Holi Aayee Re !!!

Meaning of 'Holi'

'Holi' comes from the word 'hola', meaning to offer oblation or prayer to the Almighty as Thanksgiving for good harvest. Holi is celebrated every year to remind people that those who love God shall be saved and they who torture the devotee of God shall be reduced to ashes a la the mythical character Holika.

Holi is also known by the name  Phagwah.'Phagwah' is derived from the name of the Hindu month 'Phalgun', because it is on the full moon in the month of Phalgun that Holi is celebrated. The month of Phalgun ushers India in Spring when seeds sprout, flowers bloom and the country rises from winter's slumber.

Gyan

The festival of Holi is celebrated on the day after the full moon in early March every year. It is festival to celebrate good harvests and fertility of the land.

The story is 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. 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 

Kind of colours should you use?

Natural is best! Make the colours at home, like they used to in the good old days. Mix the following natural colour producing ingredients by making a paste and mixing with besan or gramflour:

1)henna, palak (green)

2)turmeric, marigold flowers (yellow)

3)red hibiscus flowers, tomatoes, beetroot

4)kumkum (red)

5)Tea leaves (brown)

Buy organic/herbal colours to play safe this Holi

 We wish you all a very Happy Holi