Tourism
of Goa
Fairs
& Festivals ::
Hindu
Festival
Holi
Perhaps
the most visually spectacular of the Hindu festivals celebrated in Goa, Holi
is the festival of fun and playing with colours which people throw on each
other.
Holi is celebrated on the day after the full moon in the
month of March. Holi signifies the end of winter and the beginning of the
spring.
It is a joyous celebration of the rejuvenation of nature,
and renewed hope of happiness and peaceful coexistence.
language
and convey true feelings. The colors also convey a message. Green:
Compassion and understanding and a symbol of prosperity. Yellow: Optimism.
It is also regarded as an auspicious color. The color Yellow is associated
with Mother Earth. Red: The color of fire, the source of energy and
security. Blue: Loyalty and trust. Pink: Love and compassion.
In
some places in Goa, the night before the full moon, people gather to light
bonfires to burn the dried leaves and twigs. The fire signifies the
destruction of evil - the burning of the 'Holika' - a mythological
character.
On the next day, people of all ages come outside and
playfully drench each other with coloured water. Brightly coloured powders
are applied on faces, and there is plenty of music, dance and sweets.
Young
and the old smear colours on friends and dear ones. Water balloons, dry
colours, and washable dyes are used to douse just about anyone in sight on
the roads on the day of Holi. The vibrant use of colours symbolises the
advent of a colourful and prosperous spring season.
According to
Hindu mythological legends, the festival is also a celebration of the death
of Pootna - the demon who nearly killed Lord Krishna when he was a small
child. Pootna signifies winter and darkness.
Holi is celebrated by
people from all castes and social strata in Goa. The celebrations start in
the morning, recede around afternoon when people get tired of the fun and
frolic. Noise and the clamor recedes, there is a contented silence all
around, occasionally disturbed by the laughter of the teenagers. In the
evening, once again people visit the neighborhood with families and friends
to greet them with good wishes.
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