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Holi in city of Ahmedabad |
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. |
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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.
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Holi in
Chotta Udaipur
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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.
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