Holi is undoubtedly one of the most colourful celebrations around the world. Also, referred to as the Festival of Colours, it is celebrated with utmost vigour and enthusiasm in the northern parts of India. Here, we have put together a collection of Holi essays in English in 500 words (or less), based on the student’s grade and ability to comprehend the details.
Essay on Holi in English for Class 10
Holi is a Hindu festival that is celebrated in India every year to commemorate the onset of spring. As with most other Hindu festivals, it also signifies the victory of good over evil. It is one of the most vibrant celebrations you can see in the country.
The celebrations are marked by the usage of coloured powder and coloured water that people throw on each other. The sight of people covered in hues of the rainbow is a pleasure to the eyes! They then parade through the streets or attend celebrations in temples where there will be dance and music performances.
Bhang, a drink made from cannabis plant is also consumed during Holi celebrations.
The highlight of the colourful celebration is the fact that everyone looks the same when coated with the colours. This brings about a feeling of inclusiveness among the people.
When is Holi celebrated in India each year?
The full moon day of the Phalguna month of the Hindu calendar is when Holi is celebrated every year. The date in the English calendar hence, differs each year. The celebrations mark the beginning of spring and the end of the harsh winter.
In 2020, Holi is celebrated on March 9 and 10.
History of Holi
Before the arrival of the festival, people collect wood that is burnt in large bonfires on the night before Holi. This event is commonly referred to as the Holika Dahan, in memory of the demon Holika in Hindu mythology.
- As per the scriptures, Holika was the sister of the demon king Hiranyakashyap.
- She was summoned by the king to kill his own son Prahlada, who was a devotee of Vishnu.
- Holika was previously blessed by the Gods to be immune to fire. So, she sat in a fire with Prahlada in an attempt to kill him.
- The Gods were disappointed that she was using her powers for evil and instead of Prahlada, she was charred to death.
- Later, Prahlada ruled the land as a wise and just king.
The burning of wood at the time of Holi is essentially a celebration of Prahlada’s triumph over Holika, i.e., good over evil. The bonfires and enthusiasm of people dancing and cheering till early morning is a sight to behold!
In West Bengal and Odisha, the celebrations at this time are called Dol Jatra. Here, the festival celebrates the love that Krishna expressed to Radha. People carry palanquins with idols of Radha and Krishna in processions. These idols are smeared with colour as well.
How long do the celebrations last?
Holi is officially celebrated over two days – Holika Dahan on the first day and Holi on the next day. However, in some parts of India, the celebrations extend over a period of three to four days.
Best places to see Holi celebrations in India
Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna is one of the best places to watch Holi celebrations in India. Some of the other places where the celebrations are resplendent are as follows:
- Jaipur
- Goa
- Hampi
- Mumbai
- Agra
- Delhi
- West Bengal
Points to note during Holi celebrations
- It is advisable to wear old clothes while celebrating Holi, as the colours are not easily washed out.
- Applying coconut oil to your skin and hair before participating in the celebrations is a good idea. This restricts the absorption of colour on your skin and hair.
- It is good for women to be on guard during the celebrations.
Celebrating Holi with friends in India is a memorable experience. Colour, religion and class are all wiped away by the vibrancy of the festival.
Essay on Holi in English for Class 5
Holi is the festival of colours and is celebrated in India annually. It is observed on the full moon day in the Hindu month of Phalguna, which is early March in the English calendar.
The festival of Holi signifies the great victory of good over evil and also the welcoming of spring. Holi is a festival were people meet, play with colours and enjoy eating various types of sweets.
The festival is celebrated across two days – Holika Dahan on the first day and Holi on the following day.
The history behind the festival
Holi is celebrated in India from ancient times. There are various stories heard for why we celebrate Holi. Among them, one story indicates that an evil king named Hiranyakashyap forbade his son Prahlad from worshipping Lord Vishnu, but Prahlad continued to offer prayers to him.
This made Hiranyakashyap very angry and he asked Prahlad to sit on a pyre with his demon aunt Holika who was blessed with the immunity from fire. Prahlad agreed to this and prayed to Lord Vishnu to keep him safe.
In the pyre, Prahlad was saved by the Lord, while Holika was charred to death for using her powers for evil purposes. Holika Dahan commemorates this event in mythology.
In the north-western parts of India, it is believed that Lord Krishna expressed his love for Radha on this auspicious day. The colour-smeared idols of Radha and Krishna are paraded on the streets in the midst of Holi celebrations.
Rituals and customs
There are various rituals connected with the festival:
- Preparation for Holika: People start gathering firewood and different types of combustible materials on the days leading to Holi. They also look out for open spaces where bonfires are made on the day before Holi. This marks the Holika Dahan.
- Playing with colours: On the day after Holika Dahan, people celebrate Holi by meeting their loved ones and smearing colours on them in the midst of dancing and partying. Dry natural colours, water colours and water balloons are used on this day.
- Other variation of rituals: In Mathura, the festival of Holi lasts for more than 3 days.
- Food: On the joyful day of Holi, people eat different types of sweets and savoury dishes. A popular sweet eaten during this time is the Gujiya, which is loved by children and adults alike.
The festival of Holi connects people from different backgrounds and cultures like none other. However, getting rid of the colours on your skin and hair the next day can be tiresome. It is a good idea to apply coconut oil on yourself before participating in the celebrations.
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