Mathura: Songs, dances and bright colours filled the streets
of Mathura as foreign devotees took part in the festival of colours, beating drums and dancing to songs in praise of Lord Krishna. Devotees offered their prayers
to Bal Krishna, the childhood incarnation of Hindu god Lord Krishna. Christie,
a foreign devotee, said, "The essence of Holi is about the love of Krishna. And
the colours represent grace and the love of God. And today is the day to let all
of your discrimination, caste, colour and creed (go)."
"We all are equal today
and we are under the colour of God and colour represents love," claimed Christie.
Bal Krishna's idol is kept in a palanquin, which is decorated with flowers and
taken to the banks of River Yamuna in a procession, accompanied by merry-makers
celebrating Holi. This is a 500 years old tradition. The idol, in keeping with
the spirit of the festival, also has a 'pichkari' (an instrument made for holding
and throwing coloured water) made entirely of silver. Lord Krishna was born in
Mathura, which has made the town sacred to devotees. Mohan Das, a resident of
Mathura said, "This procession is carried out every year on this auspicious festival.
This is followed since past 500 years. People enjoy this procession as it is taken
all round the place to mark the celebration of the festival."
People across the country celebrated the festival of colours 'Holi' with enthusiasm
and gaiety. Holi colours are symbolic of our diverse and multicultural society and
country. The festival, which marks the onset of spring, brings together people from all
classes and age groups as they play with colors distribute sweets and take out
processions. Eco-friendly colours are getting popularity in this 'Holi' in place
of toxic colours as these toxic colours and industrial dyes lead to severe skin
allergies and eye problems. The Holika Dahan or the lighting of bonfire on the
eve of Holi took place on Sunday evening, on the eve of Dhulendi. Holi is a festival
of joy, mirth and buoyancy, and is celebrated when both man and nature cast off
the winter gloom. Holi heralds the arrival of spring, the season of hope and new
beginnings and marks the rekindling of the spirit of life.
Holi also marks the survival of Prince Prahlada, whose devotion to Lord Vishnu,
kept him safe when he was sent to death by sitting in the midst of a bonfire. Holi also
remembers the love between Lord Krishna and his consort, Radha.
In New Delhi, foreign tourists and locals welcomed the festival of colours. Devotees
thronged the famous Iskcon temple since early morning to offer their prayers. Priests
chanted and danced in-group to mark the
occasion. Tourists from across the country visited the temple to celebrate the
Hindu festival. For some tourists like Mario from the US, the experience of being
a part of the celebrations was incredible. "Well I enjoyed Holi in India, it is
incredible, it is just awesome and Holi is so special, I feel happy, I can't describe
my feelings right now," said Mario. Meanwhile, locals applied colours on each
other on the streets amidst cheering and shouting. Everyone had the same excuse,
'Bura Na Mano Holi Hai' (Don't Mind! It's Holi). The exuberant festival is associated
with the eternal love of Hindu lord Krishna and his consort Radha. Celebrated
at the onset of spring, it also holds a mythological significance - that of the
triumph of good over evil. Holi is celebrated in the month of Phagun
(February-March)
according to the Hindu calendar, Holi also celebrates the survival of Prince Prahlada,
whose devotion to the God, kept him safe even when he was sent to death by sitting
in the midst of a bonfire.
A report from Lahore said the colourful festival was being celebrated by Hindus
across Pakistan with enthusiasm. The Daily Times quoted Evacuee Property Trust
Board (EPTB) Deputy Secretary Shrines Syed Faraz Abbas as saying that his
department has arranged the main function for the Holi festival at the Krishna Mandir
on Ravi Road in Lahore. Hundreds of people, dressed especially for the occasion,
gathered at the temple and offered prayers and thereafter celebrated the festival
of colours. Specially prepared food was distributed at the temple. The preparations
for Holi celebrations had begun days before the arrival of the festival as food
is prepared in advance and special songs were rehearsed for the occasion. Speaking
on the occasion, Hindu representative Dr Chand thanked EPTB Chairman Syed Asif
Hashmi for making special arrangements for the festival.
