HOLI
Holi is known as the festival of colors, and the colors
overcome the barriers of 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 colored
water. Brightly colored powders are applied on faces, and there is plenty of
music, dance and sweets. Young and the old smear colors on friends and dear
ones. Water balloons, dry colors, and washable dyes are used to douse just
about anyone in sight on the roads on the day of Holi. The vibrant use of colors
symbolizes the advent of a colorful 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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