Relevance of HOLI

         In spite of being such a colourful festival, there are various aspects of Holi which makes it so significant for our lives. Though they might not be so apparent but a closer look and a little thought will reveal the significance of Holi in more ways than meets the eyes. Ranging from socio-cultural, religious to biological there is every reason why we must heartily enjoy the festival and cherish the reasons for its celebrations. 
   

     Mythological Significance

        Holi also celebrates the legend of Radha and Krishna which describes the extreme delight, Krishna took in applying colour on Radha and other gopis. This prank of Krishna later, became a trend and a part of the Holi festivities. 

       Mythology also states that Holi is the celebration of death of Ogress Pootana who tried to kill infant, Krishna by feeding poisonous milk to it.

       Another legend of Holi which is extremely popular in Southern India is that of Lord Shiva and Kaamadeva. According to the legend, people in south celebrate the sacrifice of Lord of Passion Kaamadeva who risked his life to revoke Lord Shiva from meditation and save the world.

    Cultural Significance

        All these legends help the people to follow a good conduct in their lives and believe in the virtue of being truthful. This is extremely important in the modern day society when so many people resort to evil practices for small gains and torture one who is honest. Holi helps the people to believe in the virtue of being truthful and honest and also to fight away the evil.

Social Significance
       Holi helps to bring the society together and strengthen the secular fabric of our country. For, the festival is celebrated by non-Hindus also as everybody like to be a part of such a colouful and joyous festival. 
       Also, the tradition of the Holi is that even the enemies turn friends on Holi and forget any feeling of hardship that may be present. Besides, on this day people do not differentiate between the rich and poor and everybody celebrate the festival together with a spirit of bonhomie and brotherhood.
        In the evening people visit friends and relatives and exchange gifts, sweets and greetings. This helps in revatalising relationships and strengthening emotional bonds between people.

  Biological Significance

      As Holi comes at a time of the year when people have a tendency to feel sleepy and lazy. This is natural for the body to experiences some tardiness due to the change from the cold to the heat in the atmosphere. To counteract this tardiness of the body, people sing loudly or even speak loudly. Their movements are brisk and their music is loud. All of this helps to rejuvenate the system of the human body.

       There is yet another scientific reason for celebrating the Holi, this however pertains to the tradition of Holika Dahan. The mutation period of winter and spring, induces the growth of bacteria in the atmosphere as well as in the body. When Holika is burnt, temperature rises to about 145 degrees Fahrenhiet. Following the tradition when people perform Parikrima (circumambulation or going around) around the fire, the heat from the fire kills the bacteria in the body thus, cleansing it.

     The way Holi is celebrated in south, the festival also promotes good health. For, the day after the burning of Holika people put ash (Vibhuti) on their forehead and they would mix Chandan (sandalpaste) with the young leaves and flowers of the Mango tree and consume it to promote good health.

Feminists pl see here.

hold on..Ld. .Advocate Sandya Srinivas. 

Talking about social exclusion and Holi uniting them together, let me know if in the history or contemporary times upper caste people have played Holi with lower caste people, I mean who we used to be called  untouchables.  Do colony of upper caste people come and embrace in the colony of Lower caste people and do they allow the lower caste people to enter thier homes and celebrate Holi with them? 

This is one question to the advocate, there are several more but unfortunately I do not have much time at the moment , so this bit is just triggering throughts on other issues also. 

Agreed a Hindu would play holi with a muslim and Christian, but would a Hindu play holi with those who are considered lesser ones, who Manu said deserve beating and bashing like Drums. 

More later , when I have little more time on hand....

Right judgment by wrong forum lands up in nullity. Likewise right educative articke in wrong place looses it’s significance.

Anyway very nice informative article posted by Respected Sandhya Sreenivasan Madam.

@ Ambikaji and all,

Love spreads love. And Hate spreads Hate……….

An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind........

Choice is ours……………….

Some persons pretend to have a third eye on forehead and try to make others blind to be in super posiion? Better their all eyes should be taken out.

https://www.lawyersclubindia.com/forum/Relevance-of-SATYANARAYAN-KI-KATHA-33907.asp

This thread is not even touched by any number of Bhartiya neither No.1 nor 2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9....... 

Should we forget Tulsidas who establihed "Dhol, Ganwar, Shoodra, Pashu, Naari.. Ye sab taadan ke ahikari"..

In the present secular democratic constitutional set up can we digest the gossip of some Krishna with 16000 wives??

But, I like those have all these blind faith, please continue.