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Festivals

5 Off-beat ways to celebrate your Holi in Udaipur

The most popular and colorful festival of India is just around the corner and everybody is getting ready for their own kind of celebrations this Holi. Kids are getting ready with their pichkaris and color bombs while adults are busy making tasty treats like Gujiya, Dahi Vada, Chivda etc. Some are planning to visit their relatives for celebrations and many are inviting others for a get-together. Basically, everyone is pretty excited for enjoying Holi this year.

For those who are still wondering about how and where to celebrate Holi this year, we have listed down 5 best ways to enjoy Holi – the most colorful festival of India

  • Jagdish Chowk: Jagdish Chowk is very famous because of Jagdish Mandir, a 368 years old temple situated in the center of Udaipur. It has witnessed so many celebrations since then. Be it Durga Puja, Diwali, Jagannath Rath Yatra, Eid or any other festival, each one of them has a unique relationship with this historic chowk. It has its own kind of ‘Firangi’ celebrations. Visitors from all around the globe celebrate Holi in their own colors, so why not help them build some never-fading memories of Udaipur.
  • Celebrate it with Less-Fortunate: How about sharing your happiness with the underprivileged and less-fortunate this Holi?

Yes, you can also make this Holi special for many underprivileged and less-fortunate by sharing the joy and happiness you are blessed with. Get them some sweets, snacks, and colors because not everyone wishes for materialistic needs, all they want is just a family to celebrate their festivals with.

  • Holi Festivals:
  • Labhgarh Holi Festival: Get ready to celebrate your Holi in exclusive #LabhgarhStyle.

Take out your dancing shoes and get ready to show your best dance moves. Labhgarh Holi festival is featuring the famous Sunburn Fame ‘JULIA BLISS’, ‘DJ LOVENISH’, and Udaipur’s local ‘ARTH BAND’.

Live Music, Live Dhol, Color Bombs, Rain Dance, Unlimited Food, Organic colors and what not is waiting for you at Labhgarh so this event is something you don’t wanna miss out.

Buy your passes from: http://bit.ly/labhgarhholi2019

For any query contact: +91-9116126634, +91-9352856777

labhgarh holi festival udaipur

  • Holi Ka Jashn, Jalsa K Sang’: The Jalsa brings you a highly electrifying Holi festival of Udaipur ever. Create some of the most amazing and colorful memories in rain showers and pool parties.

Enjoy your Holi in natural colors and delicious food only at ‘The Jalsa’ Holi festival.

Venue: The Jalsa, Near Fatehsagar, Shilpgram Road, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313001

For bookings, call us at +91 9828522427, +91 7821889999

Or buy your passes online at: bit.ly/jalsaholiparty

  • Spend quality time with your loved ones: Playing with colors is a ritual which is being followed since ages but in this icebreaker era, you can change your way of celebrations. Use this festival as a way to spend a nice and cozy time with your loved ones. Take them out to some exotic place, enjoy appetizing food because just being with them would solve many unheard problems they might have.

    Source: Investor clinic
  • A clean Holi: Holi with a social message, sure the idea sounds a little difficult to execute but as the world-famous proverb says,‘Where there is a will, there’s a way’

Opt for a green Holi this year. Plant a sapling around your neighborhood and take care of it. It bears you more fruits than any of your loved one ever could.

  • Celebrate Plastic-free Holi this year. Avoid use of color bombs made of plastic which gives pleasure for a day, but has a disastrous impact on nature in the long run.
  • Avoid unwanted wastage of water because

‘You never know the worth of each drop of water,

Until you have to ask for it ’

So, with the tips mentioned above, we hope that you enjoy your festival to the fullest and also contribute your part towards the society.

Happy Holi!!

If you like to share something or have feedback for us, Feel free to share with us on mohit@vivirmedia.com

 

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Festivals

Saga Behind The Celebration of The Holi Festival

The three-day long fiesta of revelry Holi is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Mewar by different sects of the Hindu community. Historians tell us that in Mewar the festival of colors used to start from Basant Panchmi. There was dancing of her by mates and that of Ghoomar by the ladies. Lok geet reverberated with the sound of ‘daph’ ‘dhol’ and ‘thali’. The Maharana would go to the garden where entertaining programmes were held. In the ‘durbar’ at Naginabad, the servants were given gifts. Holi was also celebrated in the chowk.It was only after the sacred fire was lit in the Rajmahal that Holi started in the city. There was a tradition of fireworks on Holi in Mewar.

Nowadays, on Holi starting from Shambhu Niwas Arvind Singhji Mewar, reaches Manek Chowk with Naubatrisawari that has ‘ran kan kan’ horses etc that attract the attraction of the foreign and Indian tourists who give him a standing ovation. Guard of Honour is also given to him by the personal army of the palace. Then rituals of Holi Dahan are performed under the guidance of the Purohits of the Dharmsabha.

As the fascinating legend about the Holi festival goes Hiranya Kashyap was very unhappy with his son Prahalad, a devotee of Lord Vishnu. He wanted to kill him several times but failed. Fearing that if he performed the ghastly deed himself, the public would go against him, he asked for his sister Holika’s help. It was believed that fire would not burn her as she sat in the fire for a long time every day. It was proposed that she would sit in the fire with Prahalad in her lap. At first, she did not agree but then her brother told that her if she refused, she would not be allowed to marry Eloji. However, Prahalad’s deep devotion to Lord Vishnu saved him and Holika was burnt to ashes. When Eloji with his baarat was on his way to the palace to marry Holika, he was stunned to learn of the tragic incident. He smeared his body with the ashes of Holika and vowed never to marry. He lost his senses and wandered here and there. He is considered to be an ideal lover. In Rajasthan, in many places have been named after him and one of which is Eloji Ka Neem, near Ganesh Ghati in Udaipur. At some places, people try to guess what the coming year is going to be like from to direction of the flames. Going off the flames in the north pretends a good time and the future is to be medium. When the direction is south. Also good is to be the time when the direction is east or west.

DAY 1: HOLIKA DAHAN

Source: india tv.
Holi celebration at City Palace Udaipur

As the time for Holi Dahan, approaches people start gathering at spots where Holika’s have been set up. The trunk or big branch of a tree is set up in the middle and it is surrounded by smaller branches and twigs, pieces of plywood, hay, cow dung ‘uplas’ that are made by women and children. Firecrackers are also put in the middle. At the appointed time, some rituals are performed and the fire lit. There is a feeling of elation as the flames go up. People go round the fire and start greeting others.

‘Dhoond’ ceremony of the newborn children is performed for their good health and welfare. As the legend goes, there lived a rakshas named Dhunda or Dhooni who came to the village and troubled children by making them sick and harming them. When other ways to drive her out of the village failed, the villagers cursed and abused her and lit a fire to frighten her. Finally, this succeeded and it became a tradition on the occasion of Holi.

DAY 2: DHULANDI

source: FairytaleIndia.com Dhulandi celebrations

On the day after Holika Dahan, comes ‘Dulhandi’ when the whole town goes gay smearing faces with ‘gulal’ and colors and sprinkling water. Revelry is in the air. The old difference is often forgotten and people they have started using ‘herbal gulal’ that does not stain clothes nor harm the skin. The use of harmful colors and paints is on the decrease.

DAY 3: BHAIYADOOJ

On the third day of the festival, falls ‘Bhaiya Dooj’ when the brother-sister bonds are revived. The festival that also known as yamdwitiya has a special significance for the Kayasth community. As the legend goes, as desired by Lord Vishnu, Brahma created the world. The latter asked Dharmraj to keep an account of all the deeds performed by human beings and reward or punish them accordingly. Dharmaraj requested the Lord to give him an able assistance to record all these things as it was an extremely difficult task to accomplish single-handed.

For the first time this year, ready-made ‘Holi’ is available in big numbers. The market with ‘semal’ wood costing 300 to 1100 in places such as Surajpole. Also available are ‘uplas’, cow dung cakes made by women. However, hay is to be bought separately. Earlier, people collected dry wood, grass, plywood pieces etc and women and girls made ‘uplas’.

HOW IS HOLI CELEBRATED BY DIFFERENT COMMUNITIES?

After Lord Brahma had meditated for a long time, he saw standing before him an intelligent and handsome being who was to take up this challenging task. As he had originated from the ‘kaya’ soul of the Lord, he has named Kayasth Chitragupta. The people of Kayasth community are descendants of Chitragupta. His sons got their surname after the places they settle in e.g Mathur as they settled in Mathura. As Chitragupta kept a record of the deeds of a man using a pen, the pen has become the weapon of Kayathas as the sword is that of the Rajputs. On On Yamadwitya, Chitragupta with his pen and inkpot is reverently worshipped by Kayasthas.

The Sindhi community of Udaipur has some fascinating Holi tradition. Pieces of wheat dough are baked on burning coal to make ‘Koki’. Sindhi Ghewar is offered as ’prasad’ during Holi Puja and after this 21, 51 or 101 Ghewars are sent to daughters and sisters. Bereaved families are offered Ghewar to end the period of ‘shok’.

SPECIAL RITUALS PERFORMED IN DIFFERENT TEMPLES OF UDAIPUR

source: Udaipurtimes.com Holi celebrations at Jagdish temple, Udaipur

Special rituals are performed in different temples of the towns such as Shrinath Mandir, Jagdish Mandir, Asthal Mandir, Baijiraj Mandir and Jagat Shriomani Mandir. In Srinath  Mandir, the Lord has simple Pichwai of white muslin but its original color is not visible as ‘gulal’ is sprinkled on it by devotees.

In Shrinath Mandir, Nathdwara Holi is a big event when thousands of devotees from distant places throng the Mandir. All the main gates are gaily decorated with ‘bandanwar’. Everything gets covered with ‘gulal’ and ‘abir’. Mandlis from outside sing ‘rasias’. On Dulandi ‘dholutsav’ is celebrated. Holi Dahan is done at several places in the town for which ‘dand’ and ‘dhawajas’ are given to children by the Mandir Board.

Menar becomes the venue of a highly fascinating scene on the occasion of Jamra Beej. The main ‘Chouraha’ is beautifully illuminated drum beating goes on all the day at Omkareshwar Chouraha. After the ‘Kasumba’ ritual, the people with swords tied around the waist, and swords and guns in their hands come together. In the evening five groups that are followed by women carrying ‘Kalash’ on the head and singing songs of valor converged at the main chowk and fire guns in the air. Feats with swords are performed. The history of Mewar village and Menaria Samaj is read out.

Tamatar Rad, tomato fight, in which tomatoes are thrown by two parties of young men is organized in Dendor wada near Juna Mandir. After this Ger dance is performed. In village Bhiluda near Raghunath Mandir were two parties used to indulge in throwing stones at each other has been stopped now over 10,000 tribal folks perform Ger dance in the premises of the famous Tripura Sundari Mandir, near Banswara.

Leaving memories behind,  people in Mewar wait eagerly for the next year to enjoy Holi revelry again.

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Festivals

Holi Celebrations in Udaipur

The soft footfalls of Holi festivals can be heard weeks before the grand fiesta is celebrated with great gusto in Lake City. A couple of days in advance on the occasion of Amalka Ekadsh, rural folk from neighboring areas of Udaipur flock to the religious and historic place Gangoudhara (Gangukund) near the Chhatris, the cremations ground of the royal families of Mewar in Udaipur. The ancient ‘Kund’ is believed to have the presence of the river Ganga. In fact, people start gathering here days in advance. There is a big crowd of devotees at the Rajrajeshwar Shiv Mandir to perform rituals. Young and old are seen enjoying themselves on Chakri ‘jhulas’, eating ‘Chat pakodi’ and the like. They go on a shopping spree as there is a huge variety of items including cosmetics, bangles, and domestic ware on sale in this traditional fair. A special feature of this fair (mela) is the availability of earthen ‘matkas’ that Udaipurites in large numbers buy for their cool water supply in summer. It is also popular called ‘matka mela’ fair where pot makers from outside Udaipur begin to reach weeks in advance.

Source: UdaipurTimes.com

Udaipur markets start buzzing with activity. For the last couple of years, herbal ‘gulal’’ is having good demand and a fort night the Forest dept. has created a record by selling about 1100 kilos of this items. It is prepared in neighboring tribal areas of Udaipur such as Thamla Ber Devla of Kotda region Dang, Malviya-Merpor, Kodiyat and Chukdia of Udaipur and Jorma of Gogunda with a target of about 50 quintals. The income goes to the Van Suraksha and Prabhand Samiti. Mainly four kinds of ‘gulal’ is made from different material like roses, ‘amaltash’, ‘chukandar’. Tribal women go out in the jungle everyday to collect flowers and their juice is extracted. And after adding it to a rarest flower it is dried again. This material is then ground till they take the form of fine powder. Attractively packed in 200 and 250 gram packets the material is sent to the market. It is in big demand not only in outside places such as Delhi, Mumbai and Gujarat. Herbal ‘gula’ is proving very popular with its several advantages. It is eco friendly and does not hurt the skin or the eyes. The clothes are not stained. Its sweet smell and natural colors are added attractions. It has also become a source of income for tribal women who are becoming better aware of protection of forests but a big order has also been received from Australia.

Source: india.com
Holi celebration at City Palace Udaipur

Children and boys can be seen buying different kinds of ‘pitchkaris’ in markets, especially Surajpole, Delhigate and Bapu Bazar. This year also, a big favourite ‘ankwali pichkari’, that has the capacity of 1 to 2 liters of water and can be hung from the waist. So are gun and pump shaped ones. On sale are ones with stickers of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, as also those of cartoon characters like Doromon. With these are being bought spray color, capsule color, tube color and ‘gulal’. The prices have gone up this year due to GST.
With the beginning of Holastak a week before Holi, special celebration of Fagoutware, started attracting devotees to the temples of Udaipur. During these eight days that are of special significance for Vaishnavas of Pustimagiya Vaishnavas, the devotes to the temples of religious fervour. Devotees of Udaipur and Gujarat come to the Shrinath Mandir Nathdwara, in large number. There is a lot of rarely devotees in the form of different gods and goddesses dance before the Lord. On this occasion are sung ‘garis’ that are dialogues between the lord and the ‘gopis’. Devotees have the ‘darshan’ of ‘lilas’ of Kamdeo for forty days when he tries to overpower the Lord in various ways. However, two days after Holi, Kamdeo accept his defeat.
Jagdish Mandir is also drawing a large number of devotees who participate enthusiastically in ‘bhajan’ singing and other programmes. According to an old tradition, thousands of villagers of Pherapheri do not work on Ekadash and visit this temple to worship the Lord. In Kalyan Shaktipeeth Udaipur , ‘Maha-aarti’ is performed after decorations the idol with ‘Chandan gulal’ of different colors.
In the main streets of the city can be seen persons of Vagaria community from Marwar and Mewar singing on the beat of the ‘chang’ and asking for ‘shagun’ money.
The whole city begins to vibrate with joyous festive vibes. Parties of singers from Nathdwara Srinath Mandir come to Udaipur to sing ‘rasia’ songs. To sing songs composed by the great ‘bhakti’ poet Ras Khan, singers from Brij also come to Udaipur.

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Videos

[Video] Holika Dahan Ceremony From The Royal Family of Mewar

Holika Dahan in Udaipur by Royal Family of Mewar

Check out this featured video on the Holika Dahan Ceremony, 2012 from the Royal family of Mewar.

 Video shared by : Eternal Mewar

 

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Lifestyle

होली – नए रंग नयी उमंग मेरे शहर में…..

Holi Celebration Udaipur फतेहसागर और पिछोला में  पानी की गपशप है. सहेलियों की बाड़ी में गीत मुखर हो गए है, गुलाब बाग में तरुनाई का नृत्य है, रंग चटक हो गए है. सुखाडिया सर्किल पर उम्र और जात पात की दीवारें टूट रही  है और राणा उदयसिंह जी की नगरी संगीत में नहा रही है. उदयपुर में अरावली की पर्वत मालाएं बोलने को आतुर है, नाथद्वारा बसंत की अगवानी को तैयार है, यह ठाकुर द्वारा मेवाड़ में गुजरात का द्वार है. रंगो का पावन त्यौहार, राधा कृष्ण के प्रेम का त्यौहार, भाईचारे और संगम का त्यौहार. पूरे भारतवर्ष में मनाई जाने वाली होली का मुख्य केन्द्र मथुरा और वृन्दावन है. यह बसंत के आगमन की खुशी है. Buying Colors on Holi आज होली का त्यौहार है. सुबह से ही दुकानों पर भीड़ है, रंग-पिचकारी, मालपुआ-गुझिये और भांग-ठंडाई की मनुहार है, अपनों का अपनों को इंतज़ार है, अतिथियों का सत्कार है. बाजारों में बुजुर्ग पाग का अदब है, हाथीपोल पर युवा रंगो का गुबार है, सर्किल पर चेतक अकेला खड़ा है, उसे महाराणा का इंतज़ार है. मेवाड़ में यह अपनापन उसकी अनूठी विरासत है. Udaipur Market रंगो के साथ हवा में घुलती उमंग ने शहर को सतरंगी चादर से ढक दिया है. नयी फसल- नया धान आने को आतुर है,  लोग घरों से निकल कर गलियों में आ गए है, और आज मजबूरी में ही सही, मोबाइल से निजात पा गए है, चटक रंगो के साथ चेहरे खिल उठे है. आज उदयपुर की फिजा का अलग ही दृश्य है. घर घर की रसोई में माँ बेटी से रौनक है, घी की खुशबू फैली है, बच्चे हुडदंग मचा रहे है. दुर्भाग्यपूर्ण है की इस उत्साह के व्यवसायीकरण ने बाजारों में ढाक और पलाश के फूलों से बने प्राकृतिक रंग की जगह कृतिम रंग और डाई को ला दिया है. फूहड़पन और अतिआधुनिकता में सतरंगी इन्द्रधनुष का कोई रंग खो ना जाये, जल और वायु में प्रदुषण का स्तर बढ़ ना जाये, इसका ध्यान रखना होगा. उदयपुर की प्रकृति को संजोये रखना हमारा हमारे शहर के प्रति पहला कर्तव्य है. मौसम के बदलाव से चर्म रोग, नेत्र रोग और श्वास से सम्बंधित बीमारियों के दस्तक देने की संभावना है, इनसे बचना होगा. प्राकृतिक रंगो का प्रयोग करे, सूखी होली खेले, जल बचाए. कोई भी एलर्जी होने पर तुरंत डॉक्टर को दिखाए. बसंत का स्वागत कीजिये, खूब खुशियाँ बटोरिये और सबमें बाटियें. हम कामना करते है की आप रंगो का यह पर्व उत्साह और उमंग से मनाएं और बार बार मनाएं. मेवाड़ के सभी वासियों को उदयपुर ब्लॉग की ओर से होली की हार्दिक शुभकामनाएँ. Happy Holi Udaipur

Photos by : Mujtaba R.G.

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Festivals

Holi – it’s time to rejoice and celebrate

It is the month of Phagun, the last Hindu calendar month. The full moon night (poornima) is celebrated as the end of the year, with beginning of New Year as chaitra, first day of Krishna Paksha. It is a festival to celebrate good harvests and fertility of the land; old leaves had fallen, and it is the time for new leaves and new flowers, the season of blooming trees. It signifies the end of winters and beginning of a new season spring, which reflects a hope for new energy in our lives.

Hindus celebrate this in a religious manner as Holika dahan, also popularly called as chhoti holi. The popular tradition is to celebrate with lighting of bonfires on the street corners, people gathering around it, offering of the first Rabi crop to the sacrificing fire with chanting of mantras and shlokas. Everyone rejoice the moments with singing and dancing.

According to the popular mythological belief behind this tradition, Hiranyakashyap was the great king of demons, who was granted with a blessing by Lord Brahma, which made it impossible to kill him. This made the king arrogant who resents his son Prahlada who was a devotee of Lord Vishnu, but in spite of several threats from Hiranyakashyap, Prahlada continued with his prayers. The king attempted to kill his son many times, but failed. Finally he ordered his son to sit in a huge fire with Holika, sister of Hiranyakashyap, who was said to have a boon, which would prevent her from burning. But when the fire started, Prahlada survived unharmed, while Holika was burnt to death. The burning of Holika is celebrated as Holika Dahan, which symbolizes the victory of good over evil. The next morning, people show their joy by celebrating with colors.

This festival also loosens the strains of social structure, including caste and status. The air enchants the lovely music of happiness, brotherhood, integrity and prosperity. It fills up the gaps between and,together, we celebrate and rejoice.

So, let’s begin our new year with new energy and new hopes, burning the old wicks in ourselves. Let’s instill in us a new positivity amidst all social, political, economical and religious down droops in the society.

 

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Festivals Photos and Videos

Holi : A Day To Celebrate Colours

Holi Colours

Holi is a festival of colors, brotherhood, integrity and prosperity. The festival seems to have started several centuries before Christ as can inferred from its mentions in the religious work of Jaimini’s Purvamimamsa-Sutras and Kathaka- Grhya-Sutra. Since then the festival is celebrated around the globe at its heights. The date of Holi is decided according to the Hindu calendar according to which the date lying on the Phalgun Purnima is considered the day for Holi. Like all Indian and Hindu festivals, Holi is inextricably linked to mythical tales. Some of them are:

  1. The Holika-Hiranyakashipu-Prahlad episode,
  2. Lord Shiva’s killing of Kamadeva,
  3. The story of the ogress Dhundhi, and
  4. The Radha Krishna legend.

The Holika-Hiranyakashipu-Prahlad episode:

The legend drives its name from Holika, the sister of megalomaniac king Hiranyakashipu who cpmmanded everyone to worship him, instead his little son Prahlad became a devotee of Lord Vishnu. The ordered is sister to kill his son who has got the power to walk through the fire unharmed, she picked up the child and walked in. However it was said that Prahal was saved by Lord Vishnu and Holika was burnt to ashes.

Radha-Krishna Episode:

Another very famous tale related to the festival of colors.  It was said that often Lord Krishna often used to complain her mother, why Radha is so air I color? Once her mother replied that apply the color on Radha’s face and see how complexion changes. Lord Krishna used to play pranks with from which throughing color powder is most common. Since then to memorize the immortal love of Lord Krishna and Radha the festival of colors is celebrated.

Holi in Mewar:

From the time of Maharana Fateh Singh the practice of ‘holika dahan’ is performed in the city of lakes. A dry semal tree is digged few days before. In the beginning the ‘holika-dahan’ was performed only at city palace and ‘badi-holi’ an area in the narrow streets of Udaipur. But with the passage of time and the expansion of the city ‘holika-dahan’ is performed in almost every street of the city. Now a days the famous one is that of Jagdish Chowk followed by cultural events where one can see the large crowed on people no matter from what religion they are. Everyone is gathered for a common cause i.e. to celebrate the victory of good over bad, truth over lie.

The next day of holika dahan is dulhandi on which people without any age boundation used to play with colors such as abeer, gulal etc. around the city. One can find groups playing with colors, splitting water or throwing water balloons and saying don’t mind, its holi (hindi: bura na mano, holi hai.) The festival is celebrated in the city with immense joy without any caste and creed discrimination. The UB team at last wishes you a very happy holi.

Some Pictures Of Around the City Udaipur:

Video Of Holi Dahan @ Jagdish Chowk By Vishrut Joshi

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Festivals Photos

A Holi Close to Our Roots

Heartiest greetings on the colourful occasion of Holi. We all know the importance of Holi as well as the story behind celebrating Holi as well as Holika Dehen. It dates back to very ancient history and mythology when king Hiranyakashayp ordered his son Prahlad to be burnt who was a devotee of Lord Vishnu. Hiranyakashyap’s sister Holika consented to accompany Prahlad in the fire as she had a blessing that no fire could ever burn her so as to ensure his demise.  Holika sat on pyre with Prahalad. Holika burnt alive while Prahalad was saved by the Lord.

But now-a-days we are going far away from our roots, our culture. The traditions have either become a formality, or a commercial venture, or rather an extinct or endangered culture. In deep thoughts about the same, I visited a small village/rural area to find out if the culture still alive, and to my surprise, yes it was.

The place I visited was a developing rural area in the interiors of the village Shobhagpura in Udaipur. This remote area witnessed the concrete roads for the first time just before few months. Here all the villagers and other people live in true harmony. I was welcomed by Mr. Gopal Prasad, an independent journalist, who has settled here in search of peace.

It was about 7.15 in the evening; small girls were seen making rangolis near the location. Village ladies and housewives were seen worshipping the structure. Slowly the crowd started to gather, and as happens every year, the worship and rituals were performed by the eldest person living in the village, who fired up the Holika.

Holi in a village

In next few minutes the entire area was filled with light and heat of the huge fire. Mr. Gopal informed that the villagers offer a share of the new harvest of wheat to the fire, and the roasted wheat grains so obtained is distributed to all as the Prasad. Any newborn baby is also made to revolve around the holy fire. It is believed that all the evil forces are burnt away with the fire and the spirit becomes pure and clean.

Eldest member of the Village performing the Rituals
Eldest member of the Village performing the Rituals

Eldest member of the Village performing the Rituals

Holika Dehen Rituals being performed
Holika Dehen Rituals being performed

Holi in a villageHoli in a villageHoli in a village

offering the first harvest of wheat to the fire
Offering the first harvest of wheat to the fire

Finally I was happy on my way back home. All i was taking along with me was not only the roasted wheat grains, but were memories, a warm, friendly welcome at the village, more knowledge about our cultures, and an entirely different Holi to remember for the lifetime.

Wishing everyone a very Happy, Colourful and Safe Holi. Enjoy a lot but remember to Save Water 🙂

Categories
Lifestyle

This Holi, Take Care!

safe holi girl
Image Credit: http://farm1.static.flickr.com/55/136621151_d43dcdca9e.jpg

Perhaps the strongest association of the word “Holi” is with colours. In this festival of colors, we do not wish to miss the fun and at the same time not compromise with our skin/hair. It is an irony that we make so much effort all the year around to keep our skin and hair look healthy and beautiful and on Holi, for momentary fun, we abuse our skin so liberally and allow people to rub anything on it.

Due to chemicals and dyes used in these colours and gulaal, skin disorders like dryness, discoloration, abrasion, irritation, itching and contract dermatitis are common post-Holi.  Colours, in dry or liquid state, can cause a condition called ‘acute irritant contact dermatitis’ i.e. rashes and redness, with intense burning and itching in the exposed areas. They can also flare up existing allergies. Dandruff and acne can worsen, and chronic itching for days afterwards can thicken and darken the skin, a condition called ‘lichenification’.  Dry skin layer allows colours to penetrate easily and Eczema is one of the most common problems that I’ve encountered in patients after Holi. So to avoid any such problems and to have a happy and safe Holi, here are some tips that can help:

Getting ready:

  • Wear clothes covering whole body leaving the minimum parts exposed.
  • Apply thick layer of oil or creams containing petroleum jelly or Dimethicon.
  • Ear plugs for those who have ear problems or play it too vigorously.
  • Colours and sunlight combined may cause a phototoxic reaction, so sunscreens of SPF 30+to SPF 50+ are a must. Water resistant sunscreens are even better choice.
  • Apply additional Vaseline under and around your nails, feet, elbows and behind your ears, by the side the nose.
  • Use a lip balm to protect your lips from getting stained.
  • Trim your nail properly. Use a thick coat of nail paint on the nails and put Vaseline under the nail edges.

For Hair:

  • Try to protect it with a cap/hat or use a scarf or bandana.
  • Oil them one hour prior.
  • You can use serums also to protect it from damage.
  • Tie your hair into a bun or a ponytail to avoid excess damage.

Choice of colors:

  • Use natural, skin-friendly and herbal colours or the ones made by reputed companies using natural products.
  • Use more of red/pink colors – easy to take off.
  • Gaudy purple, yellow, green, orange have more harmful chemicals in them and should be avoided.
  • Strictly avoid silver/golden tubes, greases and other stuff as they are highly toxic.
  • Most dry colours are safe, but avoid glittery ones. They contain silica particles that can abrade
  • Feel the texture of the colour before buying it. It should feel powdery, like talc and not grainy or gritty.

After playing Holi:

  • Wash the colors as early as possible.
  • Do not rub skin vigorously to lighten the colour, rub lemon wedges and then apply wheat flour and oil mixture.
  • Opt for soft medicated cleansers instead of soap as they further dry the skin.
  • Apply moisturizers generously after cleansing.
  • Use plenty of conditioner after shampooing hair.
  • Hair can turn brittle and extremely dry if the Holi colours remain unwashed for long and it begins to break even if the damage is superficial and not to scalp. Put hair serum after the bath to lock the cuticles.
  • A skin rejuvenating oil massage will make your skin softer and cleaner.

Things to remember:

  • These colours make your skin dry, so drink as much water as possible.
  • Use cold water to remove the colors, hot water makes the color fast and it is difficult to get rid of them. Also it can increase the irritant potential of the colors.
  • Avoid using kerosene, petrol and spirits to remove stains, as they will further dry the skin and may irritate also.
  • Do not wash your face again and again. This will make your face dry.Apply moisturizer
  • Avoid sunlight in case the skin is seriously affected, as it will increase the irritation
  • Avoid bleaching, waxing or facial for a week after Holi (even before Holi)

Please do not play Holi if you are:

  • allergic to dust, smoke and dirt
  • already suffering from skin allergies like Contact dermatitis, Atopic dermatitis etc. or any skin infection
  • already taking treatment of skin related diseases and taking medicines like Retinoids that increase your sensitivity
  • If due to some reason, your doctor has advised you not to play Holi

If you continue to have problems:

  • If your skin feels irritated and is itching or burning, wash it properly again.
  • For irritated skin or minor rashes, apply a mixture of calamine lotion. Apply an ice pack on the irritated skin.
  • For a more severe reaction with eruptions, its better to see a Dermatologist immediately.

———————-

A Post By : Dr. Prashant Agrawal

Consultant, Dermatology and Cosmetology

GBH American Hospital

Categories
Udaipur Speaks

Tilak Holi

UdaipurBlog - Tilak Holi

The Days Have went away when we used to fill the overhead tanks with colors and enjoyed seeing colors flowing from through Taps at Their Home.

The Days Have Passed when we used to throw Water Balloons at Anyone Going Outside our Home.

The Days Have Passed Today we Are facing a Lot of Water Shortage In Our So called City Of Lakes – Udaipur. The Lakes Have dried up ‘We are Running Short of Water’.

Can we imagine now to waste gallons of Water to Play Holi? Wont we be called Criminals.

Traditions Changes , Culture Changes, Friends Changes – Cant We Change This Time?? Why cant we all stand together , and put a firm foot forward and oppose Wet HOLI CELEBRATIONS. In Times When Our Lakes Have dried Up and Have converted to Muddy Pits. The time When We are Facing Water Shortage. Why cant We celebrate this Holi in a Whole new Way as we Never Did Before.

But getting ready to Play ‘Dry Holi’ is not confining ourself to Play with ‘Gulal’ Throwing it on others.   It is to leave all those Practices and move to a bit more practical Means – That is Adopting the Measure to Play ‘Dry Holi’.

No doubt we can save a lot of water playing dry Holi; but what about the clothes we would spoil with colors;  wont we waste so much water trying to rinse them? It was like, doing all the hard work to get to the top, and then jumping off the very last step!

This time the things are even worse we cant even Manage to Play ‘Dry Holi’. Let us this time celebrate – ‘Tilak Holi’ – Let us greet all our friends, families with colored ‘Tilak’ . Let Us all Be a responsible Citizens and Show the World – ‘WE CARE’

Let Us all Join the Tilak Holi Campaign By a Marathon Walk  Planned By Dainik Bhaskar

In Support of Rotary Club of Udaipur and Corporate  & Dynamic Group of Security Services  – In Association with Dainik Bhaskar and Various Other Sponsors from Our City.

Majority of Schools , Colleges, Institutions, Citizens, Police Administration and Army are Participating. What are you waiting for…?

Expected 10,000(10k) People to Join the FRAY.

Prizes through a Lucky draw of registered Participants (Read the Newspaper for More details).

Date – 26 Feburary 2010

Timing – 7.00 a.m. sharp

Place – Town Hall

Tilak Holi - UdaipurBlog.comTilak Holi - UdaipurBlog.com

(Click To Enlarge and See the Image)