Liza Lambert

It's once again a time of the year, when you can holler, howl and scream 'Holi Hai' with full social sanction. Holi the high-decimal festival of India is all set to roll in on March 1st, 2010, a festival known to bring out not just the best, but the brat-best out of Indians, who uninhibitedly go around showcasing their wilder side. Yes, for a change you'll be permitted to play those mischievous pranks on your friends and relatives and for that matter on your worst enemies as well.

So get going, fill up your water guns to the brim and go on a wild shooting spree, this Holi. Who knows, some of your worst enemies will be waiting to join hands with you.

But beware, your light-hearted banter may not go down well with one and all and some mean murmurings may puncture your enthusiasm. But you carry on confidently with your tomfoolery and bring smile on the faces of one and all.

Besides the joy, and joviality, Holi also marks the onset of spring. Holi falls on the full moon, i.e. in the month of Phalgun, which covers the period between end of February and the beginning of March.

History of Holi

Originally, the festival celebrated the season of good harvests, however, over the years, Holi came to be symbolically associated with a legend from a Hindu Mythology. The legend has it that a demon king Hiranyakashipu in order to kill his pious son Prahlada made a request to his sister Holika to sit with the boy in a blazing pyre. Holika, apparently had received a boon, whereby, she could emerge from the fire unscathed. However, prince Prahlada devotion's to Lord Vishnu saved him from the blazing fire, while his aunt was reduced to ashes. Holi commemorates the victory of good over evil and huge bonfires are lit on the street corners on eve of Holi as a symbolic gesture.

Tradition of Holi Celebrations in India

The fun-filled, energetic festival also speaks of the perpetual love of Krishna and Radha. As a result, the festival is celebrated over a period of; hold your breadth, 16 days in Vrindavan and Mathura. Here it is known as Lathmaar Holi.

Haryanvi women, especially the bhabhis get public sanction to beat their devars and take a bittersweet revenge for all the pranks they have played on them on Dulandi Holi.

Heard of Holi being celebrated with the breaking of the pot? Interestingly, in states like Maharashtra and Gujarat, men form huge human pyramid and the one on the top breaks the pot hung high on the streets. Women on the other hand add to the exuberance by singing folk songs and throwing buckets of water on the participants.

For Sikhs, Holi is an opportunity to showcase their physical and military prowess.

However, Bengal celebrates Holi in the most respectable manner. At Vishwa Bharti University, Holi is celebrated as 'Basant Utsav' or 'Spring Festival'.

Well, different states, cities and villages in India have their own unique style of celebrating Holi. However, the spirit of Holi acts as glue for different regions. It's a unique festival that kindles the feeling of love and brotherhood amongst friends and enemies alike.