With the beginning of March, several vibrant colors are spread in every corner of India. As this is the time when everyone is drenched in complete festive mood of the Holi celebrations. Holi is one the most popular Hindu festival of the country and is very colorful and vibrant in its appeal.
There are many fascinating myths that are associated with the origin of this festival. According to legends Holika who was the sister of demon king Hiranyakashyap sat in the fire, with her nephew Prahalad( who was an ardent worshipper of Lord Vishnu) to teach him a lesson of going against his father's wish. It was believed that no fire could burn her, but in front of the sheer devotion of her nephew she was burnt down to ashes while Prahalad came unhurt. Since than the tradition of Holika dahan just a day before the Holi became prevalent.
The next day of Holi dahan, is called Dhulendi, when the people of all ages play with different colors. Although no puja is done on this day, yet people celebrate it with full enthusiasm and flair. Even though the festival of Holi is celebrated in entire India, but one can witness the real charm of it in Mathura and Barsana. The 'Lath Maar' holi celebrations of Barsana are popular all around the world, in fact international travelers especially come to India to witness the fun and frolic of this fest. In the southern part of the country people worship Kaamdev, the God of love.
No festival in India can be complete without the tasty and yummy sweet dishes that are prepared specially for the festival. In the festival of colors there is an old tradition of preparing gujiya, mathri, malpuas, pooran poli, kachori, samosa and many other mouth watering delicacies. People also drink bhang on this day that has become a synonym of this festival. Bhang is associated with Lord Shiva and is considered as his prasad. With this intoxicating drink the spirit of Holi doubles.
So indulge yourself in the festive mood of the colorful fest of Holi.
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