How well do you know Holi? Test your knowledge
Colours are said to add vibrancy and joy in our lives. No wonder then, Holi, the festival of colours, is widely observed and enjoyed throughout India. Colours, sweets and merriment are part of the two-day celebration starting with burning the symbolic Holika on day one and playing with colours the next day. It is known by different names in various parts of India. The festival also celebrates the beginning of a good spring harvest season. So, how much do you know about this popular Hindu festival? Take this quiz to find out.
Q1. Which name is associated with the festival of Holi in Orissa?
(a) Dhilhatta
(b) Dhoajun
(c) Dolijatta
(d) Dolajata
Q2. How is Lord Krishna associated with Holi?
Q3. During which Hindu month is the festival of Holi celebrated?
(a) Magha
(b) Baisakh
(c) Phalguna
(d) Pausa
Q4. What is the concept of Holika Dahan during the festival of Holi?
ANSWERS
Q1. (d)
The festival of Holi is popular as Dolajata in Orissa. Also known as Dola Purnima, it is mostly observed by Odisha's Gopal community. On this auspicious day, a deity of Krishna and his beloved Radha is carried out in procession in a swinging palanquin decked with flowers, leaves, coloured clothing, and papers, beautifully embellished and besmeared with coloured powder called abeer in Bengali, Odia, and Assamese languages. Music, conch shells, trumpets, and shouts of 'Joy' (Victory) and 'Hôri Bolo' in Odisha accompany the parade as it moves on. Odia women use cowdung to clean their courtyards and adorn them with rice powder and flowers.
Q2.
Legend says that Lord Krishna is associated with the festival. He was conscious about his face being blue as a result of breast milk poisoning. Hence, he was apprehensive that Radha and the other girls would reject him. He told his mother about this, who suggested that he paint his face to hide his skin colour. That’s when the Festival of Colours started, according to Hindu mythology. What began as a one-time activity is now commemorated by thousands as a festival all over India.
Q3. (c)
The festival of Holi is celebrated during the Hindu month of Phalguna. People celebrate the beginning of spring by sprinkling colou.rful powders on passers-by while dancing and singing.
Q4.
People light a bonfire on Holika Dahan, the night before Holi, to represent the pyre used to slay Prahlad. Several cow dung toys are kept on this fire, with cow dung figurines of Holika and Prahlad at the top. Then, as a replica of Prahlad being saved from the fire due to his devotion to Lord Vishnu, the figurine of Prahlad is promptly retrieved from the fire. It commemorates the triumph of good over evil.