebrate holi in a unique way.
Girl:- In rural Maharashtra State, where the festival is known as Rangapanchami it is celebrated with dancing and singing.
Hard Rock:- In the towns of Rajasthan — especially Jaisalmer — the music's great, and clouds of pink, green, and turquoise powder fill the air.
hennahaider:- The grounds of Jaisalmer's Mandir Palace are turned into chaos, with dances, folk songs, and colored-powder confusion.
jatt4life:- The celebration of Holi is very ancient in its origin. And by its very origin, it celebrates an ultimate triumph of the 'good' over the 'evil'.
koolgal_anisha:- While, a feast of colors associated with the Holi, is the face of this celebration, the original reason of celebrating Holi, lies in its soul.
Kar_Nan:- And this gives us the 'why' of this ancient festival. Literally "Holi" signifies "burning" in Indian language.
kudi420:- But, how it came to be associated with 'burning', is a story. The reference is found only in ancinet Indian mythology.
Lata:- And It is the legend of Hiranyakashipu, to whom the celebration of Holi is associated.
love1:- Way back in the pre-Christian era, there lived a demon king named Hiranyakashipu in ancient India.
Maha21:- He wanted to avenge the death of his younger brother. The brother, also a demon, had been killed by Lord Vishnu, one of the supreme trio, monitoring the life and death in the universe, (according to the Hindu belief).
MettiOli:- To take on Vishnu, the tyrant king wanted to become the king of the heaven, earth and the underworld.
Newsbot:- He performed severe penance and prayer for many years to gain enough power. Finally he was granted a boon.
Nirav:- Powered by the boon, Hiranyakshipu thought he had become invincible. Arrogant, he ordered all in his kingdom to worship him, instead of God.
prachi4AJ:- The demon king, however, had a very young son, named Prahalad. He was an ardent devotee of Vishnu. Despite his father's order, Prahalad continued to pray to Vishnu. So the demon king wanted to kill his son.
reepz:- He asked the favor of his sister Holika who, because of a boon, was immune to fire. They planned that Prahalad would be burned to death. A pyre was lit up and Holika sat on it, clutching Prahalad.
rikzik:- Yet, at the end Prahalad emerged unscathed by the fire, And Holika, the demon, was burned to ashes.
exquisite:- The earnest devotion and complete submission to Lord Vishnu saved young Prahlad. Thus was the triumph of Prahlad, the representative of good spirits.
deadly:- And the defeat of Holika, the representative of evil. Later, even the demon king Hiranyakashipu was killed by Lord Vishnu.
Ronit_Rulez:- But that is quite a different story. It is from Holika, that the Holi originated. This legend is relived even today on the Holi-eve when the pyre is re-lit in the form of bonfires.
rose82:- Even today, people celebrate this occasion. Huge bonfires are lit up every year on the eve of the full moon night of the Holi to burn the spirit of the evils.
shobha:- Hence the story associated with the soul of the celebration.
Now, let us look into the face of it.
queenbee:- How did the celebration of Holi assume a colorful face? Well, it is linked to yet another legend, the legends of Krishna.
reema_19:- Though of much later origin, still, it was in the pre-Christian era. According to the Hindu belief, Krishna was a reincarnation of lord Vishnu himself.
simi_1:- It was Krishna, or, Krishn, the king of the ancient city of Dwarka, who popularised the tradition of Holi.
SudhaKumar:- The origin of the colorful and frolicking tone of Holi lies in the boyhood of Krishna. It all came up as part of his pranks, he used to play with his boyhood mates of Gokul and Vrindavan.
shriman:- Situated in north India, these are the places where he spent his childhood. It was at this time of year, Krishna used to play pranks by drenching the village girls, with water and colors.
sugar plum:- At first it offended the girls. But they were so fond of this mischievous boy that soon their anger melted away. And, it did not take long
swathi:- for other boys to join in, making it a popular sport in the village. Later, as Krishna grew up, the play assumed a new dimension.
topranger:- It added more colors to Krishna's legendary love life. The legend of Krishna's courtship with Radha, and playing pranks with the 'Gopi's.
twinecool:- The girls in the 'dairy' village of Gokul were mostly milkmaids, and, hence locally known as the Gopis.
vidya0906:- The same tradition has transpired through the ages, turning it into a community festival of the masses. As time kept flowing, the culture spread roots to other regions of the country.
zara29:- The Holi play of Krishna is documented in hundreds of ancient paintings, murals, sculptures and scriptures found across the subcontinent.
PixieDust91:- The mythological origins of this festival vary in different parts of the country. In South India specially in Tamilnadu and Kerala the legend that is popular is of Kamdev-the Love-god, his bow is of sugarcane having the string of a line of humming bees and his arrow-shafts are topped with passion that pierce the heart.
Monaji:- In spring he moves through woodlands and hunts birds, beasts and men. Once in his foolish pride, he aimed his arrow at the mighty Lord Shiv who was in deep meditation.
amisha22:- Lord Shiv opened his third eye and burnt him to ashes. Grief-stricken Rati, Kamdev's wife beseeched Lord Shiv to take pity on her and restore her husband to life. Shiv relented and granted her the boon that she could see her husband but he would remain "anang" that meant without the physical human form.
k_fan:- Hence, the songs sung during Holi tell the pathetic tale of Rati and her lamentations. In Tamilnadu Holi is known by three different names - Kamavilas, Kaman Pandigai and Kama-dahanam.
cowz_lover:- Lord Krishna, the 8th incarnation of Lord Vishnu is also worshipped during the Holi festival, which is celebrated as a commemoration of a mythological incident. Putana, the she-demon was sent by the cruel king Kamsa to kill the child Krishna.
anam2004:- In guise of a beautiful woman, Putana went about in the village of Nandgaon suckling every child to death. But the infant Krishna sucked her breasts till blood started flowing and she succumbed to her death. Hence, on the previous evening of the Holi day, bonfires are lighted to celebrate the victory of Krishna and the death of Putana.
IMP TNG:- Those who attribute the origin of festivals to seasonal cycles maintain that Putana represents winter and her death the cessation and end of winter. The mighty king Hiranyakashyapu in his stupendous ego ordered his people to worship him as god.
~PaKi*PrInCeZ~:- His son Prahlad defying his father's orders continued his worship of Lord Vishnu. The king wanting to kill Prahlad and wipe out the very name of Lord Vishnu sent his sister Holika, who possessed the boom of never being burnt by fire, to destroy Prahlad. She cajoled the young Prahlad to sit in her lap and she herself took her seat in a blazing fire with the full conviction that fire could never touch her.
buttercup.tarun:- But Holika was devoured by the flames and Prahlad walked out of the fire unscathed and alive. Perhaps this festival got its name from this incident. Certainly it was the victory of good over Evil! In North India and Uttar Pradesh, this victory is celebrated, effigies of Holika are burnt in the huge bonfires that are lit.
mahn786ch:- This tradition is also followed in Gujarat and Orissa. To render greatfulness to Agni, god of Fire, gram and stalks from the harvest are also offered to Agni with all humility. In Bengal this festival is known by the name of Dol Jatraor Dol Purnima.
ummm:- On this day the idol of Mahaprabhu Chaitanya, placed in a pictursuqely decorated palanquin is taken round the main streets of the city. The head of the Bengali family observes fast and prays to Lord Krishna and Agnidev. After all the traditional rituals are over, he smears Krishna's idol with gulal and offers "bhog" to both Krishna and Agnidev.
shiverz:- Krishna's love-play with gopi's is known all over the country. Hence, in places like Mathura and Vrindawan where Krishna cult flourished and is followed even to-day, this Holi festival is celebrated with songs, music, plays and dances and of course coloured waters are thrown on each other. In Nandagaon where the young Krishna played all his youthful pranks.
Piscean:- Holi is observed for many days and also in Barsana which was the birthplace of Radha Krishna's beloved. The men-folk of Nandagaon and the women-folk of Barsana come together and play the game of "Huranga" in which men abuse women and in retaliation women beat them with sticks that the men try to avoid with their shields.
mikagurl23:- This festival of Holi still retains to charm in Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore's Shanti Niketan. On the Dol Purnima day in the early morning the students dress up in saffron-coloured clothes and wear garlands of fragrant flowers.
peaches:- They sing and dance to the accompaniment of musical instruments before their teachers and the invited guests, sitting in a colourfully decorated dais. In the end dry gulal powder and the auspicious black abhir is smeared on the foreheads of everyone. Use of liquid colours is fully forbidden.
The Sikh community also celebrates Holi with feasting and merriment and call it Hola Mohalla. In Maharashtra Holi is commonly known by the name of "Shimga" and is also called RANGAPANCHAMI.
The fisherfolk celebrate it on a large-scale with hilarious singing, dancing and merry-making. To-day this festival retains its significance mostly in middle-class and the poorer sections of the state.
During the Maratha regime this festival was celebrated with great pomp and grandeur. It was on a Holi festival day that five year Jijabhai, daughter of Lakhooji Jadhav innocently splashed coloured water and threw gulal on young shahaji, son of Malajirao Bhowale. Taking it as an auspicious event, the two children's engagement was announced that very day. Soon they were married. Shivaji, the son born to this couple fought valiantly and shook the very foundation of the powerful Mogul empire.
Thus Shivaji established the Maratha empire and changed the course of history. As years rolled by this age-old festival of Holi acquired a new significance. Besides being a spring festival it also become the harvest festival.
The winter crop of Rabi gets ripe and the corns of wheat become golden. So Holi means to the farmers joyful celebration of new harvest and bubbling with joy and excitement at the prospect of prosperity they offer their first crop to Agnidev - the god of Fire - who for centuries has been looked upon with love and esteem by the Aryans. Only after this offering of first harvest to Agnidev, the farmers use the crop for their personal consumption.
On the eve of Holi, huge bonfires are lit with logs of wood, basketful of cowdung cakes, ghee, honey and the new crop brought fresh from the fields. When the fire leaps up in high and strong flames all those present, walk around the bonfire seven times, pray and invoke the blessings of Agnidev.
Women prepare delicious sweets and put in the bonfire as "Naivedya" to Agnidev. When the fire lies down, water is splashed on the embers and the ash from the extinguished fire is applied on the forehead by everyone. Some of the ash is preserved in the house all through the year to apply to the foreheads of children as an effective remedy against any impending evil.
The ancient tradition of the Aryans of celebrating the festival of Holi in honour and in devotion to Agnidev - the god of Fire - continues even to-day in the modern world of science and technology. Indeed it is a festival which gives men a thrilling spell of happiness and despite from their problems of everyday life.
This festival of Holi - a festival of myriad colours, of gaity, of friendships and re-unions all over the country. Thus Holy is certainly a vital part of our Indian life and culture in which religion still is a living force.
Culture:- History of Holi! The Indian sky is changing - the March winds are coming in and winter begins to bow out. Holi is the festival that carries the country into the bright days of summer. A feeling of plenty is in the air - the crops have been cut, threshed and stored or sold. The farmer is at rest and money is at hand.
tisha:- 'Holi' falls on the full moon, in the month of Phalgun, which spans the end of Februry and the beginning of March on the Gregorian calendar. A time when Spring is in the air. The legend of King Hiranyakashipu is associated with the festival of Holi. This legend signifies the victory of good over evil, of devotion surpassing ambition. King Hiranyakashipu was an ambitious ruler, one who wanted absolute power so that he would be worshipped as God.
|iami5o4|:- When this wish was made known, the King's own son, Prahlad, refused to obey his father. Prahlad was an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu, and it was only to his Lord that he gave allegiance. The proud King was enraged by Prahlad's disobedience and decided to punish him severely.
sumaira.daud:- He asked his sister Holika for help. It was believed that Holika was immune to fire and would never be burnt, so the King asked Holika to sit in the centre of a bonfire with Prahlad on her lap, so that the fire could devour him. The bonfire was lit, and young Prahlad sat in Holika's lap, in its centre, praying to Lord Vishnu. His devotion saved him, leaving him untouched by the flames, but Holika was burnt to ashes.
chinti:- To mark this legend, huge bonfires are lit on the eve of Holi, especially in Bihar and the North. Vrindavan and Lord Krishna's legend of courting Radha and playing pranks on the Gopis are also the essence of Holi.
shizajaved:- In Hindu mythology, Lord Krishna in his youth has been idealised as a lover, and it is the spirit of his lighthearted, mischievous passion of courtship that enters the Spring festival of Holi. Krishna and Radha are depicted celebrating Holi in the hamlets of Gokul, Barsana and Vrindavan, bringing them alive with mischief and youthful pranks.
envious_eyes:- Holi was Krishna and Radha's celebration of love - a teasing, affectionate panorama of feeling and colour. These scenes have been captured and immoratalised in the songs of Holi: the festival that is also the harbinger of the light, warm, beautiful days of Spring.
Supergirl7:- About Holi!!! The festival of Holi begins on Duwadashi - on the twelfth day of the waxing moon of the month of Phalgun. Spirits run high as the preparations for the festivities begin, as a custom, mothers make new clothes for their married daughters. Coloured powder (Gulal) is bought and prepared, long syringes called 'pichkaris' are made ready and water balloons are bought and filled. Preparations are made to cook the special food items that exclusively meant for this festival.
taurus:- Three days before the full moon, 'Rang Pashi' brings Holi into all households. The families get together in the evenings when people visit each other to perform the formal sprinkling of colour. In the past 'the household purohit' or priest was invited to begin the celebrations, but this task has been taken over by the eldest male member of the family.
luvya4ever:- A 'thali' or plate is arranged with coloured powders and coloured water is placed in a small brass container called a 'lota'. The eldest male member of the family begins the festivities by sprinkling coloured water and powders on each member of the assembled family. It is then the turn of the younger ones to do the same. In this unique way, affection and blessings are shared by all in the family.
nandinee:- The celebrations on this day end with the partaking of food specially cooked for this occasion - gujjia, papri and kanji ke vade. Sometimes, meat dish like kofta curry is also served. It is customary to serve drinks before the meal. The next day is known as 'Puno'. On this day, Holika is burnt in keeping with the legend of Prahlad and his devotion to lord Vishnu.
~*Prinkzz4eva*~:- In the evening, huge bonfires are lit on street corners at the crossroads. Usually this is a community celebration and people gather near the fire to fill the air with folk strains and dances. Sheaves of green gram and wheat are roasted in the bonfire and eaten. The actual festival of Holi takes place the day after this. This day is called 'Parva'.
mumtaz:- Children, friends and neighbours gather on the streets and a riot of colour takes over. Coloured powders called 'abeer' or 'gulal' are thrown into the air and smeared on faces and bodies. 'Pichkaris' are filled with coloured water and this is spurted onto people. Water balloons are thrown at friends and neighbours in the spirit of fun.
innocentindian:- Sometimes, mud baths are prepared and people are 'dunked' into this amidst much laughter and teasing. The visitors carry 'abeer' or 'gulal' to pay their respects to elders by sprinkling some on their feet. The younger crowd is drenched with buckets of coloured water and pummeled with water balloons. 'Dholaks' or Indian drums are heard everywhere and the songs of Holi are carried by the voices of these merry-makers.
Aloo_gobi:- There is no 'puja' or worship associated with this festival of colours. Some 'gulal' or 'abeer' is smeared on the faces of the Gods, especially Krishna and Radha, at the commencement of the festivities. There are some quaint customs are attached to this festival. Inviting sons-in-law and their families for a meal on this day is a must.
Akshata:- When the meal is over, it is customary to give the sons-in-law, what is known as a 'pyala' - a crisp note of any denomination from rupees five to rupees five hundred is offered along with a glass of drink. Married daughters are given what is called 'kothli' or travel money by their mother-in-law, or the eldest lady in the family.
sudhasri:- Another custom entails a bit of fun, and is usually performed by a new bride with the help of the children in the family. The new bride is supposed to play a prank on the older couples of the family, usually her parents-in-law, and somehow lure them into a room to lock them in. The bride then demands a present for setting them free. The gift is usually a saree or a piece of jewelry.
Aryan~Bhai~MBBS:- The bride is supposed to sing a song specially composed for the occasion, in which she will demand her ransom. Holi is celebrated in almost the entire country, with great zest and verve. It is a time to remember the brightness and splendor of living, a time to spread joy, colour and love into the lives of our near and dear ones.
SimarikSmokin:- Colour!!!Phalgun arrives with the promise of warm days and new life - Spring is the season of rejuvenation and rebirth. The earth discards its winter gloom and begins to blossom again. As if to mark this change, Holi flings colour into Indian landscape and invites the celebration of life.
sarina_202:- The spirit of Holi is colour - rich and vibrant, flung into the air and smeared with laughter on friends and loved ones. It recalls, very simply, the secret of life: a shifting panorama of sights, movement and feelings. Colours denotes energy - the vivid, passionate pulse of life. Colour signifies the vitality that makes the human race unique in the universal scheme. Holi, the festival of colour, is also the enactment of spring.
1 n only-rajeev:- It is, in a metaphorical sense, changing earth's dull garb of winter for the fresh blue of the March skies, the bright colours of new blossoms, the brilliance of the summer sun washing everything with its red-gold hues. Holi comes alive with the colours of 'gulal'. These are dry colours that are sold days before the festival actually begins. Markets are flooded with heaps of gulal - they are arranged in pyramids and sold loose.
srk_rulz:- Vendors sit on street corners selling gulal to passers-by. Gulal is made up of many rich colours like pink, magenta, red, yellow and green. 'Abeer' is made of small crystals or paper like chips of mica. This is usually mixed with the gulal to give it a rich shine. These colours can be used dry, or mixed with water. New brides make a silver or gold colour from powders specially available in the market. This colour is mixed with a little coconut oil and stored in a bottle. It is applied in tiny quantities on the foreheads of near and dear ones, like a 'tilak' or a blaze-like mark.
white_rose:- In the old days, colour for Holi was made at home, from the flowers of the 'tesu' tree. This tree is also called 'the flame of the forest' or 'palash'. The flowers of the latter are bright red in colour and they used to be collected from the trees and spread out on mats, to dry in the sun.
lalgulab:- Once dried, they were then ground to a fine powder. This powder was then mixed with water to give a beautiful saffron-red colour. The mixture was considered good for health, probably because of the reddish glow it left behind on the skin. Holi is, therefore, aptly called the festival of colour. Its spirit is uniquely Indian, colourful, exotic, and full of the energy of life.
JinK:- Clothes!!!Like all other festivals in India, Holi has its share of traditional clothing. Mothers usually gift new clothes to their married daughters and their young children. According to tradition, once the daughter's children get married, they automatically forfeit the right to this gift. A special saree known as a 'dandia' is gifted to the married daughter. The dandia is a white cotton saree, preferably of voile or 'mulmul'. Its borders are dyed with a non-fast colour called Indian Pink.
ketaki_ry:- The dandia is made by gathering all four sides of the saree and dipping each side, in turn, into the Indian Pink, allowing the colour to catch two to three inches of the cloth on each side. The colour spreads in uneven splendor towards the middle of the saree but to a limited extent. The effect is that of a slowly spreading blush. When the colour dries, the saree can be further decorated with paisley designs on the entire body. Other Indian motifs can also be used.
Rumi:-When the colour and designs are ready, a border of gold or silver, about two to three inches in width, is stitched on to the edges of the dandia. This border is called a 'gota'. The portion of the saree that covers the head ('pallu'), has a 'kiran' or a fine fringe of gold or silver, attached to it. This adds shimmer to the dandia. According to the custom dandia is gifted, along with another saree, and blouses and petticoats to match. This traditional attire is a must for a newly wed bride.
aries_sakshi:-On the day of Holi, mothers send their children out on the streets to indulge in all the drenching and smearing of colour. Many like to wear white sarees or salwar kameez, and the men often wear white pajamas and kurtas and these act as wonderful contrasts to the bright colours everywhere.
Krish:- In holi, ppl make loadz of different varities!!! Here r some nice & very tasty recopies so note down & do make them for ur family!!! Grap a pen & rite it down….
desi gurl:- Recipe of 'Puran Poli'
Ingredients
300gms. channa (yellowgram) dal
300 gms. jaggery (molasses)
1 tsp. cardamom powder
150 gms. plain flour
1 tbsp. ghee
warm water to knead dough
ghee to serve
Method
Boil dal in plenty of water till soft but not broken.
Drain in a colander for 10-15 minutes.
Pass through an almond grater little by little till all dal is grated.
Mash jaggery till lumps break. Mix well into dal.
Put mixture in a heavy saucepan and cook till a soft lump is formed
Take care to stir continuously, so as not to charr. Keep aside.
Mix ghee, flour, add enough water to make a soft pliable dough.
Take a morsel sized ball of dough, roll into a 4" round.
Place same sized ball of filling in centre, life all round and seal.
Reroll carefully to a 6" diameter round.
Roast on warm griddle till golden brown.
Repeat other side.
Take on serving plate. Apply a tsp. of ghee all over top.
OR
Shallow fry on griddle like a paratha for a better flavour.
But this method will consume more ghee and therefore calories.
Serve hot with dal or amti.
Note:
The water drained from boiling dal is used to make the amti. ( a thin curry made using black masala, garam masala and some mashed dal.) Making time:
45 minutes
Makes: 7-8 puranpolis
Shelflife: Best fresh (puran {filling} may be stored in the refrigerator for a week. esti:- Recipe of 'Carrot cake'
Cake base
Ingredients
All purpose flour - 3 Cups
Sugar - 2 Cups
Salt - 1 Table Spoon
Cinnamon - 1 Table Spoon
Apple Sauce -1-1/2 Cups[OR]1 Cup Oil
Larges Eggs -4 [OR]5 Eggs whites
Vanilla extract - 1 Table Spoon
Pureed Carrots - 1-1/2 Cups [One 16 Oz. bag]
pineapple -3/4 Cup(optional)
Method
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease two 9 or 10 inch spring form pans.
2. Sift dry ingredients into a bowl. Add applesauce or Oil, eggs and vanilla. Beat well. Fold in carrots and Pineapple.
3. Pour batter into the prepared pans. Set on the middle race of the oven and bake for 50 minutes, until the edges have pulled away from sides and a cake tester inserted comes out clean.
4. Cool on cake rack for 3 hours. Fill cake and frost sides with cream cheese frosting.
smilingstar3:- Recipe of 'Rice Kheer'(Rice Pudding)
Ingredients
1/4th cup long grain rice (washed and drained)
4-5 cups milk
2-3 cardamom seeds (crushed)
2 tbsp almonds (blanched silvered)
A pinch of saffron threads, soaked in a little hot milk
1 tbsp skinned pistachio nuts (chopped)
1 tbsp raisins (optional)
2-3 tbsp sugar or as desired
Method
Put the rice, milk and cardamom in a pan, bring to boil and simmer gently until the rice is soft and the grains are starting to break up. Add almonds, pistachio, saffron and raisins and simmer for 3-4 minutes. Add the sugar and stir until completely dissolved. Remove the rice kheer from heat and serve either warm or chilled.
Koizakapoor:- Recipe of 'Besan Ladoo'
Ingredients
2 cups gram flour (besan)
11/2 cup sugar (grinded)
1 cup ghee
1 tsp each almonds, pistachios, cashew nuts (chopped)
Method
In a kadhai mix gram flour and ghee over a low heat. Keep constantly stirring to avoid lumps. When it releases an appetizing smell, it is ready. Remove from the heat and allow it to cool. Add sugar and nuts to the gram flour and mix thoroughly. Now form ping-pong size balls of the mixture. Besan Laddoo are ready to be served.
Holi - The Festival of ColoursDate - March 14, 2006
pmahesh:- The festival of Holi is celebrated on the day after the full moon in early March every year. As the brief spring warms the landscape, northern India cuts loose for a day of hijinx and general hilarity. It can be said that 'Holi' festival is called a bright festival as a wide range of bright colors is used during it. The people believe that the bright colors represent energy, life, and joy.
Nannu:- Originally a festival to celebrate good harvests and fertility of the land, this exuberant festival is also associated with the immortal love of Krishna and Radha, and hence, Holi is spread over 16 days in Vrindavan as well as Mathura - the two cities with which Lord Krishna shared a deep affiliation. Apart from the usual fun with coloured powder and water, Holi is marked by vibrant processions which are accompanied by folk songs, dances and a general sense of abandoned vitality.
Belle1989:- The festival begins on the night of the full moon. Bonfires are lit on street corners to cleanse the air of evil spirits and bad vibes, and to symbolize the destruction of the wicked Holika, the demoness, after whom the festival was named, according to a few. This ritual is called the "Holika Dahan", or the burning of Holika. The following morning, the streets fill with people running, shouting, giggling and splashing. Marijuana-based bhang and thandai add to the uninhibited atmosphere.
Aparna_BD:- Promptly at noon, the craziness comes to an end and everyone heads to either the river or the bathtub, then inside to relax the day away and partake of candies. In the afternoon an exhausted and contented silence falls over India. Although Holi is observed all over the north, it's celebrated with special joy and zest at Mathura, Vrindavan, Nandgaon, and Barsnar. These towns once housed the divine Krishna.
scorpion134:- Each area celebrates Holi differently; the Bhil tribesmen of western Madhya Pradesh, who've retained many of their pre-Hindu customs, celebrate holi in a unique way. In rural Maharashtra State, where the festival is known as Rangapanchami it is celebrated with dancing and singing. In the towns of Rajasthan especially Jaisalmer, the music's great, and clouds of pink, green, and turquoise powder fill the air. The grounds of Jaisalmer's Mandir Palace are turned into chaos, with dances, folk songs, and colored-powder confusion.
summer:- Holla Mohalla is celebrated a day after Holi in Punjab especially by the Nihang Sikhs. This festival is characterized by cultural events. The Nihangs exhibit their martial expertise by organizing mock battles, sword fighting and archery on this day. This festival continues for three days.
shabzz123:- An interesting ritual marks the festival of Holi in Haryana. Here the Sister in laws beat their brother in laws (devars) in mock anger with her sari rolled up in the form of a rope. In the evening the devars come with sweets for their sister in laws to earn their goodwill. This ritual is known as Dulandi Holi.
gk_09:- In Bengal this festival is known by the name of Dol Jatra, or Dol Purnima. On this day the idol of Mahaprabhu Chaitanya, placed in a pictursuqely decorated palanquin is taken round the main streets of the city. The head of the Bengali family observes fast and prays to Lord Krishna and Agnidev. After all the traditional rituals are over, he smears Krishna's idol with gulal or "aabir" (powder-color) and offers "bhog" to both Krishna and Agnidev.
jingle:- In Manipur, Holi is extrem is a six-day festival here, commencing on the full moon day of Phalguna. The traditional and centuries-old Yaosang festival of Manipur amalgamated with Holi in the18th century with the introduction of Vaishnavism.
shrutibali:- The entire theme of the festival is woven into the worship of Krishna and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, also known as Lord Gauranga. Thabal Chongba, a popular Manipuri folk dance, is associated with this festival. The literal meaning of Thabal is 'moonlight' and Chongba means 'dance.' In earlier times, this dance was performed in the moonlight accompanied by folk songs. The only musical instrument used was a dholak or drum.
radz_2cool:- The color, noise and entertainment that accompanies the celebration of Holi bears witness to a feeling of oneness and sense of brother-hood. No other festival brings home the lesson of spiritual and social harmony as well as the festival of Holi.
HOPE U ALL LIKED IT!!!
HAVE A BLAST!
Take Care
Anoli
xxx
sudhasri
SimarikSmokin
sarina_202
1 n only-rajeev
srk_rulz
white_rose
lalgulab
ketaki_ry
Rumi
aries_sakshi
Koizakapoor
pmahesh
summer
shabzz123
gk_09
jingle
shrutibali
radz_2cool
Udne Ki Aasha
Kumkum Bhagya
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