The Holi Festival is here!
Over 14,000 people joined in the first Holi celebration in Kumeu in Auckland on 2 February. Organised the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, or the Hare Krishna Movement.
60,000.00
This event marks the beginning of the celebrations for Holi, of the Festival of Colours, which typically includes Rangwali Holi or Dhulandi. Vibrant hues scatter the landscape as people throw coloured powers or water at each other, while singing, dancing, and indulging in festive foods.
In India, the festival will be celebrated on 14 March, commemorating the beginning of spring in the northern hemisphere.
What is the Meaning of the Holi Festival?
The Holi festival represents the triumph of good over evil, and the completion of winter in the northern hemisphere.
According to the legend, the Holi festival has relations to the story of a devotee of Lord Vishnu. Prahlad’s aunt, named Holika, was saved from a fire. Meanwhile, she was able to lure Prahlad onto a flaming pyre following the instructions of Hiranyakashyap. Many believe that Prahlad’s devotion to Lord Vishnu saved him from the flames, while Holika met her end.
Traditionally, the celebrations start the night before the festival begins. People gather before bonfires to ward off evil temptations, and they build a pyre, placing a Holika figurine on top. Once the sun has set, they ignite the pyre.
Legends also trace the festival back to the courtship of Lord Krishna and Radha. In the story, he smeared vibrant colours on her face.
In the festival, and in the one that happened in Auckland, participants recreate this story when they coat one another in bright pigments. President of the Sri Sri Radha-Giridhari Temple, Kalasamvara Das, said, “The significance of the festival is that people [of different denominations, race or religion] can come together and have a great time.”
He elaborated that people began to look the same once covered in the bright colours during the celebrations. It’s a festival to celebrate differences, embrace diversity, and come together as the same.
More Celebrations to Come
Other cities around Aotearoa are planning to celebrate the Holi Festival. Tauranga will celebrate 8 March. Selwyn and Hamilton will do so on 9 March. Organisers are planning to mark the occasion at further events in Wellington, Christchurch, and Auckland.
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