Holi,
the spring festival of color that symbolizes life, vitality and vibrancy , had
been celebrated on march 17 (the day of the last full moon of winter )by Hindus
across the globe and in Pakistan. Holi signifies the triumph of good over evil
and the festivities are marked by bonfires, lit to cleanse evil from the world,
while gulal (colored powder) are sprinkled or sprayed on friends and family.
Food forms
an integral part of the festivities and preparations begin weeks prior to the
festival. Gujiyas and jalebies are placed in the thaalis for the morning pooja
and once the pooja is over revelry begins. Crowd dance to the beat of dholaks
throwing colored gulal on friends, family and neighbors each color represents a
different facet of life; red symbolizes purity , green signifies vitality ,
blue exudes serenity while yellow represents piety.
Endless
glasses of ice-cold thandai are served during the day to refresh the
merrymakers; it is made with sugar water, watermelon and muskmelon seeds and
topped with alomonds and saunf. The more adventurous ones often lace thandai
with bhang. Family get-togethers take place later in the day, and mouth-watering
aaloo ka lachaas , seviyan , papri ,ghevar and laddoos are firm favorites.
Over the
years, holi has evolved into more than a religious festival. Farmer in rural India
and Pakistan celebrate it because it heralds the arrival of spring and prosperity,
while many believe the day to be auspicious for marriages and to launch new
business ventures.
According
to the national botanical research institute in India, when gulal is absorbed
by the skin or inhaled, it can significantly lessen the occurrence of viral
fever and influenza brought on by the changing weather. This because gulal is
made with a variety of herbs such as neem , haldi , dhaak known for their.
The festival
has spread across Europe and the America as a celebration of embracing
diversity , and was added to the united nation’s list of cultural festivals in
2011.
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