For Hindus, the Holi festival is a celebration of victory over evil. Throwing colorful flour at each other is the hallmark of this victory celebration.
All in Colour.
The weather in Mathura City in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh is still cool. But the streets of the city are crowded with people. Adults and children alike, preparing to celebrate the Holi festival (feast of colours) centred on the Dwarkadheesh Temple, Mathura.
With a group of 14 people, we travelled by bus to the temple that hosts the festival of colours.
One thing should not be forgotten if you want to capture the moment of the colour party, wrap the camera tightly. That's what we did because we didn't want the colour powder to get into the camera. If that happens, instead of getting a good photo, the camera will be damaged.
"Buses do not enter the temple. We have to change to a bemo-like vehicle to reach the temple," said Ajay Singh, the guide who accompanied us during our trip to India.
Without wasting time, we moved to the bemo. Well, when the bemo started to move, suddenly from the side, a motorbike rider child poured coloured flour towards us.
Along the way, people throw coloured flour at each other, powder their faces with flour, and hug each other while saying, "Happy Holi Happy Holi." Others sang and danced. Everyone spreads out on the streets. The air becomes colourful. Even those who are thrown coloured flour should not get angry.
The temple atmosphere is festive and colourful. There are no boundaries. Young and old and men and women mingle in colourful joy. The temple is crowded. People are crowded together. Everyone was engaged, dancing and throwing coloured flour.
Everyone is powdered with colour. PHOTO MAKHFUD SAPPE
The streets were the same. All passing vehicles were throwing coloured flour. One or two even mixed coloured flour with water to make the throw reach further.
That day, our clothes became colourful with flour. Even our faces were covered in coloured flour.
Apart from India, this colourful party is also commonly celebrated in several other countries that have Hindu citizens and residents such as Nepal, Bangladesh, South Africa, and Fiji.
In Indonesia, the Holi festival is also sometimes held. One of them is in Medan City, North Sumatra, which is home to quite a lot of Indian descendants.
In India, Holi is celebrated on a large scale in the Braj area, which is the place associated with Lord Krishna (Krishna) living and staying such as in Mathura, Vrindavan, Nandagaon, and Barsama. During the Holi festival season, these cities are crowded with tourists who want to witness this feast of colours.
The Holi festival usually takes place over 16 days, in late February or early March.
For Hindus, the Holi festival in early spring means celebrating the victory of good over evil. The victory is symbolised by the act of throwing colourful flour at fellow celebrants.
Besides being an image of goodness and victory over evil, Holi is also to welcome the arrival of spring in India. Another value is love. For Hindus in India, the Holi festival is a time to share love.
The Holi festival is also considered proof of the eternal love of Lord Krishna and Goddess Radha, his wife. (*)
Translated from Indonesian article : FESTIVAL HOLI : Kala Raga dan Jiwa Berpesta Warna
