holi

There are many stories of the origin of Holi. The most widely held belief is that Holi marks the day when the devotee of lord Vishnu, Bakt Prahlad, seated on the lap of demoness Holika, was saved from the effect of the fire by God and the demoness got burnt instead. Other stories relate to the death of demon Putana at the hands of lord Krishna and to the burning of demoness Hoda by children. Some link the festival with the worship of Karma, God of pleasure and destiny.

Holi in city of Ahmedabad

Holi is a harvest celebration marking the climax of spring. Bonfires are lit, marking both the end of winter and the death of evil, and proceeds from the seasonal harvest- grains, coconuts etc- offered to the flames. The next day, dhuleti involves plenty of colour throwing, prayer, fasting and feasting. People have fun throwing coloured powder and colourful water at each other, dancing and gambling over cards. The Rajasthani and north Indian population at Kankaria and Jamalpur in Ahmedabad celebrate Holi in great style with folk dancing and colour throwing.

Holi in Chotta Udaipur

Holi is an important festival for the tribals of Gujarat. Visit Poshina, where tribals of the Garasia and Bhil Adivasis gather at the darbargadh, the tribal fairs of Chotta Udaipur and the Rajpipla hills, and in the period after Holi the Dangs Darbar at Saputara and the tribal fairs of north Gujarat.