Holi Presentation
Transcript: Meaning of Holi Mythological Story Other Legends Countries that Celebrate Holi Holi Over the Years Holi Over the Years Current Traditions Today, the festival is celebrated for only two days, and synthetic colors are used for their color powder instead of natural herbs and spices. On the first day there is a Holika Dehan, which is bonefire that involves lots of signing and dancing. India is the dominant country that celebrates Holi. There are other countries that aren't majority Hindu, but still enjoy the festival's inclusion of happiness and unity. Some of the countries that celebrate Holi are Nepal, Trinidad, Tobago, Guyana, Figi, Mauritius, Pakistan, the Philippines, and even some areas of the United States. Each country has their own interpretation of the holiday and different traditions are displayed, but they all commemorate the triumph of good over evil. The History of Holi Jill Gutapfel Prahlad's evil aunt, Holika (hence the name Holi), was commanded by Hiranyakashyap to take Prahlad into a blazing fire. She would be protected from the flames by a majical cloak that alowed her to not be burned. People often wonder where the incorporation of the colors comes from. This comes from the legend of Lord Krishna and Mathura. Krishna had very dark skin and wanted to know why his friend Radha was pale. He talked to his mother, Yashoda, and she said that if he painted Radha's face, he could make her any color he wanted so that they could be happy together. Overall, Holi is an experience that isn't like any other. It brings together enemies and even entire countries for the sake of forgiveness and happiness. It is said that Holi also purifies the souls of those who partake in it, making it a true spiritual cleansing. Past Traditions Holi traditions have changed dramatically over the years from the length of the festival, to the ingredients used in the pigmented gulal. Gulal is the Indian name for the colored powder that they throw in the air and at each other while they celebrate. This lengend ultimatley symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, which is why Holi celebrates making amends with enemies and revolves around happiness and wellbeing. Current Traditions The Second Day Hiranyakashyap also had a son named Prahlad who devoted his worshiping to the Lord Naarayana, which infuriated Hiranyakashyap. Prahlad and Holika Prahlad and Holika Holi is a Hindu Spring festival that is celebrated in February or March, and represents the triumph of good over evil. The literal meaning of the word Holi is burning, which symbolizes a mythological Hindu story. The First Day Krishna' is the supreme god in Hinduism. In his birthplace, Holi is traditionally celebrated for sixteen days. However, the celebration used to take place over five days. It would start on the day of Holika, and end on the day of Rangpanchami. Prahlad and Holika One the second day of Holi, the color celebration begins in the morning, and people can throw colors on anyone they see no matter who they are. It includes lots fast music, more dancing, and rich foods. When the morning is over, everyone goes home and bathes. Then they all get together with friends and family to eat home cooked food and be grateful for their blessings. Countries that Celebrate Holi... The myth that is most often associated with Holi is the legend of the demon king Hiranyakashyap. This story begins with Hiranyakashyap wanting everyone to worship only him. Unaware that the cloak only worked when she entered the fire alone, Holika burned in the flames, and Prahlad was saved by his god Naarayana. Current Traditions