Bhubaneswar: Holi, the Hindu festival of colours, was celebrated across India on Wednesday, marking the arrival of spring with vibrant hues, music, and community gatherings.
Observed on the last full moon of the Hindu luni-solar month of Falgun, the festival sees people dressed in white stepping into streets and courtyards to throw bright powders and splash coloured water on one another. The celebrations transform neighbourhoods into lively spaces filled with laughter, dance, and shared festivity.
Traditional delicacies such as gujiya — sweet dumplings stuffed with khoya and dry fruits — are exchanged among families and friends, while thandai, a festive spiced milk drink, is widely served. The occasion symbolises renewal, reconciliation, and the strengthening of social bonds.
The festival’s roots lie in Hindu mythology. On the eve of Holi, bonfires are lit during a ritual known as Holika Dahan, representing the triumph of good over evil. The ceremony commemorates the legend of Prahlad and Holika, reinforcing themes of faith and righteousness.
Another popular tradition associates Holi with the divine love of Krishna and Radha, whose playful exchange of colours is believed to have inspired the custom of applying gulal to one another.
Blending mythology, seasonal transition, and social harmony, Holi continues to be one of India’s most widely celebrated and culturally significant festivals.
-OdishaAge
