Holi: What Is It, Why Is It Important, and Where Can You Celebrate It This Week?

By: Grace Troidl

Holi, otherwise known as the festival of colors, is a Hindu holiday marking the end of winter and the beginning of spring, but it is also a celebration of good triumphing over evil.

Holi dates back to the 4th century and has roots in Hindu mythology, specifically to the legend of Holika and Prahalad. In this legend, Hiranyakashipu, a demon king that ruled over Earth, commanded everyone in his kingdom to worship him. Despite his demands, his own son, Prahalad refused to worship him, as he was a follower of Lord Narayana, the “Infinite One”. Enraged by this, Hiranyakashipu began to plot his own son’s murder. After several unsuccessful attempts, he requested the help of his sister Holika. Knowing she had a special garment that prevented her from being burned by fire, Hiranyakashipu told her to go into fire with Prahalad on her lap. Unfortunately for Hiranyakashipu, as the fire burned the garment flew from Holika and protected Prahalad instead, he came out of the fire unharmed. In honor of this tale of good prevailing over evil, the holiday was created. Prior to Holi, Holika Dahanam is held. This festival references the legend by lighting a bonfire and celebrating Holika’s demise. In parts of India and South Asia, people will throw unwanted or unnecessary items into the fire to symbolize cleansing. Indian guru Sadhguru said, “This is not about burning old clothes, this is about burning the memories of the past one year, so that today you can be like a fresh life, exuberant, on.”. The next day is Holi, where there is music, dancing, food, and people throwing colorful powder and water at each other. The tradition of powder throwing partially exists because it’s fun, but it also represents the colors of spring returning after winter and, as Sadhguru puts it, “This is a day, people are head to toe in all kinds of color to symbolize that the essence of life is exuberance.” Many Hindus see Holi as a day of unity and togetherness, of overcoming the hardships of the prior year and starting anew with the joyous celebrations of Holi.

If you are interested in experiencing Holi for yourself, there are multiple events being held in Buffalo. On March 14th and the 21st, a neon nightclub celebration is being held, as well as a Holifest on the 29th, full of live performances, dancing, and food.

For website: You can find more information and get your tickets here: https://avenue.tickets/