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Holi
Holi
Rangapanchami occurs
five days later on
Panchami (fifth day after
the Poornamashi/full
moon), marking the end
of festivities of colors.
Gulal and Colored Powders
Medical Significance
The festival occurs at the onset of Spring.
Weather change,
Prone to cause viral fever and cold.
Gulal (Colored Powder) - Made of medicinal
plants like
Neem Azidaricta Indica
Kumkum Colored Turmeric
Haldi - Turmeric
Bilva Fruit bearing medicinal tree
Celebration in Vrindavan
Vrindavan A city in India where Lord Krishna grew up
The Festival - Celebrated for 16 days until Rangpanchmi in
Holy memory of the divine love of Radha-Krishna.
Popularity - Lord Krishna is believed to have popularized the
festival by playing pranks on the Gopis.
Dark Complexion of Krishna - Krishna used to be complain
to his mother about the contrast between his dark
color and his consort Radha's fair color.
Color on Radhas Face - Krishna's mother decided to apply
colour to Radha's face. The celebrations officially
usher in spring, the season of love.
The day is also celebrated as the birthday of the great poet saint, Sri
Krishna Chaitanya (A.D. 1486-1533), in Bengal, Orissa, Mathura and
Vrindavan.
Celebration in Pusti-Marga Temples
Pushti-Marga temples, spread throughout North and
Western States of India, celebrate the festival in a way
reminiscent of rajput courts. The Deity are liberally
sprinkled with perfumes, saffron water, kesudo, and
covered in sandalwood as well as the white and pink
powder, abir and gulal. Joyous celebration is
accompanied by classical music, poetry and folk songs
appropriate for the occasion. Deity's white clothes' are
soon transformed into a mass of color as gold and silver
syringes spray colorful water on all participants. The
celebrations officially usher in the pleasant season of
love, spring. In the Pushti-Marga temples, the festivities
last for almost a month. Beginning on the day of Vasant-
Panchami, the festivals last till the day after Holi. This
helps to prolong the season of divine love and joy.
Other Regional Celebrations