From the ancient times man has loved functions and festivals They give relief to man from irksomeness of his daily life. Holi has an important place among all the important functions and festivals that Hindu society celebrates. This function is celebrated on the full moon day of Falgun (Hindi month) every year. One month before the festival the songs of Holi can be heard at different places.
There is a story in Puranas that on this day Holika, the father's sister (Bua) of Prahlad, on the order of her brother, sat into fire with Prahlad in her lap. But God's grace Prahlad escaped and Holika was burnt to ashes. Since then this festival is celebrated every year.
This festival starts on the day of 'Basant Panchami' of Magh (Hindi month) before Falgun (Hindi month) starts. On the day of Basant Panchami the children start gathering fuel, fire-wood, cakes of cow dung, etc. At the holy time of Holi, some important person of the area set fire to Holi. Persons parch barley ears and distribute them among their friends and relations.
On the next morning there is an atmosphere of wantonness everywhere. Boys, youths and old persons come out of their houses with red powder (gulal) and colours. They throw colours upon one another, rub red powder (gulal) upon the faces of each other and embrace each other with love and affection. The Holi of Brij is very famous.
On this festival many people drink wine, hemp (bhang), etc. They loose their senses and throw dirt and mud upon each other. The festival of Holi is a festival of joy and love. We should celebrate it in the same manner. We should remove the ills that had crept in.
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