Real Holi Snaps 2011

Hi All,

Here are some real snaps of holi … Well all you know that Holi (referred to as Phagwa in Bhojpuri), also called the Festival of Colours, is a popular Hindu spring festival observed in India, Suriname, Guyana, Trinidad, the UK and Nepal.

Holi at Piramal Nagar, 2011

Holi at Piramal Nagar, 2011

 

In West Bengal, it is known as Dolyatra (Doljatra) or Boshonto Utsav (“spring festival”). On the third day, burning of the demoness Holika, Hiranyakashipu’s sister, in huge bonfires at night.

Holi at Piramal Nagar, 2011

Holi at Piramal Nagar, 2011

It is called Kama dahanam in Andhra Pradesh.

Holi at Piramal Nagar, 2011

Holi at Piramal Nagar, 2011

On the second day, known as Dhulheti, people spend the day throwing coloured powder and water at each other. The spring season, during which the weather changes, is believed to cause viral fever and cold. Thus, the playful throwing of the coloured powders has a medicinal significance: the colours are traditionally made of Neem, Kumkum, Haldi, Bilva, and other medicinal herbs prescribed by Āyurvedic doctors.

Holi at Piramal Nagar, 2011

Holi at Piramal Nagar, 2011

A special drink called thandai is prepared, sometimes containing bhang (Cannabis sativa). Rangapanchami occurs a few days later on a Panchami (fifth day of the full moon), marking the end of festivities involving colours.

Holi at Piramal Nagar, 2011

Holi at Piramal Nagar, 2011

These snaps are of piramal nagar, Goregaon (west)..

Holi at Piramal Nagar, 2011

Holi at Piramal Nagar, 2011

Children play holi every year and make the day full of colors..

Holi at Piramal Nagar, 2011

Holi at Piramal Nagar, 2011

Maha Shivaratri

Shivaratri is celebrated on the 6th night of the dark Phalgun (Feb or March) every year. On the auspicious day, devotees observe fast and keep vigil all night. Mahashivaratri marks the night when Lord Shiva performed the ‘Tandava’. It is also believed that on this day Lord Shiva was married to Parvati Ma. On this day Shiva devotees observe fast and offer fruits, flowers and bel leaves on Shiva Linga.

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Maha Shivratri or Maha Sivaratri or Shivaratri or Sivaratri (Night of Shiva or “Great Night of Shiva”) is a Hindu festival celebrated every year on the 13th night/14th day in the Krishna Paksha (waning moon) of the month of Maagha (as per Shalivahana) or Phalguna (as per Vikrama) in the Hindu Calendar (that is, the night before and day of the new moon). The festival is principally celebrated by offerings of Bael (Bilva) leaves to the Lord Shiva, all day fasting and an all night long vigil.