Holi 2021

Date: 28^th & 29^th March 2021

Holi is a cherished ancient festival of India, known as the Festival of Colours, celebrated in the Spring season. The festival celebrates the eternal and divine love of Radha and Krishna. It also signifies the triumph of good over evil, as it also marks the victory of Lord Vishnu as Narasimha Narayana over Hiranyakashipu. It originated from Nepal & India but, its celebration has also spread to other regions of Asia and parts of the Western world through the diaspora from the Indian subcontinent.

Holi celebrates the arrival of spring, the end of winter, the blossoming of love, and for many, it is a festive day to meet others, play and laugh, forget and forgive, and repair broken relationships. The festival also celebrates the beginning of a good spring harvest season. It lasts for a night and a day, starting on the evening of the Purnima (Full Moon Day), which falls around the middle of March in the Gregorian calendar. The first evening is known as Holika Dahan (burning of Demon Holika) or Chhoti Holi, and the following day as Holi or Rangwali Holi.

Likewise, we celebrated Holi at IBA, known as Indiapura or mini India, as students from different parts of India come here to study. Apart from studies, IBA also provides students with the opportunity to contribute and celebrate every festival under the guidance of YMCC, IBA’s cultural committee.

As Holika is celebrated a day before the day of Holi, we also celebrated Holika in front of Santripti (student’s Mess) from 6 PM on 28th March 2021. It started with arranging the procured items like different types of grains, oil lamp, coconut, puffed rice, camphor, etc. It was followed by the rolling of Mauli all around the bundle of wood. Then, the story behind Holika was, narrated by one of the students. Then, students lighted an oil lamp and performed Pooja. After that, the woods were, set on fire with the help of ghee and camphor. The celebration ended with playing colours for a while, musical night and distribution of sweets that elated everyone.

The next day, i.e. 29th March 2021, was marked by the Holi celebrations. The day started with arranging items for the Holi event, i.e. colours, water guns and speakers, near the parking area of the IBA campus. Snacks like paneer pakoda, french fries and mocktail were arranged by the YMCC committee for all the students. After that, all the students played Holi, which started at 10 AM and continued till noon. A special lunch that included Schezwan rice, Gobhi 65, Puri, Bundi raita, Papad, Dahi vada, and Rabdi-Jalebi, was arranged for students at Santripti (Students mess).

The day culminated successfully with support from everyone. In the end, everyone dispersed with sweet memories in their heart.