Holi - A Spiritual Celebration

Introduction

        Holi is celebrated from the full moon day (pournima) of the Hindu lunar month of Phalgun till the fifth day (panchami). Depending on the regional variations in India, it is celebrated from two to five days. 

        It is a festival of radiance (tej) in the universe. During this festival, different waves of radiance traverse the universe, thereby creating various colours that nourish and complement the function of respective elements in the atmosphere.

Ritual of Holi celebration

        In this festival main emphasis is laid on the burning of Holika or lighting of Holi. According to some scholars this is probably a remnant of the tradition of fire worshippers. However one should not light Holi during the day.

• First the doer should purify himself and pronounce the resolve "I am performing the worship along with my family to overcome the trouble of the demoness."
• Cow-dung cakes and a few wooden logs should be piled on the ground that has been cleaned and decorated with rangoli.
• The fire should be lit while chanting mantras. After the fire is completely burnt, it should be extinguished by sprinkling milk and ghee.
• Holy sacrament (naivedya) of sweets should be offered; then a prayer should be made thus - "May we get energy to strive for the protection of the Nation and Dharma."
• Fruits like coconut, grape fruit should be distributed to people who have assembled there. The entire night should be spent in dance and song.
• The next day after a lot of obscene talk the ashes of Holi should be immersed.

Why this obscene and foul language should be used is explained as follows :

        The lunar asterism purva phalguni is present on the full moon day (pournima) in the bright fortnight of Phalgun. The Deity of that lunar asterism is Bhag. The common meaning of Bhag is reproductive organs, the female sex organs. Thus there should be an outcry in the name of Bhag. This is a type of worship by itself. One must realise that it indicates honour of the deity. In some places it is customary to smear the body with substances like ash, cow dung and mud and indulge in dancing and singing.

Do's and Don'ts of the Holi celebration

Burn dry wood instead of wet wood.

Do not steal wood for Holi fire.

Celebrate Holi keeping in the mind it's purpose of uniting the Hindus.

Celebration of Dhoolivandan

        Dhoolivandan is celebrated on the first day (pratipada) on the dark fortnight of the Hindu lunar month of Phalgun. 

        On this day either the ashes of Holi or dust is worshipped. After ritualistic worship it is offered obeisance with the following mantra which means as ,"O dust (dhooli), Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh salute you, hence O deity of the elements, grant us opulence and protect us." Thus Dhoolivandan is a worship of the destroyer form of the Deities

Celebration of Rang Panchami

        It is celebrated on the fifth day (panchami) of the dark fortnight of the Hindu lunar month of Phalgun by throwing a red, fragrant powder (gulal) and splashing coloured water, etc. on others.

(Ref. : Sanatan's Publication : Holy Festivals, Religious Festivals and Vowed Religious Observances 

Compilers : H.H. Dr. Jayant Athavale and Dr. (Mrs) Kunda Athavale)