Light Hearted

As a child growing up in India, Holi was not initially one of my favorite festivals. The prospect of getting my face smeared with vibrant colors and drenched in water made me quite apprehensive. When friends would visit during Holi, I would often hide, though the festivities never lasted too long.

However, as I got older and became more accustomed to the colorful face art and wetness that are quintessential to Holi celebrations, my perspective shifted completely. I started embracing the joy and forming groups with friends to go out and join the revelry, painting the town red (and blue, green, yellow…) while catching up with other friends. Those Holi memories from my youth in India are now deeply cherished.

The Origins of Holi Holi is an ancient Hindu festival that marks the arrival of spring and celebrates the eternal love of Lord Krishna and Radha. One of the most widely celebrated Hindu festivals, it is rooted in myths found in Hindu scriptures like the Bhagavata Purana. The most well-known legend is of the demoness Holika who tried to kill her nephew Prahlad for worshipping Lord Vishnu. However, Holika burned in the fire instead while Prahlad survived unharmed, signifying the victory of good over evil.

Across India, Holi begins with a bonfire lit on the night before Holi where people gather to celebrate the burning of Holika. The next morning, the streets erupt in a blissful frenzy of colors as people of all ages embrace, sing, dance, and smear each other with dry colors (gulal) and colored water (particularly friends and loved ones). Holi is a time to forgive, forget the past, and repair broken relationships.

Sweet Indulgences No Holi celebration is complete without indulging in the mouth-watering sweets and savory treats made specially for the festival. Some of the most popular Holi delicacies include:

• Gujiya – These crispy, sweet dumplings stuffed with khoya and dried fruits/nuts are a Holi staple
• Mathri – Flaky, crisp, and zesty nuggets flavored with cumin, ajwain, and other spices
• Dahi Bhalle – Fluffy lentil vadas soaked in creamy yogurt and topped with sweet tamarind chutney
• Thandai – A rich, chilled milk drink flavored with nuts, rose petals, saffron, and warming spices

The Sounds of Holi Holi is an equally vibrant experience for the ears, with many hit Bollywood songs capturing the spirit and joy of the festival of colors. One of the most popular Hindi Holi songs that gets everyone on their feet is “Balam Pichkari” from the 2011 film Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani. With its infectious beats and playful lyrics about drenching loved ones with colored water, it’s the perfect anthem for the celebrations.

While I now live far from India in the chilly climes of Michigan, the arrival of March still sparks nostalgic memories of Holi every year. The South Asian community here celebrates the festival with fervor in local temples once the weather warms up in May, keeping age-old traditions alive. Though on a smaller scale, the same spirit of carefree euphoria, love, and vibrancy still reigns supreme during Holi in my adopted homeland.