Holi 2023: Tips to make your color of festival safe

Holi, also known as the “festival of colours,” is a Hindu spring festival common in India, Nepal, and other parts of the world with a significant Hindu population. The Holi celebration usually falls in late February or early March, marking spring’s arrival, the victory of good over evil, and the end of winter.

The colorful festival is celebrated with a lot of enthusiasm and energy. People smear coloured powders (called ‘gulal’) and coloured water on each other, dance, sing, and play traditional music. The celebration also includes throwing water balloons and spraying coloured water using water guns and which is all about making colourful memories.

The festival is preceded by ‘Holika Dahan‘, which involves lighting a bonfire the night before Holi. The bonfire symbolizes the victory of good over evil, and the story of the demon Holika and her nephew Prahlad is associated with this ritual. Fire is believed to burn away all negative energies and evil influences.

On the day of Holi, people dress up in new clothes, visit friends and family, exchange sweets, and offer prayers at temples. The festival also involves consuming ‘bhang’, a drink made from cannabis leaves, considered a part of the Holi tradition in some regions of India.

When is the festival of colours celebrated?

Holi is a Hindu festival that is typically celebrated in late February or early March every year, on the day of the full moon in the Hindu month of Phalguna. The exact date of Holi may vary each year depending on the Hindu calendar, as it is calculated based on the lunar cycle. This year Holi expects to fall on 8th March 2023.

Cities where Holi is in full glory- Interesting facts

Holi is celebrated enthusiastically and with zeal in many cities and towns across India. Some of the cities where Holi is celebrated in full glory include:

1. Mathura and Vrindavan, in Uttar Pradesh, are closely associated with the life of Lord Krishna, who is said to have played Holi with his devotees here.
2. Barsana in Uttar Pradesh is famous for its unique Lathmar Holi, where women beat men with sticks.
3. Jaipur in Rajasthan, where the royal family hosts an elaborate procession, and the city becomes a colourful riot of people, music, and dance.
4. Mumbai in Maharashtra, where Holi is celebrated with street parties, music, and dance.
5. Delhi celebrates Holi with traditional and modern festivities, with people gathering at public places like India Gate and other historical monuments to play with colours and dance.
6. In Kolkata in West Bengal, Holi is celebrated as ‘Dol Jatra’ with processions, song and dance, and the throwing of colours.
7. Goa, where Holi is celebrated as ‘Shigmo,’ is a blend of Hindu and local traditions and includes colourful processions and cultural performances.

Useful Tips to play safe Holi:

Holi is a fun and colorful festival celebrated by people of all ages. However, it is essential to take some precautions to ensure that you and your loved ones stay safe while enjoying the festival. Here are some tips for playing safe during Holi:

1. Use natural colors: Use natural colors made from flowers, fruits, and vegetables. Avoid using synthetic colors that can cause skin irritation and allergies.
2. Protect your skin: Apply a generous amount of oil or cream on your skin before playing Holi. This will prevent the colors from sticking to your skin and also protect it from harmful chemicals.
3. Cover your hair: Wear a hat or cover your hair with a scarf to protect it from colors and other chemicals.
4. Protect your eyes: Wear sunglasses or goggles to protect your eyes from colors and other harmful substances.
5. Keep hydrated: Drink plenty of water and fluids to stay hydrated, as Holi is usually celebrated during the hot weather season.
6. Avoid alcohol: Avoid drinking alcohol while playing Holi, as it can increase the risk of accidents and injuries.
7. Play in a safe environment: Play Holi in asafe environment, away from busy roads and crowded areas.
8. Respect others: Respect other people’s boundaries and do not force them to play Holi if they do not want to.
9. Clean up properly: After playing Holi, dispose of the colors and other materials responsibly.

Remember, Holi is a festival of joy and happiness, and it is important to celebrate it safely and responsibly.

Interesting things to do on Holi:

Holi is a colorful and vibrant festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil and the arrival of spring. Here are some interesting things you can do on Holi:

1. Play with colors: The most popular activity on Holi is playing with colors. Use natural colors made from flowers, fruits, and vegetables and have fun with your friends and family.
2. Dance to Holi songs: Play some Holi songs and dance to the beats. You can also organize a small dance party with your friends and family.
3. Prepare traditional Holi food: Prepare traditional Holi food like gujiya, dahi bhalla, and thandai. You can also make some colorful sweets and desserts.
4. Organize a Holi-themed party: Organize a Holi-themed party with colorful decorations, dress codes, and games.
5. Visit a Holi fair: Visit a Holi fair or a mela in your city and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
6. Take part in a Holi procession: Many cities organize Holi processions, where people dance and sing on the streets. You can join a procession and experience the festive spirit of Holi.
7. Visit friends and family: Visit your friends and family and exchange Holi greetings and gifts.

The festival has a unifying effect, as people from all walks of life, ages, castes, and religions participate. Holi promotes togetherness and the message of love, as people forget their differences and come together to celebrate.

However, it is important to celebrate Holi safely and responsibly. It is also essential to respect the consent of others, especially when it comes to putting colours on them. GKMIT wishes you a safe and colourful Holi.