Holi, the Festival of Colors, is a vibrant Indian celebration that marks the triumph of good over evil. Observed worldwide, it is known for its joyous festivities unlike any other. Holi is celebrated over two days in the Hindu month of Phalguna, according to the lunar calendar.
The first day, called Chhoti Holi or Holika Dahan, sees a massive bonfire lit to commemorate the mythical victory of devotion/virtue over evil. The following day, known as Dhulandi, (Khelne wali Holi) or Badi Holi, is when the true revelry begins. Friends and families gather, exchanging sweets and traditional Holi delicacies, as they playfully shower each other with vivid colors.
Holi provides a unique opportunity to celebrate the colors of nature and the emotions they evoke within us. Since ancient times, civilizations have been captivated by the presence and impact of color in the world around them, and how different hues influence our moods and productivity. Colors enhance our experiences, and Holi allows us to revel in their significance.
As the vibrant festival of Holi approaches, a wave of nostalgia washes over me, reminiscing about the days when the consumption of Thandai, a kind of soft drink (cannabis-infused) was an integral part of the celebrations. This personal account takes me back to the city of Nathdwara, a temple town in Mewar (Rajasthan) where the tradition of consuming hemp during Holi was deeply ingrained.
From 1967 to 1977, after being selected by the Rajasthan Public Service Commission, Ajmer as a lecturer in Hindi, I was posted to a government Postgraduate college, Nathdwara. One of my colleagues, Professor Chand Narayan Shrivastava, who taught English, had a liking for consuming Bhang on this festive (Holi) occasion. Though he would often invite me to join him, I would politely decline.
However, on one particular Holi day, Professor Shrivastava persuaded me to accompany him to Chowpati, a renowned spot for indulging in such delights. We ventured into a familiar Thandai shop, where a coded exchange took place between the professor and the shopkeeper. With a gesture, Professor Shrivastava ordered, “Two glasses,” prompting the shopkeeper to inquire, “Whether Both positive?”
After receiving an affirmative response, the shopkeeper probed deeper, asking, “Short wave or medium wave?” Professor Shrivastava clarified, “One medium and the other one short wave.”
As an outsider to this ritual, I could only partially decipher the coded language they shared, but the experience that followed was nothing short of surreal. By the time I reached home, I found myself soaring very high in the sky indulging in a delightful activity of eating sweets, dancing, and indulging in other merriments.
Those were truly the days when the celebrations of Holi held a unique charm, intertwined with age-old traditions and a touch of revelry. As we approach another Holi, this reminiscence serves as a reminder of the vibrant and culturally rich experiences that have shaped our festive heritage.
Beyond its vibrant displays, Holi fosters unity and amity, bridging divides and dissolving animosity. Enemies become friends, as the spirit of brotherhood prevails. People visit one another, exchanging warm wishes, playing with colors, and sharing gifts, allowing the festival to weave bonds of harmony throughout communities.
Writer is Former Fellow at IIAS, Shimla (HP). He can be mailed at skraina123@gmail.com
