 |
Holi
- Region-wise Celebrations
If you sight huge processions of men-folk soaked in colored water and singing, "Govinda alha re alha, zara matki sambhal brijbala" (meaning, "Here comes Krishna, so protect your pots of buttermilk you maidens"), then you are in the state of Maharashtra in all probability. In rural Maharashtra State, where the festival is known as Rangapanchami, the occasion is celebrated with dancing and singing. The fisherfolk celebrate Holi on a large scale with hilarious singing, dancing and merry-making. Along Maharashtra's coastline, the men and women get together in a special dance that is meant to provide them with a release for all their repressed feelings, needs and desires. This is peculiarly done by uttering sounds and striking their mouths with the back of their hands. The stories of Lord Krishna tricking the Gopis (young milk-maids) and stealing butter and milk from all houses are very popular here. Hence the Gopis were to be very careful of the naughty Krishna. All men and women get together and dance in a carefree attitude. Then there's the popular celebration called the 'Ride of the king' in Gujarat and central India. In this, an imaginary king is paraded across the village and the villagers lampoon the king to release off their accumulated pressure. On Holi, Rajasthan organizes a special tournament where the horsemen bombard each other with colored water and it's sheer fun thing watching them get on with it.
Then there's the 'Dol Yatra' of Bengal, another name for Holi. 'Dol Yatra' means the 'Swing Festival' and has its own charisma. Effigies of Radha and Krishna are placed on swings and everyone waits excitedly for their turn to swing them. This day of color also welcomes the season of spring and the people of Shantiniketan add all the pep they can to make it memorable. Orissa too has almost a similar tradition of celebrating Holi.
Six full days of fun and frolic, that's what you will find in Manipur. A variety of folk dances are performed amongst which the most famous one is called 'Thabal Chongba', meaning 'The Moonlight Dance'. It is accompanied by a lot of musical instruments to make the occasion merrier.
Now isn't this amazing-each state has its own different way of celebrating the festival of Holi, but the message is one, to spread love and harmony, and restore brotherhood across the nation and the globe !
Click
Here For Holi Information Home
|
