Holi is the carnival of color, the most vibrant of all Hindu festivals, is just around the corner. Millions of people every year in India, including other South Asian nations, and around the world celebrate Holi under clouds of technicolored powder. Holi has no singular significance, quite appropriate for a festival of many colors. Though there are many stories and facts behind this ancient festival, it is mostly celebrated to symbolize the triumph of good over evil.
How is Holi celebrated?
Holi is spread out for two days, that begins with Holika Dahan, that takes place the night before with the ritual burning of pyres. A pyre is created with wood and the other materials that are collected days in advance and are burnt in the bonfires.
The main portion is the second day of the festival, Rangwali Holi, also known as Dhulandi, Dol Jatra, Phagwah or Badi Holi in different parts of India. People apply and play with colors, such as gulal, abir, pichkaris (water guns), and water balloons.
Traditionally, people used to celebrate this and play Holi with their families at home or within their colony. However, gone are those days when we used to play holi on the front-yard with synthetic powders and dyed water. The trends are changing now.
Millions now take it to Holi fests, open-air party’s, holi celebration in beach houses, and farms to throw fistfuls of colored powder and soak each other with water guns. These Holi fests are organized by different event organizers, all over the country. These events are packed with everything you would need. From live DJ to live dhol, organic Holi colors, swimming pool access, rain dance, various adventure activities, food, live bar, even welcome gifts are given. Currently, in Delhi, various such events are getting organized for Holi, which is just around the corner. Generally, these event charges you around Rs. 800 – Rs. 5,000 for a person, depending on the location and type of arrangements. The price, however, varies depending on single, couple, or group entry.
Some also organize a 3-5 day trip to celebrate holi. These are generally truck rides or tractors, trolleys, bikes. Makeshift houses are also built on tractor or trolleys. These events include everything, from transportation in the comfortable truck to meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), accommodation which could be either hotel or camp, and various other activities like bonfire, boat ride, cliff diving, swimming, and snorkeling. Charges for these events range between Rs. 10,000-15,000 depending on the duration.
These event organizers say, minimum they expect around 1,500 to 2,000 people to attend. The attraction about these fests are snacks, food, music, dancing, and various adventure activities, in addition to the celebration.
