Saturday, March 19, 2011

Morning Greetings to all as flashed early the morning on the f.b. of March 16,2011

Bishwa Nath Singh

Good Morning/ Namaste /Pranam/Adab/Salam-Wale-Kum/Sat Shri Akal/Privet to all my friends and well-wishers living here or in abroad. It ‘s time to rise during morning in India. The fervor of Holi- a festival of colors is seen at and around everywhere in India when we forget our enmity and rejoice being friendly with all who are closely known to us by smearing Gulal ( red powder well scented) made of dried flowers on their face and wish them all the best in years to come.

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(Photo of a scene of Holi)

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Bishwa Nath Singh :
Holi- the festival of colors is an ancient festival of India and was originally known as 'Holika'. The festivals finds a detailed description in early religious works such as Jaimini's Purvamimamsa-Sutras and Kathaka-Grhya-Sutras. Historian...s also believe that Holi was celebrated by all Aryans but more so in the Eastern part of India. It is said that Holi existed several centuries before Christ. However, the meaning of the festival is believed to have changed over the years. Earlier it was a special rite performed by married women for the happiness and well-being of their families and the full moon was worshiped. The festival of Holi also finds a reference in the sculptures on walls of old temples. A 16th century panel sculpted in a temple at Hampi, capital of Vijayanagar, shows a joyous scene of Holi. The painting depicts a Prince and his Princess standing amidst maids waiting with syringes or pichkaris to drench the Royal couple in coloured water. A Sixteenth century Ahmednagar painting is on the theme of Vasanta Ragini - spring song or music. It shows a royal couple sitting on a grand swing, while maidens are playing music and spraying colors with pichkaris. There are a lot of other paintings and murals in the temples of medieval India which provide a pictoral description of Holi. For instance, a Mewar painting (circa 1755) shows the Maharana with his courtiers playing Holi.In some parts of India, specially in Bengal and Orissa, Holi Purnima is also celebrated as the birthday of Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (A.D. 1486-1533). However, the literal meaning of the word 'Holi' is 'burning'. The festival is associated with various legends but the most popular among them is the tale of Hollika. According to legends there was a demon-king named Hiranyakashipu who was very cruel and ordered everybody to worship him and not God. He was against Lord Vishnu. However, his little son Prahlad refused to do so and continued to worship the almighty Lord Vishnu, the Hindu God. He tried hard to kill him but every time Lord Vishnu saved him. One of the sisters of the king named Holika had a boon to remain unscathed by fire, so she followed her brother’s wishes. However, with this sinful act against Lord Narayana’s devotee, Holika’s boon ended and she was burnt to ashes, while Prahlad came out safe. From that day onwards Holi is celebrated as the festival of the victory of good over evil. Even today, bonfires are lit on the night before Holi in memory of the event and burning of the evil Holika. It symbolizes the victory of Good over evil. The legend of Lord Krishna is also associated with play with colors as the Lord started the tradition of playing Holi with colors by applying color on his beloved Radha and other Gopis. Gradually, the play gained popularity with the people and became a tradition. There are also a few other legends associated with the festival - like the legend of Shiva and Kaamadeva and those of Ogress Dhundhi and Pootana. All depict triumph of good over evil - lending a philosophy to the festival. It is celebrated during the spring season and embodies all the festivity, liveliness and exuberance of the season. Holi is the festival of all hearts. Spraying colors, dancing on traditional Holi songs, musical drum beats and wild processions are the common scenes that one comes across during this festival.The Holi week has already begun and will last till the 20th of March 2011 in the places related with the birth and childhood f Lord Krishna known as Braj Bhumi. Let us celebrate it with gaiety and fervor and wish every body a Very happy & prosperous colorful Holi!
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Surinder Sharma Gud mrng.

Payal Swali :
Bishwaji, very gdmng and thnx for enlightening more on Holi festival.

Shama Daniel :
good morn have a colorfull week ahead

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f.b.
March 16,2011

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