Happy Holi - Festival of Colour

Happy Holi from Lumiere Charity to all who celebrate this wonderful Festival today!

Holi Celebrations began early this morning in India and worldwide. Holi is the sacred Festival symbolising the victory of good over evil. It is a spring festival, and the spring harvest refills the stores of households. The beautiful mixture of mango blossoms and sandalwood paste is often used in places of worship, filling the air with its fragrance. Time is spent in prayer in places of worship; special prayers and mantras* are chanted. The Festival of Colours is enjoyed with much merriment as revellers join in the custom of throwing colour at each other in the spirit of joy and laughter.

Colours fill the air as people throw dry powdered colours and coloured water at each other. All share happiness and mirth in the arrival of the spring festival. Colours include red, pink, yellow, magenta, green,purple, black, gold and silver. Spring songs and music are enjoyed. The words 'Happy Holi' are called out to each other.

People make peace on Holi and forget their worries. Family and friends are visited, and sweets, gifts and greetings are exchanged. Social ties are thus strengthened. Beautiful meals are made, and traditional Holi recipes include Puren Poli, Gujia, Papri, Malpua and Saffron and Almond Milk.

In the spirit of Holi, why not  do something lovely for someone else today? Bake them a coloured cake; or give a colourful card. Clean their car, or visit someone who is ill. Cheer your loved one with a gift of fragrance, or buy a pot of beautifully scented flowers and give them to a loved one or friend. Find some way to celebrate the goodness that is in our world and our society; there are so many people who quietly do lovely things for other people, acts which often go unnoticed.

Doctors and nurses save lives; those in the healing professions assist others, cheer up the lonely, care for the sick, help those in difficulties, assist the downhearted. Mothers and fathers care for children, often at personal sacrifice. Grandparents step in to babysit and help their families. Teachers educate and give people opportunity for a better life. You will be able to number many other people who do good things. Let us look at the good and the noble in our society as do all in India and worldwide who celebrate the marvellous Festival of Holi .

Let us celebrate life; with colour, imagination, dedication, caring and love.

Why not send this blog as an e-card to someone with a thank you note for something they did for you which you appreciated.

Happy Holi!

* Prayerful phrases; sacred utterances
* Photograph taken by Catherine. Please feel free to use copyright free for any educational or spiritual purpose