Holi, the Festival of Colours or Festival of Love, is a joyous occasion celebrated with great fervour, not only in India but across the world. It is a time of merriment, marked by vibrant hues, sumptuous feasts, and a spirit of unity amongst folk of all stations and ages.
This festival heralds the end of winter and the arrival of spring, observed over two days, typically in late February or early March, upon the full moon’s rise.

On the first day, Holika Dahan, a bonfire is kindled from castaway belongings—old furniture, tattered garments—symbolising the triumph of good over ill and the embrace of the new season. The legend doth tell of Holika, sister of the demon king Hiranyakashipu, who, endowed with a boon of fireproofness, sought to destroy her virtuous nephew, Prahlada, by sitting with him in a fiery pyre. Yet, ’tis she who perished, whilst young Prahlada was spared, a testament to the victory of righteousness.

On the second day, Rangwali Holi, the streets come alive with the throwing of colours, water guns, and balloons, as all partake in the revelry. Holi, thus, is not merely a festival, but a grand celebration of life, love, and the bonds of fellowship.

Holi in Mughal Era

Holi, the festival of colours, was celebrated with great enthusiasm in Mughal India, where it transcended caste, class, and status. During this time, even the Emperor was part of the festivities, and people from all walks of life could throw colours at him, symbolising the inclusivity and unity that Holi represented.
The grandest celebrations were held at the Lal Qila (Red Fort) in Delhi, where Holi was known by various names such as Eid-e-Gulaabi or Aab-e-Pashi. The festival was marked by lively Mehfils (musical gatherings) throughout the city, where both aristocrats and common folk came together to celebrate with music, dancing, and the joyous throwing of colours. It was a time of unity, where differences of class and status were momentarily erased in the spirit of festivity.

However, during the reign of Emperor Aurangzeb, this joyous celebration came to an abrupt halt. In 1665, Aurangzeb issued a Farman (decree) that banned public celebrations of Holi. His strict and conservative policies were a stark contrast to the previous Mughal rulers who had embraced the festival. The ban disrupted the public nature of the festival, pushing it into private spaces and restricting its grandeur.
The cultural significance of Holi during the Mughal era was also immortalised by poets such as Amir Khusrau, Ibrahim Raskhan, Nazeer Akbarabadi, and Mehjoor Lakhnavi. These poets, who were inspired by the festivities, captured the essence of the festival in their writings. For example, Amir Khusrau’s famous couplets, “बुरा मत मानो, होली है” echoed the playful, carefree spirit of the festival, highlighting how Holi was not just about colours but also about joy, harmony, and connection.

In conclusion, the history of Holi in Mughal India reveals a complex interplay of cultural, political, and social dynamics. While Emperor Aurangzeb’s ban interrupted the public celebrations, the festival endured, its spirit reignited after his passing. Through poetry, royal participation, and the resilience of the people, Holi continued to be a symbol of unity and joy throughout the Mughal empire.

O Palash, O Simul!

The radiant orange of the tesu blossom, from the Palash tree, lends the flower its fitting moniker, “the flame of the forest.” Among its many uses, the tesu blossom is crafted into vibrant colours for Holi, marking the arrival of spring. This festival celebrates renewal—a time to bid farewell to the old and embrace new beginnings. Vibrant hues of pinkish-red from hibiscus, yellow from marigold, saffron from tesu, and coloured water are joyously shared among loved ones. The festive play of colours is accompanied by dance, sweets, and the traditional drink, Bhaang. Gifts are exchanged, and hearts unite in celebration of this cherished occasion.

The Significance of Holi

Today, Holi is celebrated by people of all faiths and cultures across India, and its joy is spreading worldwide, particularly in regions with a large Indian diaspora.
It is a time when differences are set aside in favour of love and brotherhood. The festival encourages forgiveness and the release of old grudges, as people smear each other with vibrant colours and embrace one another in a spirit of camaraderie.
The air hums with joy, and each hue of Holi represents a profound emotion—transcending the playful colours on faces to embody community, equality, and unity.

HOLI SLIDESHOW

As we, photographers, capture the world through the lens of color, every hue tells a unique story. ❤️ speaks of love’s warmth and passion, while 💙 whispers of sorrow and reflection. 💛 glows with the light of friendship, bright and full of hope. Colors are the emotions of life, each frame a canvas of feelings, each shade a memory etched in time.

Play safe! Happy Holi!

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