4 Holi traditions followed in different parts of India
The festival of colours and gaiety is just around the corner. But guess what? It is not celebrated similarly all across the country. In fact, different parts of India observe Holi with rituals specific to an area. Nevertheless, one thing is for sure, the festival is all about commemorating the triumph of good over evil, and celebration of vibrancy. It is also a way to show gratitude for brand-new harvest. As you gear up for Holi, explore a few unique Holi traditions of our country.
Phoolon Ki Holi
Celebrated in Vrindavan, it coincides with the Ekadashi tithi of the Holi week. As the name suggests, instead of using colours (‘gulaal’), people here use petals of freshly plucked flowers to play Holi. The tradition is greatly popular among the disciples of Radha and Krishna and is widely celebrated in the Banke Bihari temple of Vrindavan. Unlike our usual Holi, where it’s more about connecting with the near and dear ones, Phoolon Ki Holi or Holi of Flowers is a way to be one with God, in turn celebrating the eternal and divine love of Radha and Krishna. This is why, people begin their day by offering flowers to God and then to each other. As part of Phoolon ki Holi, people also play flute and immerse themselves in holy dance.
Rangpanchami
We all know the story of how Lord Krishna, as a young boy, along with his notorious friends, used to steal butter from all around his neighbourhood. But what we don’t know is that he didn’t just do it for fun and to enjoy the butter himself, but to keep them safe from thieves. Legends have it that he used to bring butter to the elderly women who in turn would hide the butter in the highest chambers of their houses. Well, Rangpanchami in Maharashtra is a celebration of this legend. Every year, it happens a couple of days ahead of Holi, more specifically on the 5th day of Phalgun Purnima. Young people gather to make human pyramids at the top of which a huge pot of butter is kept safe. Then, some boys and girls are chosen as thieves.They attempt to climb up the pyramid to steal the butter by breaking the pot. What’s interesting here is that, here too the antics of Krishna Leela are imitated as senior women try to stop these acting thieves by splashing them with waters and colours. If you have ever had the opportunity to view one of these, you would know how intense yet fun it can get!
Kaman Pandigai
Kaman Pandigai is celebrated in Tamil Nadu and coincides with the day of Holi. However, Holi for them has a special significance as the Tamils believe that it was on this auspicious day that their God of Love Kaamadeva was reborn. Legends have it that Kaamadeva used to reunite lost lovers and that had angered Shiva. Not only that, he even distracted Shiva from his meditation by throwing arrows at him (yes, just like Cupid!). As a result, Shiva got angry, cursed Kaamadeva and he was burnt into ashes. But impressed by his wife Rati’s dedication who fasted herself almost to death, Shiva decided to forgive Lord Kaamadeva and endow him with life.
Till date, people in Tamil Nadu believe in this story and thus worship Lord Kaamadeva by offering sandalwood, in the belief that it would ease his burning pains. Following this, they also smear each other with sandalwood and lovers are united and often married on this holy day.
Manjul Kuli
People in Kerala celebrate Holi by first visiting a local temple. From there, they collect turmeric that has already been offered to the deities throughout the year. Then, they play Holi. But instead of colour, they mix turmeric in water. They also sing traditional folk songs that celebrate nature and the fresh harvest and make a day of it. Quite an eco-friendly Holi, don’t you think? Interestingly, visiting Kochi’s Gosripuram Thiruma Konkani Temple is considered to be mandatory on this auspicious day.