The season of spring is upon us, and with it comes Holi, the festival of colours and joy, making it one of the most vibrant festivals of India. From Braj ki Holi, to Goa’s own Shigmotsav, this festival is a kaleidoscope of traditions and culture. The celebrations of Holi in the Northern States of India vary from that of other regions, with each following their own customs and traditions while celebrating the festival of Holi.
"We have never missed Holi in Vrindavan. Every year, our family travels to Prem Mandir temple in Vrindavan and then proceeds to the famous Braj village to participate in ‘Braj ki Holi’ celebrations," said Abhishek Sharma, a businessman from Maharashtra who travels all the way to Uttar Pradesh to play Holi.
The State of Goa has its own version of the festival, named Shigmotsav – a grand celebration, unique to the coastal State. The Hindu community of the State leads a 14-day lively affair of Shigmotsav with colourful dances, music and grandiose parades. Shigmotsav turns the Goan villages into scenes of colourful processions of traditional costumes, folk dances and floats depicting the scenes from the Hindu holy texts. The rhythmic beats of dhol and tashas fill up the streets as local artists perform live posing as different characters from Mahabharat and Ramayana.
However, the cultures and traditions of Holi have come a long way from its original form. With each new generation, culture is interpreted differently. And though it still preserves authenticity in most ways, Holi has emerged to have new traditions, not as replacements but as additions to the old ones. Hues have become increasingly vibrant with artificial colours, and music louder and more electrifying. Holi celebrations have turned into DJ parties, and Bhang is accompanied by all kinds of liquors.
With progress, comes great responsibility. As the stage is set for festivities, it is crucial to celebrate responsibly. Holi is all about mischief, but while that may be, consideration towards neighbours, environment, and animals is also a part of our culture. Enjoying mindfully, using organic colours and eco-friendly products ensure the safety of everyone, which makes it a celebration in the end. Chemicals in artificial colours seep in the water bodies, or mix in the soil, thus causing harm to human, animal and plant health. In humans, they may give rise to cancers.
“When organic colours are used while playing Holi, it ensures eco-friendly celebrations, with minimal damage to the environment and no side effects to people who may be smeared with our colours,” said Suryakant Gaonkar, who has been manufacturing organic colours from the local flora and fauna in Goa.
“Since the awareness is spreading about the goodness of natural colours made from flowers and other organic sources, people prefer them over artificial colours. Considering that artificial colours may cause harm to the skin, hair and eyes, people come looking for our products. The demand for organic colours have increased over the years, with our sales growing in major cities like Panaji, Margao, Ponda, Canacona, Bicholim etc,” stated Gaonkar.
Each year, the celebration of Holi invites the people together binding them in their common heritage and traditions. It’s a time when colourful faces, roars of laughter, dance and music fills the streets of India like a rich tapestry of culture. Social differences disappear during the celebrations, with communities becoming one and enmity gets smeared by colours. The spirit of Holi is that of positivity, beyond colours and music, it is one of unity and peace. The magic of festivities has begun in Goa! Happy Holi!
