Holi Festival in 2016:
Holashtak : Tuesday, 15th March 2016 to Wednesday, 23rd March 2016.
Holika Dahan Date: Wednesday, 23th March 2016.
Holi Dhulandi Date: Thursday, 24th March 2016.
That is why, no auspicious work should be done between Tuesday, 15th March, 2016 to Wednesday, 23rd March, 2016. Also, during this time there will be a stop on the Manglik works (like marriage etc.).
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In 2017:
Holashtak : Saturday, 4th March 2017 to Sunday, 12th March 2017.
Holika Dahan Date: Sunday, 12th March 2017.
Holi Dhulandi Date: Monday, 13th March 2017.
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In 2018:
Holashtak : Wednesday, 21 February to Thursday, 1st March 2018.
Holika Dahan Date: Thursday, 1st March 2018.
Holi Dhulandi Date: Friday, 2nd March 2018.
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In 2019:
Holashtak : Tuesday, 12th March 2019 to Wednesday, 20th March 2019.
Holika Dahan Date: Wednesday, 20th March 2019.
Holi Dhulandi Date: Thursday, 21st March 2019.
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In 2020:
Holashtak : Sunday, 1st March 2020 to Monday, 9th March 2020.
Holika Dahan Date: Monday, 9th March 2020.
Holi Dhulandi Date: Tuesday, 10th March 2020.
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Holi:
India is a land of festivals. Here, a festival presents a glimpse of different traditions and customs. Holi is one such festival.
Holi is a religious spring festival celebrated by Hindus. Holi is also known as festival of Colours.
It is celebrated every year on the Purnima of Phalgun month.
Places where Holi is celebrated;
** In India--
Holi is celebrated in different ways in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Orissa, Goa etc.
** In Other parts of the world-
It is primarily observed in India, Nepal, Pakistan,and countries with large Indic diaspora populations following Hinduism, such as Suriname, Malaysia, Guyana, South Africa, Trinidad, United Kingdom, United States, Mauritius, and Fiji.
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Different names of Holi --
* Holi is an ancient festival of India and was originally known as 'Holika'.
* Holi is also known as festival of Colours. Many colors combine together to give a name “Rangotsav” to Holi.
* After the winter season, arrives the spring (Basant) season when everywhere we can see blossoming of colorful flowers, indicating the arrival of Holi.It is also known as "Basanta-Utsav" (spring festival).
* In some states of India such as West Bengal and Orissa, it is known as "Dolyatra" (Doul Jatra).
Dolyatra
Dolyatra: In Bengal, Holi is called Dol Yatra. The word "dol" literally means a swing and "yatra" means a procession. Idols of Lord Krishna and Radha are placed in a little swing-cradle and decorated with flowers and painted with colored powders. Devotees dance around the swing and also take turns to swing the cradle while chanting the name of Sri Krishna and singing Holi-songs relating to the frolics of little Krishna with the Gopis. Men spray coloured water and powder called abeer
* In some places like Bihar and UP Holika Dahan is also known as 'Samvatsar Dahan'.
* This is also known as "Vasanta-Mahotsava" and "Kama-Mahotsava".
* In Tamil Nadu, Holi is known by three different names - "Kamavilas", "Kaman Pandigai" and "Kama-Dahanam".
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Reference in Ancient Texts and Inscriptions:
Holi has been mentioned in--
* Vedas and Puranas such as Narad Purana and Bhavishya Purana.
* Jaimini Mimansa.
* A stone incription belonging to 300 BC found at Ramgarh in the province of Vindhya has mention of Holikotsav on it.
* King Harsha's work Ratnavali that was written during the 7th century.
* The famous Muslim tourist - Ulbaruni's historical memories.
Reference in Ancient Paintings and Murals:
* The 16th century sculptures on walls of old temples at Hampi, capital of Vijayanagar.
* A 16th century Ahmednagar painting is on the theme of Vasanta Ragini - spring song or music.
* A Mewar painting (circa 1755) shows the Maharana with his courtiers playing holi.
* Bundi miniature shows a king playing holi.
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Holashtak:
This year in 2015, the time between Wednesday, 25th February, 2015 to Thursday, 5th March, 2015 is celebrated as the festival of Holashtak. Holashtak is like a knocking of Holi’s arrival. Also, from this day preparation of Holika Dahan is started, further moving to Holi.
According to the lunar month (Chandra Maas), Purnima of Phagun Maas is celebrated as Holika festival. Holashtak witnesses the arrival of Holi. Holashtak is known as a poster, informing about the arrival of Holi festival. Looking at the literal meaning of Holashtak, we find Hola + Ashtak, which means eight days before Holi, that is Holashtak. Basically, we can see that holi is a festival of nine days instead of a single day. On the day on Dhulendi with colors and Gulal, this festival comes to an end.
Significance of Holashtak from Ancient Times
Holashtak stays from the Phagun Shukal Ashthami to Holika Dahan, that is, Purnima. In these days, the season start showing changes. Winters seem to say goodbye, with the arrival of spring. In addition, the coming of spring is indicated with the fragrance of flowers in the nature. It is believed that, Holashtak began when Lord Shiva got angry on Kaam dev and killed him.
Importance of Holashtak for Holika Dahan
For the Holika pujan, eight days before Holika Dahan, the area is cleaned with Holy water (Ganga Jal). At that place dried cow dung cakes, dried wood and grass and a stick of Holi is placed. The day on which this work is done is called the beginning of Holashtak. The village, region, or a crossroad, where the stick of Holi is set, there no auspicious work is done before Holika Dahan.
In the mid of Holashtak, none of the rituals(Sanskar) is done out of the 16. Even, before the cremation, ‘Shanti Karya’ is performed. Since, the 16 rituals are not allowed in these days, hence, this period is counted as inauspicious.
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Holi in Ancient Times
* In the mythology, festival of Holi started with Barsana’s Holi played by Radha and Lord Krishna.
* Then the Mugals, celebrated Holi in their way. In the rule of Mugals, preparation for the festival used to start from many days in advance. Holi celebrated by the Mugals is indicated in many historical books. In which, Akbar, Humayun, Shahjahan, BahadurShah Zafar, where the chief rulers with whom Holi was played. Such type of days used to give normal people an opportunity to go near the emperors and meet them.
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Preparations of Holi
Days before the festival people start gathering wood for the lighting of the bonfire called Holika at the major crossroads of the city. This ensures that at the time of the actual celebration a huge pile of wood is collected.
Holika Dahan Celebrations
Then on the eve of Holi, Holika Dahan takes place. Effigy of Holika, the devil minded sister of demon King Hiranyakashyap is placed in the wood and burnt. For, Holika tried to kill Hiranyakashyap's son Prahlad, an ardent devotee of Lord Naarayana. The ritual symbolises the victory of good over evil and also the triumph of a true devotee.
Holi Pooja Process or Holika Dahan Process
Holika Dahan preparations begin almost 40 days before the festival. People start gathering woods on the important crossroads of the city. Holi Pooja or Holika takes place on an auspicious time in the evening a day before the Holi festival.
Given below are the steps and rituals for the Holi Pooja:--
1. Holi Pooja can be performed at any place.
2. A log of wood is kept at a prominent public place on the Vasant Panchami day.
3. People extend the log centre with twigs, dried leaves, branches of trees and other combustible material.
4. On the day of Holika Dahan, an effigy of Holika and Prahlad is placed on the huge heap of woods.
5. Effigy of Holika is made of combustible material while Prahlad's effigy is made of non-combustible material.
6. On the eve of Holi, the heap is set alight and the people chant Rakshoghna Mantras of the Rig Veda to cast away the evil spirits.
7. Left over ashes are collected by people next morning. These ashes are considered holy and are smeared on the limbs of the body as Holi Prasad.
8. Smearing of body limbs is an act of purification.
For Rakshoghna Mantras go to my following link :
festivalsofindia-bb-blog.blogspot.in/2015/03/rakshoghna-mantra.html
Play of Colors (Dhulendi)
Next day, is of course the main day of Holi celebrations. The day is called Dhulandi or Dhuleti.
Holi Celebrations in North India
The festival of holi is celebrated by children, young, adults, men and women, without any discrimination or inequality, putting colors on each other. The crowd gathers up to wish Dhulhandi in the morning In order to give respect to elders, Gulal is applied on their feet and blessings are taken.
Same age group people apply Gulal to each others forehead and wish Holi with a hug. The small ones are wished by applying Gulal with affection.
People take extreme delight in spraying colour water on each other with pichkaris or pouring buckets and buckets of it. Singing Bollywood Holi numbers and dancing on the beat of dholak is also a part of the tradition.
The color of Holi festival, comes to it’s liveliness as the sun rises. People playing Holi get into a group, this group then singing, dancing, playing drums on folk songs, go to every house to wish Holi. And, from every house some members of the family join this group. By the time of noon, a small group keeps on adding up members and turn into a huge gathering. This group of people, sing and dance enjoying Holi, swing with the intoxication of Bhang, which gets down only when sunsets.
The group of people singing folk songs, depicts an emotion of not just love but also separation. “Holi hai”..the echo can be heard from every side.
The Special edible items--
On every festival of India, some or the other delicious dish is prepared. Celebrating our happiness with recipes gives a different kind of joy.
Duding celebrating Holi people relish gujiya, mathri, malpuas and other traditional Holi delicacies with great joy.Gujiyas are prepared from Khoa and Kanji as well.
Drinks, specially plain-thandai as well as bhang-thandai are a part of the Holi festivity. Bhang helps to further enhance the spirit of the occasion but if taken in excess it might dampen it also.
The guest who come to wish Holi are offered with these items as a gesture of hospitality. And, forgetting all enmities, people hug each other. The festival which make friends out of enemies, leave behind its color of joy on every one’s face for many days.
Holi Celebrations in South India
In south India, however, people follow the tradition of worshiping Kaamadeva, the love god of Indian mythology. People have faith in the legend which speak about the great sacrifice of Kaamadeva when he shot his love arrow on Lord Shiva to break his meditation and evoke his interest in worldly affairs.
After, an eventful and funfilled day people become a little sober in the evening and greet friends and relatives by visiting them and exchange sweets. Holi special get togethers are also organised by various cultural organisations to generate harmony and brotherhood in the society.
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Different ways of playing Holi --
(1) Bikaner Holi
Similar to Holashtak, a tradition of Holi is celebrated in Bikaner of Rajasthan. The festival of Holi starts from Saptami Tithi of Phagun Mas which lasts up to Dulhandi.This Holi also has its starting with praying of a pole, similar to that of Holashtak in which a stick is established at the crossroad.
Holi is played in a unique style in Bikaner. Here Dolhchi Holi is played. Dolchi, is a utensil made of leather, used to carry water on back. Colored water is added with Gulal of affection in Dolchi. Then women fill it up and bash it hard on the back of men. This echo of bashing goes to far distances.
Also, on the occasion of Holi you can find people organising mockery. That is, you see these guise people everywhere in this place. This arrangement of mockery is carried up to eight days. Where someone is seated in form of Lord Bholenath, and some other as lord Vishnu.
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(2) Vrindavan Holi
In Vrindavan, Holi celebration starts from Ekadashi itself. Celebration of Holi, starts in all temples of Radha and Krishna on the next day of Ekadashi. On this day, Holi of flowers is played. In the Holi of flowers, large amount of flowers are collected and are thrown on each other.
In Vrindavan, the sculpture of Banke Bihari is placed outside the temple. At this place, Holi is celebrated for seven days. First of all with flowers, then with Gulal, dry colors, wet colors. This Holi dip everyone in it’s shades. The hue of Holi of Vrindavan’s Banke bihari temple is unique. People stand in queue for several hoursto play Holi with their adorable.
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(3) Lathmar Holi of Barsane
Holi of Barsane is also famous because, Sri Krishna’s lover Radha belonged to Barsane.Barsana is Radha ji's birth place. And the relationship of Holi and Sri Krishna is very old. That is why, when talking about Holi Kahana’s name has to be present and this Holi is famous overseas.
Barsane’s Lathmar Holi is the one in which men try to protect themselves from Lath of Gujjariyas. Before playing Lathmar Holi, these men are fed with food and drinks, properly, they are offered with different services. Then they are stroked with Lath. Men protect themselves from the Laths by wearing a turban on head and holding a tray type of shield.
In the game of shield and Lath it’s kept in attention that men should not get hurt.Also, to keep safe of any big accident, this Holi is organised in a big ground. Here, the Holi is enjoyed for a full week. In Barsane’s Lathmar Holi people are found dancing and playing. The preaching of Radhe Radhe fills joy in the celebration of Holi. Everyone apply lot of colors on each other.
(4) Mathura Holi
Baldev’s (Dauji’s) Holi is played in Mathura. Girls (Gopi) beat boys(Gwale) with the hunters made of cloth. The real recreation of Holi of Brij Dham can be enjoyed here only. Holi is played on different days with full liveliness and amusement in all the Radha krishna temples located here.
(5) Punjabi Holi
In Punjab, the Anandpur Sahb’s Holi Muhalla is really famous. This is called as Holi of Ram, Krishan’s Holi, Holi of Radha, and Holi of Lord Shiva of Banaras. At the time of Holi in Punjab, a Holi Mohalla is arranged.
(6) Banarasi Holi
In Banaras, from the day of Ekadashi only Abri and Gulal start flying in the air. During this time, a boom of Holi gatherings take place. Here, evryone applies Gulal and hug each other.The group of youths can be seen singing and dancing on the songs of Faag, playing drums etc.
As per the traditions of Holi at this place a procession is carried out. In which the groom rides on a chariot. On the arrival of procession, the groom is welcomed as per the traditions. A pavilion or an open hall is decorated. Due to a debate of bride and groom in that pavilion, the procession is sent back without giving them the bride. This way it’s a different style of playing Holi.
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Legends
(1) Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu --
In some parts of India, specially in Bengal and Orissa, Holi Purnima is also celebrated as the birthday of Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (A.D. 1486-1533).
(2) Legend of Prahlad and Hiranyakashyap --
There once lived a devil and powerful king, Hiranyakshyap who considered himself a god and wanted everybody to worship him. To his great ire, his son, Prahlad began to worship, Lord Vishnu. To get rid of his son, Hiranyakshyap asked his sister, Holika to enter a blazing fire with Prahlad in her lap, as she had a boon to enter fire unscathed. Legend has it that Prahlad was saved for his extreme devotion for the lord while Holika paid a price for her sinister desire. The tradition of burning Holika or the 'Holika dahan' comes mainly from this legend.
(3) Legend of Radha and Krishna --
Legend of Lord Krishna is also associated with holi as the Lord started the tradition of play with colours by applying colour on his beloved Radha and other gopis.
(4) Legend of Shiva and Kaamadeva --
Another legend of Holi which is extremely popular in Southern India is that of Lord Shiva and Kaamadeva. According to the legend, people in south celebrate the sacrifice of Lord of Passion Kaamadeva who risked his life to revoke Lord Shiva from meditation and save the world.
(5) Legend of Ogress Pootana --
Mythology also states that Holi is the celebration of death of Ogress Pootana who tried to kill infant, Krishna by feeding poisonous milk to it.
(6) Legend of Ogress Dhundhi--
Also, popular is the legend of Ogress Dhundhi who used to trouble children in the kingdom of Raghu and was ultimately chased away by the pranks of the children on the day of Holi. Showing their belief in the legend, children till date play pranks and hurl abuses at the time of Holika Dahan.
All depict triumph of good over evil - lending a philosophy to the festival.
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Naming of 'Holi'
* The word 'Holi'literally means 'burning'.
* Some scholars believe that Holikotsav is named after fried cereals or parched grains called 'Holka' in Sanskrit. These parched grains were used to perform hawana (a fire ritual).The vibhuti (sacred ashes) obtained from this ritual was smeared on the forehead of those who participated in the ritual to keep away evil. This vibhuti is called Bhumi Hari. Till date there is a tradition of offering wheat and oat into the Holika fire.
* According to Narad Purana, this day is celebrated in the memory of Prahlad's victory and the defeat of his aunt 'Holika'.
Thus Holika (a bonfire) is burnt every year on Holi. The burning of the effigy of Holika is called Holika Dahan.
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Eco friendly and safe Holi
Unfortunately, in modern times Holi does not stand for all things beautiful. Like various other festivals, Holi too has become ruthlessly commercialized, boisterous and yet another source of environmental degradation due to following reasons --
1. The use of toxic chemical colours.
2. The use of wood for burning Holi fires.
3. The wasteful use of water during Holi.
1. Harmful Effects of Chemical Colours
In earlier times when festival celebrations were not so much commercialized Holi colors were prepared from the flowers of trees that blossomed during spring, such as the Indian Coral Tree (parijat) and the Flame of the Forest (Kesu), both of which have bright red flowers. These and several other blossoms provided the raw material from which the brilliant shades of Holi colours were made. Most of these trees also had medicinal properties and Holi colors prepared from them were actually beneficial to the skin.
Over the years, with the disappearance of trees in urban areas and greater stress for higher profits these natural colours came to be replaced by industrial dyes manufactured through chemical processes.
According to researched fact sheet on Holi, the pastes contain very toxic chemicals that can have severe health effects.
Color...Chemical.............Health Effects
Black...Lead oxide...........Renal Failure
Green...Copper Sulphate......Eye Allergy,Puffiness and temporary blindness
Silver..Aluminium Bromide ...Carcinogenic
Blue....Prussian Blue........Contract Dermatitis
Red.....Mercury Sulphite.....Highly toxic can cause skin cancer
Harmful Chemicals:
(1) In Gulal (dry colours)
The Gulal (dry colours) contain two components –
* a colourant (that is toxic,heavy metals)
* and a base (which is either asbestos or silica)
* both of which can cause asthma, skin diseases and eyes problems.
(2) In Wet Holi Colors
*Wet colours, mostly use Gentian violet as a colour concentrate which can cause skin dis-colouration and dermatitis.
Some environmental Groups like 'Toxic Links','Vatavaran' and 'Sadvichar Parivar' encourage people to return to a more natural way of celebrating Holi.
Methods to make simple natural Holi colours:--
Here are some very simple recipes to make natural colours in one’s own kitchen:
Color-----------------Method of Preparation
Yellow---------------(1) Mix turmeric (haldi) powder with besan.
-----------------------(2) Boil Marigold or Tesu flowers in water
Yellow liquid--------Soak peels of pomegranate (Anar) overnight.
Deep Pink------------Slice a beetroot and soak in water
Orange -red paste----Dried and powdered Henna (mehndi)leaves mixed with water.
[2] The burning of fuel wood to create the bonfire for Holika Dahan presents another serious environmental problem and leads to a wastage of a staggering amount of wood.
Groups such as Sadvichar Parivar are now advocating one symbolic community fire, rather than several smaller bonfires across the city as a way to reduce wood consumption.
[3] In the current situation, when most cities in India are facing acute water scarcity, the wasteful use of water during Holi, is also being questioned.However, considering that in some urban areas, citizens can go without water for several days, it seems wasteful to use so much water simply for a celebration.
It is a relief to notice that the awareness about the environmental impacts of celebrating Holi are being brought to light by various NGOs. And gradually, more and more Indians are choosing to turn to a more natural and less wasteful way of playing Holi.
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Play Safe Holi
Safety Tips:
* Play safe. Don't get to boisterous and do not let others to be rude on you.
* Make sure that your face is well creamed before and after the play.
* Apply thick coating of paint on your nails- both in fingers and toes so that they remain protected.
* Oil your hair well, so that colour doesn't stick on your hair and can be washed off easily later.
* Cover your hair. Make use of hat or caps to protect your hair from being coloured with hard-to-rinse dy
* The best option would be to play with natural home made colours or a better quality of colours. Buy colours from a reputed shop or vendor.
* Use more of red or pink colours which looks good and can easily taken off. Gaudy purple, green, yellow, orange have more harmful chemicals in them and should be avoided.
* To ensure that your eyes remain protected at all times use a sunglass to protect your eyes from a misfire of colour filled darts or water jets.
* Put on your worst clothes so that you won't have to take on the hassles of an immediate washing.
* Rags like tattered denims and bright shades like black, blue, green, purple are highly recommended.
* Try to save yourself off from all possible attacks on the face. In case your such attempts fail, keep your eyes and lips tightly shut if you are attacked on your face.
* If possible avoid going outside your home, atleast for the peak hours of celebration. The premises of your home ensure that you are safe from pouncing hooligans, even friends who can be a little rough on the day.
* When traveling keep the car windows thoroughly shut, even if you don't have an AC car. Do not bump into the frenzied group of mob if you take to streets. Better you cross the road to the sidewalk across. Or, simply stay at a safe distance.
* Do not use permanent dyes. If someone has applied it on you, do not rub the face with soap immediately in order to get rid off it, especially when it is wet. Instead, use good quality cleansing milk for removal. It's better than using soap, which will dry up your skin.
* Remember you also have police on your side and if any untoward revelers misbehave, you can make your complaint. Mark out the locality, building and if possible the person.
* Take a bath much later after the entire Holi celebration is over. Taking frequent baths, washing the face again and again, will ruin your skin. You will also lose hair, for too much soap/shampoo has a drying effect.
* If you are prone to skin allergies, avoid playing with gulal altogether.
* Avoid running on jumping on wet floors, so that you don't slip and injure yourself. Bones are specially vulnerable on this day.
* Avoid over indulgence in bhang, drinks or food... so that you don't repent later.
* Do not drive if you are high on alcohol or bhang.
* Keep handy pain killers, anti-oxidants, anti-allergic tablets if all the above tips have been disregarded.
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Popular Holi songs from Bollywood:
Given here are the lyrics of some of the popular Holi Songs from Bollywood. Take out your musical instruments or just a dhol, don the colorful Holi cap and sing these songs aloud in the company of your dear friends. Holi is all about having fun, and loads of it!!
List of Popular Holi Songs from Films
* Dekho Aayi Holi... Mangal Pandey
* Holi Ke Din... Sholay
* Rang Barse...Silsila
* Hori Khele Raghuveera...Baghban
* Mohe Chedo Na...Lamhe
* Ang se ang lagana sajan… Darr
* Mal de gulal mohe, aaye holi aaye re… Kaamchor
* Apne rang mein rang de mujko … Aakhir Kyon
* Aayee re aayee re holi… Zakhmee
* Phagun aayo re... Phagun
* Arre ja re hat natkhat… Navrang
* Aaj na chodenge bas humjoli khelenge hum holi... Kati Patang
* Holi aaye re kanhayee… Mother India
* Tan rang lo ji aaj mann rang lo... Kohinoor
* O dekho holi aayi... Mashaal
* Rang di preet ne rang di... Dhanwan
* Koi bheega hai rang se ... Mumbai Se Aaya Mera Dost
* Lai hai hazaro rang holi...Phool aur Patthar
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(1)
(1)
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होली खेल रहे शिव शंकर गौरा पार्वती के संग
गौरा पार्वती के संग माता पार्वती के संग। होली....
कुटी छोड़ शिव शंकर चल दिये लियो नादिया संग
गले में रूण्डो की माला, सर्प लिपट रहे अंग। होली....
मनियों खा गये आक धतुरा धडि़यों पी गये भंग
एक सेर गांजे को पीकर हुए नशे में दंग। होली....
कामिनी होली खेल रही है देवर जेठ के संग
रघुवर होली खेल रहे है सीता जी के संग। होली.....
राजा इन्द्र ने होली खेली इन्द्राणी के संग
राधे होली खेल रही है श्री कृष्ण के संग। होली.....
विष्णु होली खेल रहे है लक्ष्मी जी के संग
ब्रह्मा, विष्णु मिलकर खेले शंकर जी के संग। होली.....
Special Holi Recipes
(1) Bhaang lassi
Ingredients:-
* 15 gms (1/2 oz) bhang (cannabis)
* 2 Cups warm whole milk
* 1/2 Cup sugar
* 1 tbsp Coconut milk
* 1 tbsp Almonds, chopped
* 1/8 tsp Ginger, powdered
* 1 Pinch garam masala
* 1/2 tsp Grenadine
* 1 Cup water
Method:
* Take a pan and bring water to a boil.
* Now add bhang to it.
* Let it simmer for about 7 to 10 mins and close the flame and strain it.
* With the help of a 2 tblp of milk grind the strained bhang. Repeat this process several times.
* Add some more milk to the bhaang and grind it along with the almonds. Repeat this several times.
* Strain this mixture and pour the milk, coconut milk, grenadine and boiled water into a pan.
* While stiring add ginger, sugar and garam masala to the above prepared bhang mixture
* Cool it in the refrigerator for few hours before serving the bhang lassi
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(2) THANDAI RECIPES
(a) Bhang Thandai
Ingredients:-
* 1 1/2 liter - Water
* 1 1/2 cups - Sugar (cheeni)
* 1 cup - Milk
* 1 tbsp - Almonds (badam)
* 1 tbsp - Watermelon/Cantaloupe seeds (dried and skinned) (kharboje ke beej)
* 1/2 tbsp - Poppy seeds (khus khus)
* 1/2 tbsp - Aniseed
* 1/2 tsp - Cardamom powder (elaichi powder)
* 1 tsp - Peppercorns (whole) (sabut kali mirch)
* 15 cannabis (bhaang)
* 1/4 cup - Dried or fresh rose petals (gulab ki pati)
Method:--
* Take a pan and add 1/2 litre of water and sugar to it. Let it saok for 2 hours.
* Now in a separate bowl soak all the other dry ingredients in 2 cups of water for minimum 2 hours. After 2 hours grind these soaked ingredients into a fine paste.
* Mix remaining water to the paste and strain it using a strong muslin strainer to extract the liquid into a vessel until the residue becomes dry.
* Now to this strained mixture add milk and sugar syrup.
* Add the cardamom powder in the milk.
* Keep it for chilling in the fridge for 2 -3 hours before serving.
* Serve it cold with some chopped almonds.
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(b) Plain Thandai
Ingredients:-
* 21/2 cup Water
* 2 tblsp Fennel Seed (Saunf)
* 1/2 tsp Cardamom Seed (Elaichi)
* 4 whole Cloves (Lavang)
* 2/3rd cup Raisins (Kishmish)
* 1/2 cup blanched and chopped Almond (Badam)
* 1/4th cup chopped Pistachio (Pista)
* 1/4th cup Melon seeds, Sunflower seeds or Pine Nuts
* 1 ltr Milk (Doodh)
* 1/4th tsp dry-roasted and powdered Saffron (Kesar) threads
Method :-
* Bring the water to boil in a small saucepan.
* Add the fennel seeds, cardamom and cloves, cover, and remove from the heat.
* Set aside for ten minutes.
* Place the raisins, almonds, pistachios and melon seeds, sunflower seeds, or pine nuts in a bowl and add fennel tea.
* Cover and set aside for at least 1 hour.
* Transfer it to a blender, cover, and blend until the nuts & spices are reduced to a smooth texture.
* Pour into a strainer and set over a bowl.
* When some of liquid had drained through the sieve, gather the corners and squeeze tightly to extract the maximum liquid.
* Heat 2 tblsp of milk and add saffron.
* Combine the nut milk, saffron milk and remaining milk in a large jug and chill well.
* Serve over a crushed ice.
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(c) Thandai Recipe
Ingredients:-
* 250 gms sweetened condensed milk
* 1 1/2 litre milk
* 10 almonds, soaked in water and peeled
* 6 pepper corns
* 4 cardamoms, crushed
* 2 tsp fennel seeds (saunf)
* 1 tsp khus essence (poppy seeds)
* Few ice cubes, crushed
Method:-
* Grind well the peeled almonds, cardamom and fennel seeds to a fine paste
* Mix with the rest of the ingredients.
* Strain the mixture well.
* Take crushed ice cubes in a glass till half.
* Fill the rest with the above mixture.
* Serve garnished with rose petals.
* Makes for 12 glasses
* Preparation time: 5-10 minutes
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(3) Bhaang Pakore Recipe
Ingredients:-
* 250 gms Besan (gram flour)
* 200 gms Potatoes (aloo)
* 200 gms Cauliflower (gobhi)
* 150 gms Onions (pyaj)
* 100 gms Spinach (palak)
* 200 gms Brinjal (baigan)
* 10 gms Bhang (cannabis) seed powder
* 2 gms Soda-bicarb
* 5 gms Ajwain (carom seeds)
* 5 gms Pomegranate seed powder (anardana)
* Salt to taste
* Oil for deep-frying
Method:-
* Wash and cut the vegetables in big chunks.
* Mix together besan, soda-bicarb and salt together.
* To this mixture add bhang seed powder, ajwain, red chili powder, and pomegranate seed powder.
* Now add enough water to make batter of dropping consistency.
* Heat oil in a kadai.
* Dip the vegetable pieces one by one in the batter such that they get completely smeared with the batter from all around.
* Then deep fry them on medium fire till golden crisp.
* Bhaang pakora are ready and can be served hot.
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(4) Gujiya Recipe
Recipe makes 20 to 24 gujia.
Ingredients:-
Crust:-
* 1 cup all purpose flour (plain flour or maida)
* 1 tablespoon sooji (semolina flour)
* 2 tablespoons oil
* 1/3 cup lukewarm water or as needed
Filling:-
* 1/2 cup heavy cream or whipping cream
* 1 cup milk powder
* 1/4 cup coconut powder
* 1/4 cup sliced almonds
* 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
* 2 tablespoon sugar
* 2 tablespoon melon seeds (optional)
Garnish:-
* 1/2 cup sugar
* 1/4 Water
* 2 tablespoons sliced almonds and pistachios
Also needed:-
* 1 tablespoon all purpose flour (plain flour or maida)
* 2 tablespoon water
* Oil to fry
Method:-
Crust:-
* Mix flour, sooji, and oil in a bowl, make a soft dough adding water slowley as needed.
* Knead the dough until the dough becomes soft and pliable.
* Set the dough aside and cover it with a damp cloth. Let the dough sit for at least ten minutes.
Filling:-
* Mix the cream and milk powder in a frying pan.
* Cook on medium heat until mixture starts leaving the sides of the frying pan and becomes soft runny dough. Stir continuously so the mixture does not burn on the bottom of the pan.
* Turn off the heat and add coconut, almonds, melon seeds, sugar, and cardamom powder. Mix together well.
* After cooling, the mixture will be lightly moist. Keep aside.
Making the Gujias:-
* Mix 2 tablespoons of water with 1 tablespoon of flour to make a paste. Set aside.
* Knead the dough again for a minute.
* Divide the dough into about 20 equal parts and roll into balls with the palms of your hands.
* Roll each ball into about 4-inch diameter (like a roti or chappati).
* Dip your finger in the flour paste and spread it around the rim of the rolled dough, but just on the half the circle.
* Take the rolled dough in your palm and put about 1-1/2 tablespoons of the filling mixture in the center and fold it into a semi-circle. Now press the edges together with your fingers. Make sure the edges are completely sealed otherwise they will open while frying and oil will get in and filling will come out. (or gujias can be made with the help of gujia moulds.)
* Continue filling the rest of the gujia in the same manner.
* Heat about 1-1/2 inches of oil in a frying pan on medium heat. To test if the oil is hot enough, drop a small piece of dough into the oil. It should sizzle right away but come to the surface slowly.
* Place the gujia in the frying pan few at a time.
* After gujhias are floating on top of the oil, turn them slowly. Fry the gujias until they turn light golden-brown color on all sides. Don’t fry on high heat; the gujia crust will be too soft and not crispy.
* When they are done cooking, lift them out of the oil with a slotted spoon.
Garnishing:-
* Boil the sugar and water on medium heat until syrup is about one thread or 230 degrees (Fahrenheit) on a candy thermometer.
* Dip the gujias into the syrup making sure they are coated with syrup all around.
* Place the gujias on a wire rack to allow the extra syrup drain.
* Garnish the gujias with sliced almonds and pistachios while the gujhias are still moist with syrup.
* Gujias will be dry in an hour.
* Gujia can be stored in airtight container up to a month.
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(4)Dahi Bhalle
Ingredients:-
--------------
For bhalle:-
* 1 cup urad duli dal (split black gram)
* Pinch of hing
* Salt to taste
* Oil for frying
* 1 chopped green chilly
* Little chopped ginger
* For filling:
* 1 tsp chopped kaju
* 1 tsp kishmish
* 1 small tsp grated coconut
* Salt to taste
For the dahi:-
* 2 cups thick yogurt
* ½ cup milk
* Pinch of sugar
* 1 tsp dry roasted jeera powder
1 tsp blak salt
2 tblsp sweet tamarind chutney
Few pomegranate seeds
Method:-
* Soak the dal for 2 hrs in water and keep aside.
* Then take out extra water and add all the ingredients of the bhalle except oil and
* Grind it into a mixture.
* Mix all the filling ingredients in a bowl. In a kadai heat oil for frying.
* Now take a tablespoon of the mixture on your palm and then flatten it out.
* Place some filling in the centre.
* Now with the help of water close the sides of the mixture on the hand.
* It should look like a half moon.
* Place them in the hot oil and fry then till golden crisp.
* Now dip them in some water for ½ hour.
* Beat the yogurt and add milk and sugar to it.
* Gently squeeze water from the bhalle and place them in half the beaten yogurt mixture.
* Now in a serving plate lay out the dahi and bhalla and then pour some beaten dahi on them and sprinkle some jeera powder and black salt powder and some sweet tamarind chutney.
* Garnish dahi bhalle with pomegranate seeds and serve immediately
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
(5) Namakpara Recipe
Ingredients:-
* 1 cup flour (maida)
* 1cup semolina (Suji)
* 41/2-51/2 tblsp lwater
* 2 tbsp beaten curd
* 3 tblsp ghee
* 1tsp Ajwain
* ¾ tsp Salt or to taste
* Oil for deep frying
Method:-
* In a bowl mix flour, salt, ajwain and melted ghee till the mixture takes the form of breadcrumbs
* In a separate bowl combine beaten curd with water. With this mixture knead a tight dough out of the flour salt mixture.
* Cover this dough with a wet cloth piece for ½ hour.
* Make balls of the dough and roll them into a ¼ thick flat bread of the size of a medium pizza.
* Now with the help of a knife cut vertically and then into horizontally to get diamond shaped strips.
* Heat the oil in a kadai. Fry these strips in small batches over medium flame till they are golden crisp.
* Drain out the excess oil and place them to cool on tissue paper.
* Fry all the strips in the similar manner and then store namakpare n an airtight container.
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(6) Shakarpara Recipe
Ingredients:-
* All purpose flour - 500 gms
* Ghee - 100 gms
* powder - 11/2 tsp
* to knead
* Oil for frying
For the coating -
* Sugar - 300 gms
* Water - 100 ml
Method:-
* Sieve the flour and then add ghee to it. Mix the mixture till it resembles breadcrumbs.
* Add the baking powder and then with the help of water knead it into a stiff dough.
* Cover it with a damp cloth for 10-15 min.
* Heat oil in a kadai. Divide the dough into three long rolls.
* Roll each portion to 1/2 inch thickness and cut with knife into 1/2 inch pieces.
* When the oil gets perfect hot fry the pieces on medium flame for 10-12 minutes or till the pare are crisp and light golden.
* Drain them on a paper tissue and fry the remaining pieces in the same way.
To make the syrup (coating)
* In a pan boil the water and the sugar till it reaches one-string consistency
* Remove from fire, add the pare all together and coat the pare evenly with the help of a flat spoon.
* Do not mix too much, as the sugar will harden.
* Take them out and let them dry for a while.
* Store in airtight container.
*******************************************************************
Holashtak : Tuesday, 15th March 2016 to Wednesday, 23rd March 2016.
Holika Dahan Date: Wednesday, 23th March 2016.
Holi Dhulandi Date: Thursday, 24th March 2016.
That is why, no auspicious work should be done between Tuesday, 15th March, 2016 to Wednesday, 23rd March, 2016. Also, during this time there will be a stop on the Manglik works (like marriage etc.).
*****************************************
In 2017:
Holashtak : Saturday, 4th March 2017 to Sunday, 12th March 2017.
Holika Dahan Date: Sunday, 12th March 2017.
Holi Dhulandi Date: Monday, 13th March 2017.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In 2018:
Holashtak : Wednesday, 21 February to Thursday, 1st March 2018.
Holika Dahan Date: Thursday, 1st March 2018.
Holi Dhulandi Date: Friday, 2nd March 2018.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In 2019:
Holashtak : Tuesday, 12th March 2019 to Wednesday, 20th March 2019.
Holika Dahan Date: Wednesday, 20th March 2019.
Holi Dhulandi Date: Thursday, 21st March 2019.
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In 2020:
Holashtak : Sunday, 1st March 2020 to Monday, 9th March 2020.
Holika Dahan Date: Monday, 9th March 2020.
Holi Dhulandi Date: Tuesday, 10th March 2020.
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Holi:
India is a land of festivals. Here, a festival presents a glimpse of different traditions and customs. Holi is one such festival.
Holi is a religious spring festival celebrated by Hindus. Holi is also known as festival of Colours.
It is celebrated every year on the Purnima of Phalgun month.
Places where Holi is celebrated;
** In India--
Holi is celebrated in different ways in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Orissa, Goa etc.
** In Other parts of the world-
It is primarily observed in India, Nepal, Pakistan,and countries with large Indic diaspora populations following Hinduism, such as Suriname, Malaysia, Guyana, South Africa, Trinidad, United Kingdom, United States, Mauritius, and Fiji.
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Different names of Holi --
* Holi is an ancient festival of India and was originally known as 'Holika'.
* Holi is also known as festival of Colours. Many colors combine together to give a name “Rangotsav” to Holi.
* After the winter season, arrives the spring (Basant) season when everywhere we can see blossoming of colorful flowers, indicating the arrival of Holi.It is also known as "Basanta-Utsav" (spring festival).
* In some states of India such as West Bengal and Orissa, it is known as "Dolyatra" (Doul Jatra).
Dolyatra
Dolyatra: In Bengal, Holi is called Dol Yatra. The word "dol" literally means a swing and "yatra" means a procession. Idols of Lord Krishna and Radha are placed in a little swing-cradle and decorated with flowers and painted with colored powders. Devotees dance around the swing and also take turns to swing the cradle while chanting the name of Sri Krishna and singing Holi-songs relating to the frolics of little Krishna with the Gopis. Men spray coloured water and powder called abeer
* In some places like Bihar and UP Holika Dahan is also known as 'Samvatsar Dahan'.
* This is also known as "Vasanta-Mahotsava" and "Kama-Mahotsava".
* In Tamil Nadu, Holi is known by three different names - "Kamavilas", "Kaman Pandigai" and "Kama-Dahanam".
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Reference in Ancient Texts and Inscriptions:
Holi has been mentioned in--
* Vedas and Puranas such as Narad Purana and Bhavishya Purana.
* Jaimini Mimansa.
* A stone incription belonging to 300 BC found at Ramgarh in the province of Vindhya has mention of Holikotsav on it.
* King Harsha's work Ratnavali that was written during the 7th century.
* The famous Muslim tourist - Ulbaruni's historical memories.
Reference in Ancient Paintings and Murals:
* The 16th century sculptures on walls of old temples at Hampi, capital of Vijayanagar.
* A 16th century Ahmednagar painting is on the theme of Vasanta Ragini - spring song or music.
* A Mewar painting (circa 1755) shows the Maharana with his courtiers playing holi.
* Bundi miniature shows a king playing holi.
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Holashtak:
This year in 2015, the time between Wednesday, 25th February, 2015 to Thursday, 5th March, 2015 is celebrated as the festival of Holashtak. Holashtak is like a knocking of Holi’s arrival. Also, from this day preparation of Holika Dahan is started, further moving to Holi.
According to the lunar month (Chandra Maas), Purnima of Phagun Maas is celebrated as Holika festival. Holashtak witnesses the arrival of Holi. Holashtak is known as a poster, informing about the arrival of Holi festival. Looking at the literal meaning of Holashtak, we find Hola + Ashtak, which means eight days before Holi, that is Holashtak. Basically, we can see that holi is a festival of nine days instead of a single day. On the day on Dhulendi with colors and Gulal, this festival comes to an end.
Significance of Holashtak from Ancient Times
Holashtak stays from the Phagun Shukal Ashthami to Holika Dahan, that is, Purnima. In these days, the season start showing changes. Winters seem to say goodbye, with the arrival of spring. In addition, the coming of spring is indicated with the fragrance of flowers in the nature. It is believed that, Holashtak began when Lord Shiva got angry on Kaam dev and killed him.
Importance of Holashtak for Holika Dahan
For the Holika pujan, eight days before Holika Dahan, the area is cleaned with Holy water (Ganga Jal). At that place dried cow dung cakes, dried wood and grass and a stick of Holi is placed. The day on which this work is done is called the beginning of Holashtak. The village, region, or a crossroad, where the stick of Holi is set, there no auspicious work is done before Holika Dahan.
In the mid of Holashtak, none of the rituals(Sanskar) is done out of the 16. Even, before the cremation, ‘Shanti Karya’ is performed. Since, the 16 rituals are not allowed in these days, hence, this period is counted as inauspicious.
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Holi in Ancient Times
* In the mythology, festival of Holi started with Barsana’s Holi played by Radha and Lord Krishna.
* Then the Mugals, celebrated Holi in their way. In the rule of Mugals, preparation for the festival used to start from many days in advance. Holi celebrated by the Mugals is indicated in many historical books. In which, Akbar, Humayun, Shahjahan, BahadurShah Zafar, where the chief rulers with whom Holi was played. Such type of days used to give normal people an opportunity to go near the emperors and meet them.
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Preparations of Holi
Days before the festival people start gathering wood for the lighting of the bonfire called Holika at the major crossroads of the city. This ensures that at the time of the actual celebration a huge pile of wood is collected.
Holika Dahan Celebrations
Then on the eve of Holi, Holika Dahan takes place. Effigy of Holika, the devil minded sister of demon King Hiranyakashyap is placed in the wood and burnt. For, Holika tried to kill Hiranyakashyap's son Prahlad, an ardent devotee of Lord Naarayana. The ritual symbolises the victory of good over evil and also the triumph of a true devotee.
Holi Pooja Process or Holika Dahan Process
Holika Dahan preparations begin almost 40 days before the festival. People start gathering woods on the important crossroads of the city. Holi Pooja or Holika takes place on an auspicious time in the evening a day before the Holi festival.
Given below are the steps and rituals for the Holi Pooja:--
1. Holi Pooja can be performed at any place.
2. A log of wood is kept at a prominent public place on the Vasant Panchami day.
3. People extend the log centre with twigs, dried leaves, branches of trees and other combustible material.
4. On the day of Holika Dahan, an effigy of Holika and Prahlad is placed on the huge heap of woods.
5. Effigy of Holika is made of combustible material while Prahlad's effigy is made of non-combustible material.
6. On the eve of Holi, the heap is set alight and the people chant Rakshoghna Mantras of the Rig Veda to cast away the evil spirits.
7. Left over ashes are collected by people next morning. These ashes are considered holy and are smeared on the limbs of the body as Holi Prasad.
8. Smearing of body limbs is an act of purification.
For Rakshoghna Mantras go to my following link :
festivalsofindia-bb-blog.blogspot.in/2015/03/rakshoghna-mantra.html
Play of Colors (Dhulendi)
Next day, is of course the main day of Holi celebrations. The day is called Dhulandi or Dhuleti.
Holi Celebrations in North India
The festival of holi is celebrated by children, young, adults, men and women, without any discrimination or inequality, putting colors on each other. The crowd gathers up to wish Dhulhandi in the morning In order to give respect to elders, Gulal is applied on their feet and blessings are taken.
Same age group people apply Gulal to each others forehead and wish Holi with a hug. The small ones are wished by applying Gulal with affection.
People take extreme delight in spraying colour water on each other with pichkaris or pouring buckets and buckets of it. Singing Bollywood Holi numbers and dancing on the beat of dholak is also a part of the tradition.
The color of Holi festival, comes to it’s liveliness as the sun rises. People playing Holi get into a group, this group then singing, dancing, playing drums on folk songs, go to every house to wish Holi. And, from every house some members of the family join this group. By the time of noon, a small group keeps on adding up members and turn into a huge gathering. This group of people, sing and dance enjoying Holi, swing with the intoxication of Bhang, which gets down only when sunsets.
The group of people singing folk songs, depicts an emotion of not just love but also separation. “Holi hai”..the echo can be heard from every side.
The Special edible items--
On every festival of India, some or the other delicious dish is prepared. Celebrating our happiness with recipes gives a different kind of joy.
Duding celebrating Holi people relish gujiya, mathri, malpuas and other traditional Holi delicacies with great joy.Gujiyas are prepared from Khoa and Kanji as well.
Drinks, specially plain-thandai as well as bhang-thandai are a part of the Holi festivity. Bhang helps to further enhance the spirit of the occasion but if taken in excess it might dampen it also.
The guest who come to wish Holi are offered with these items as a gesture of hospitality. And, forgetting all enmities, people hug each other. The festival which make friends out of enemies, leave behind its color of joy on every one’s face for many days.
Holi Celebrations in South India
In south India, however, people follow the tradition of worshiping Kaamadeva, the love god of Indian mythology. People have faith in the legend which speak about the great sacrifice of Kaamadeva when he shot his love arrow on Lord Shiva to break his meditation and evoke his interest in worldly affairs.
After, an eventful and funfilled day people become a little sober in the evening and greet friends and relatives by visiting them and exchange sweets. Holi special get togethers are also organised by various cultural organisations to generate harmony and brotherhood in the society.
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Different ways of playing Holi --
(1) Bikaner Holi
Similar to Holashtak, a tradition of Holi is celebrated in Bikaner of Rajasthan. The festival of Holi starts from Saptami Tithi of Phagun Mas which lasts up to Dulhandi.This Holi also has its starting with praying of a pole, similar to that of Holashtak in which a stick is established at the crossroad.
Holi is played in a unique style in Bikaner. Here Dolhchi Holi is played. Dolchi, is a utensil made of leather, used to carry water on back. Colored water is added with Gulal of affection in Dolchi. Then women fill it up and bash it hard on the back of men. This echo of bashing goes to far distances.
Also, on the occasion of Holi you can find people organising mockery. That is, you see these guise people everywhere in this place. This arrangement of mockery is carried up to eight days. Where someone is seated in form of Lord Bholenath, and some other as lord Vishnu.
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(2) Vrindavan Holi
In Vrindavan, Holi celebration starts from Ekadashi itself. Celebration of Holi, starts in all temples of Radha and Krishna on the next day of Ekadashi. On this day, Holi of flowers is played. In the Holi of flowers, large amount of flowers are collected and are thrown on each other.
In Vrindavan, the sculpture of Banke Bihari is placed outside the temple. At this place, Holi is celebrated for seven days. First of all with flowers, then with Gulal, dry colors, wet colors. This Holi dip everyone in it’s shades. The hue of Holi of Vrindavan’s Banke bihari temple is unique. People stand in queue for several hoursto play Holi with their adorable.
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(3) Lathmar Holi of Barsane
Holi of Barsane is also famous because, Sri Krishna’s lover Radha belonged to Barsane.Barsana is Radha ji's birth place. And the relationship of Holi and Sri Krishna is very old. That is why, when talking about Holi Kahana’s name has to be present and this Holi is famous overseas.
Barsane’s Lathmar Holi is the one in which men try to protect themselves from Lath of Gujjariyas. Before playing Lathmar Holi, these men are fed with food and drinks, properly, they are offered with different services. Then they are stroked with Lath. Men protect themselves from the Laths by wearing a turban on head and holding a tray type of shield.
In the game of shield and Lath it’s kept in attention that men should not get hurt.Also, to keep safe of any big accident, this Holi is organised in a big ground. Here, the Holi is enjoyed for a full week. In Barsane’s Lathmar Holi people are found dancing and playing. The preaching of Radhe Radhe fills joy in the celebration of Holi. Everyone apply lot of colors on each other.
(4) Mathura Holi
Baldev’s (Dauji’s) Holi is played in Mathura. Girls (Gopi) beat boys(Gwale) with the hunters made of cloth. The real recreation of Holi of Brij Dham can be enjoyed here only. Holi is played on different days with full liveliness and amusement in all the Radha krishna temples located here.
(5) Punjabi Holi
In Punjab, the Anandpur Sahb’s Holi Muhalla is really famous. This is called as Holi of Ram, Krishan’s Holi, Holi of Radha, and Holi of Lord Shiva of Banaras. At the time of Holi in Punjab, a Holi Mohalla is arranged.
(6) Banarasi Holi
In Banaras, from the day of Ekadashi only Abri and Gulal start flying in the air. During this time, a boom of Holi gatherings take place. Here, evryone applies Gulal and hug each other.The group of youths can be seen singing and dancing on the songs of Faag, playing drums etc.
As per the traditions of Holi at this place a procession is carried out. In which the groom rides on a chariot. On the arrival of procession, the groom is welcomed as per the traditions. A pavilion or an open hall is decorated. Due to a debate of bride and groom in that pavilion, the procession is sent back without giving them the bride. This way it’s a different style of playing Holi.
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Legends
(1) Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu --
In some parts of India, specially in Bengal and Orissa, Holi Purnima is also celebrated as the birthday of Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (A.D. 1486-1533).
(2) Legend of Prahlad and Hiranyakashyap --
There once lived a devil and powerful king, Hiranyakshyap who considered himself a god and wanted everybody to worship him. To his great ire, his son, Prahlad began to worship, Lord Vishnu. To get rid of his son, Hiranyakshyap asked his sister, Holika to enter a blazing fire with Prahlad in her lap, as she had a boon to enter fire unscathed. Legend has it that Prahlad was saved for his extreme devotion for the lord while Holika paid a price for her sinister desire. The tradition of burning Holika or the 'Holika dahan' comes mainly from this legend.
(3) Legend of Radha and Krishna --
Legend of Lord Krishna is also associated with holi as the Lord started the tradition of play with colours by applying colour on his beloved Radha and other gopis.
(4) Legend of Shiva and Kaamadeva --
Another legend of Holi which is extremely popular in Southern India is that of Lord Shiva and Kaamadeva. According to the legend, people in south celebrate the sacrifice of Lord of Passion Kaamadeva who risked his life to revoke Lord Shiva from meditation and save the world.
(5) Legend of Ogress Pootana --
Mythology also states that Holi is the celebration of death of Ogress Pootana who tried to kill infant, Krishna by feeding poisonous milk to it.
(6) Legend of Ogress Dhundhi--
Also, popular is the legend of Ogress Dhundhi who used to trouble children in the kingdom of Raghu and was ultimately chased away by the pranks of the children on the day of Holi. Showing their belief in the legend, children till date play pranks and hurl abuses at the time of Holika Dahan.
All depict triumph of good over evil - lending a philosophy to the festival.
भविष्यपुराण में वर्णित है कि सत्ययुग में राजा रघु के राज्य में माली नामक दैत्य की
पुत्री ढोंढा या धुंधी थी। उसने शिव की उग्र तपस्या की। शिव ने वर माँगने को कहा। उसने वर माँगा-
प्रभो! देवता,
दैत्य,
मनुष्य
आदि मुझे मार न सकें तथा अस्त्र-शस्त्र आदि से भी मेरा वध न हो। साथ ही दिन में, रात्रि, में शीतकाल में, उष्णकाल तथा वर्षाकाल में, भीतर-बाहर कहीं भी मुझे किसी से भय नहीं
हो।' शिव
ने तथास्तु कहा तथा यह भी चेतावनी दी कि तुम्हें उन्मत्त बालकों
से भय होगा। वही ढोंढा नामक राक्षसी बालकों व प्रजा को पीड़ित करने लगी। 'अडाडा' मंत्र का उच्चारण करने पर वह शांत
हो जाती थी। इसी से उसे 'अडाडा' भी कहते हैं। इस प्रकार भगवान शिव के अभिशाप
वश वह ग्रामीण बालकों की शरारत, गालियों व चिल्लाने के आगे विवश थी। ऐसा
विश्वास किया जाता है कि होली के दिन ही सभी बालकों ने अपनी एकता के बल
पर आगे बढ़कर धुंधी को गाँव से बाहर धकेला था। वे ज़ोर-ज़ोर से चिल्लाते हुए
तथा चालाकी से उसकी ओर बढ़ते ही गये। यही कारण है कि इस दिन नवयुवक कुछ
अशिष्ट भाषा में हँसी मजाक कर लेते हैं, परंतु कोई उनकी बात का बुरा नहीं
मानता।
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Naming of 'Holi'
* The word 'Holi'literally means 'burning'.
* Some scholars believe that Holikotsav is named after fried cereals or parched grains called 'Holka' in Sanskrit. These parched grains were used to perform hawana (a fire ritual).The vibhuti (sacred ashes) obtained from this ritual was smeared on the forehead of those who participated in the ritual to keep away evil. This vibhuti is called Bhumi Hari. Till date there is a tradition of offering wheat and oat into the Holika fire.
* According to Narad Purana, this day is celebrated in the memory of Prahlad's victory and the defeat of his aunt 'Holika'.
Thus Holika (a bonfire) is burnt every year on Holi. The burning of the effigy of Holika is called Holika Dahan.
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Eco friendly and safe Holi
Unfortunately, in modern times Holi does not stand for all things beautiful. Like various other festivals, Holi too has become ruthlessly commercialized, boisterous and yet another source of environmental degradation due to following reasons --
1. The use of toxic chemical colours.
2. The use of wood for burning Holi fires.
3. The wasteful use of water during Holi.
1. Harmful Effects of Chemical Colours
In earlier times when festival celebrations were not so much commercialized Holi colors were prepared from the flowers of trees that blossomed during spring, such as the Indian Coral Tree (parijat) and the Flame of the Forest (Kesu), both of which have bright red flowers. These and several other blossoms provided the raw material from which the brilliant shades of Holi colours were made. Most of these trees also had medicinal properties and Holi colors prepared from them were actually beneficial to the skin.
Over the years, with the disappearance of trees in urban areas and greater stress for higher profits these natural colours came to be replaced by industrial dyes manufactured through chemical processes.
According to researched fact sheet on Holi, the pastes contain very toxic chemicals that can have severe health effects.
Color...Chemical.............Health Effects
Black...Lead oxide...........Renal Failure
Green...Copper Sulphate......Eye Allergy,Puffiness and temporary blindness
Silver..Aluminium Bromide ...Carcinogenic
Blue....Prussian Blue........Contract Dermatitis
Red.....Mercury Sulphite.....Highly toxic can cause skin cancer
Harmful Chemicals:
(1) In Gulal (dry colours)
The Gulal (dry colours) contain two components –
* a colourant (that is toxic,heavy metals)
* and a base (which is either asbestos or silica)
* both of which can cause asthma, skin diseases and eyes problems.
(2) In Wet Holi Colors
*Wet colours, mostly use Gentian violet as a colour concentrate which can cause skin dis-colouration and dermatitis.
Some environmental Groups like 'Toxic Links','Vatavaran' and 'Sadvichar Parivar' encourage people to return to a more natural way of celebrating Holi.
Methods to make simple natural Holi colours:--
Here are some very simple recipes to make natural colours in one’s own kitchen:
Color-----------------Method of Preparation
Yellow---------------(1) Mix turmeric (haldi) powder with besan.
-----------------------(2) Boil Marigold or Tesu flowers in water
Yellow liquid--------Soak peels of pomegranate (Anar) overnight.
Deep Pink------------Slice a beetroot and soak in water
Orange -red paste----Dried and powdered Henna (mehndi)leaves mixed with water.
[2] The burning of fuel wood to create the bonfire for Holika Dahan presents another serious environmental problem and leads to a wastage of a staggering amount of wood.
Groups such as Sadvichar Parivar are now advocating one symbolic community fire, rather than several smaller bonfires across the city as a way to reduce wood consumption.
[3] In the current situation, when most cities in India are facing acute water scarcity, the wasteful use of water during Holi, is also being questioned.However, considering that in some urban areas, citizens can go without water for several days, it seems wasteful to use so much water simply for a celebration.
It is a relief to notice that the awareness about the environmental impacts of celebrating Holi are being brought to light by various NGOs. And gradually, more and more Indians are choosing to turn to a more natural and less wasteful way of playing Holi.
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Play Safe Holi
Safety Tips:
* Play safe. Don't get to boisterous and do not let others to be rude on you.
* Make sure that your face is well creamed before and after the play.
* Apply thick coating of paint on your nails- both in fingers and toes so that they remain protected.
* Oil your hair well, so that colour doesn't stick on your hair and can be washed off easily later.
* Cover your hair. Make use of hat or caps to protect your hair from being coloured with hard-to-rinse dy
* The best option would be to play with natural home made colours or a better quality of colours. Buy colours from a reputed shop or vendor.
* Use more of red or pink colours which looks good and can easily taken off. Gaudy purple, green, yellow, orange have more harmful chemicals in them and should be avoided.
* To ensure that your eyes remain protected at all times use a sunglass to protect your eyes from a misfire of colour filled darts or water jets.
* Put on your worst clothes so that you won't have to take on the hassles of an immediate washing.
* Rags like tattered denims and bright shades like black, blue, green, purple are highly recommended.
* Try to save yourself off from all possible attacks on the face. In case your such attempts fail, keep your eyes and lips tightly shut if you are attacked on your face.
* If possible avoid going outside your home, atleast for the peak hours of celebration. The premises of your home ensure that you are safe from pouncing hooligans, even friends who can be a little rough on the day.
* When traveling keep the car windows thoroughly shut, even if you don't have an AC car. Do not bump into the frenzied group of mob if you take to streets. Better you cross the road to the sidewalk across. Or, simply stay at a safe distance.
* Do not use permanent dyes. If someone has applied it on you, do not rub the face with soap immediately in order to get rid off it, especially when it is wet. Instead, use good quality cleansing milk for removal. It's better than using soap, which will dry up your skin.
* Remember you also have police on your side and if any untoward revelers misbehave, you can make your complaint. Mark out the locality, building and if possible the person.
* Take a bath much later after the entire Holi celebration is over. Taking frequent baths, washing the face again and again, will ruin your skin. You will also lose hair, for too much soap/shampoo has a drying effect.
* If you are prone to skin allergies, avoid playing with gulal altogether.
* Avoid running on jumping on wet floors, so that you don't slip and injure yourself. Bones are specially vulnerable on this day.
* Avoid over indulgence in bhang, drinks or food... so that you don't repent later.
* Do not drive if you are high on alcohol or bhang.
* Keep handy pain killers, anti-oxidants, anti-allergic tablets if all the above tips have been disregarded.
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Popular Holi songs from Bollywood:
Given here are the lyrics of some of the popular Holi Songs from Bollywood. Take out your musical instruments or just a dhol, don the colorful Holi cap and sing these songs aloud in the company of your dear friends. Holi is all about having fun, and loads of it!!
List of Popular Holi Songs from Films
* Dekho Aayi Holi... Mangal Pandey
* Holi Ke Din... Sholay
* Rang Barse...Silsila
* Hori Khele Raghuveera...Baghban
* Mohe Chedo Na...Lamhe
* Ang se ang lagana sajan… Darr
* Mal de gulal mohe, aaye holi aaye re… Kaamchor
* Apne rang mein rang de mujko … Aakhir Kyon
* Aayee re aayee re holi… Zakhmee
* Phagun aayo re... Phagun
* Arre ja re hat natkhat… Navrang
* Aaj na chodenge bas humjoli khelenge hum holi... Kati Patang
* Holi aaye re kanhayee… Mother India
* Tan rang lo ji aaj mann rang lo... Kohinoor
* O dekho holi aayi... Mashaal
* Rang di preet ne rang di... Dhanwan
* Koi bheega hai rang se ... Mumbai Se Aaya Mera Dost
* Lai hai hazaro rang holi...Phool aur Patthar
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Lyrics:
(1)
Holi Ke Din .....[Sholay]:
Chalo saheli - 2
Chalo re saathi - 2
Ye pakdo
Ye (pakadoo) - 4 ise na chhodo
Arra arra arra baiya na todo,
Oye thaher ja babhi, arey jare sharabi
Kya ho raja gali mein aaja
Holi holi gaaon ki gori o nakharewaali
Dungi main gali arre raamu ki saali, holi re holi
Holi ke din dil khil jaate hain rangon mein rang mil jaate hain--2
gile shikwe bhul ke doston dushman bhi gale mil jaate hain
Holi ke din dil khil jaate hain rangon mein rang mil jaate hain
Chorus 1
Holi hai
1.Gori tere rang jaisaa thodasa main rang bana lu
Aa tere gulabi gaalon se thoda sa gulaal chura lu
Jare ja deewane tu holi ke bahane tu--2
Chhed na mujhe besaram
Puchh le zamane se aise hi bahane se liye aur diye dil jaate hain
Holi ke din dil khil jaate hain rango mein rang mil jaate hain
~*~*~*~
~*~*~*~
चलो सहेली, चलो
रे साथी
ओ पकड़ो-पकड़ो रे इसे न छोड़ो
अरे बैंया न मोड़ो
ज़रा ठहर जा भाभी, अरे जा रे सराबी
क्या ओ राजा, गली में आजा
होली-होली, भांग की गोली
ओ नखरे वाली, दूँगी मैं गाली
ओ रामू की साली
होली रे होली
होली के दिन दिल खिल जाते हैं
रंगों में रंग मिल जाते हैं
गिले शिक़वे भूल के दोस्तों
दुश्मन भी गले मिल जाते हैं
गोरी तेरे रंग जैसा थोड़ा सा मैं रंग बना लूँ
आ तेरे गुलाबी गालों से थोड़ा सा गुलाल चुरा लूँ
जा रे जा दीवाने तू, होली के बहाने तू, छेड़ ना मुझे बेसरम
पूछ ले ज़माने से, ऐसे ही बहाने से, लिए और दिए दिल जाते हैं
होली के दिन दिल...
यही तेरी मरज़ी है तो अच्छा चल तू ख़ुश हो ले
पास आ के छूना ना मुझे, चाहे मुझे दूर से भिगो ले
हीरे की कनी है तू, मट्टी की बनी है तू, छूने से टूट जाएगी
काँटों के छूने से, फूलों से नाज़ुक-नाज़ुक बदन छिल जाते हैं
होली के दिन दिल...
ओ पकड़ो-पकड़ो रे इसे न छोड़ो
अरे बैंया न मोड़ो
ज़रा ठहर जा भाभी, अरे जा रे सराबी
क्या ओ राजा, गली में आजा
होली-होली, भांग की गोली
ओ नखरे वाली, दूँगी मैं गाली
ओ रामू की साली
होली रे होली
होली के दिन दिल खिल जाते हैं
रंगों में रंग मिल जाते हैं
गिले शिक़वे भूल के दोस्तों
दुश्मन भी गले मिल जाते हैं
गोरी तेरे रंग जैसा थोड़ा सा मैं रंग बना लूँ
आ तेरे गुलाबी गालों से थोड़ा सा गुलाल चुरा लूँ
जा रे जा दीवाने तू, होली के बहाने तू, छेड़ ना मुझे बेसरम
पूछ ले ज़माने से, ऐसे ही बहाने से, लिए और दिए दिल जाते हैं
होली के दिन दिल...
यही तेरी मरज़ी है तो अच्छा चल तू ख़ुश हो ले
पास आ के छूना ना मुझे, चाहे मुझे दूर से भिगो ले
हीरे की कनी है तू, मट्टी की बनी है तू, छूने से टूट जाएगी
काँटों के छूने से, फूलों से नाज़ुक-नाज़ुक बदन छिल जाते हैं
होली के दिन दिल...
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(2)
Rang Barse...[Silsila]:
Rang barse bheege chunar wali, rang barse
Are kaine maari pichkaari tori bheegi angiya
O rangrasia rangrasia, ho
Rang barse bheege chunar wali, rang barse...
Sone ki thaali main jona parosa
Are, sone ki thaali main jona parosa
Haan, sone ki thaali main jona parosa
Are, khaye gauri ka yaar balam tarse,rang barse
Holi hai!!!
O, Rang barse bheege chunar wali, rang barse...
Launga elaichi ka, are launga elaichi ka
Launga elaichi ka? Haan
Are launga elaichi ka beeda lagaya
Haan, launga elaichi ka beeda lagaya
Chabe gauri ka yaar, balam tarse, rang barse
Holi hai!!!
O, Rang barse bheege chunar wali, rang barse ...
Are, bela chameli ka sez bhichhaya
Bela chameli ka, sez bhichhaya
Are, bela chameli ka sez bhichhaya
Haan, bela chameli ka sez bhichhaya
Soye gauri ka yaar, balam tarse,rang barse
Holi hai!!!
O, Rang barse bheege chunar wali, rang barse...
~*~*~*~
सोने की थारी में जोना परोसा
अरे सोने की थाली में
हाँ सोने की थारी में जोना परोसा
अरे खाए गोरी का यार
बलम तरसे रंग बरसे
होली है...
ओ रंग बरसे भीगे चुनरवाली रंग बरसे
ओ रंग बरसे भीगे चुनरवाली रंग बरसे
लौंगा इलाची का
अरे लौंगा इलाची का भाई
हाँ लौंगा इलाची का !
हाँ.. अरे लौंगा इलाची का बीड़ा लगाया
लौंगा इलाची का बीड़ा लगाया
अरे लौंगा इलाची का
हाँ लौंगा इलाची का बीड़ा लगाया
अरे चाबे गोरी का यार बलम तरसे रंग बरसे
होली है...
ओ रंग बरसे भीगे चुनरवाली रंग बरसे
ओ रंग बरसे भीगे चुनरवाली रंग बरसे
ओ रंग बरसे भीगे चुनरवा
ओ रंग बरसे भीगे चुनरवाली रंग बरसे
अरे बेला चमेली का.. सेज बिछाया
अरे बेला चमेली का.. सेज बिछाया
बेला चमेली का.. सेज बिछाया
बेला चमेली का.. सेज बिछाया
अरे बेला चमेली का
हाँ बेला चमेली का.. सेज बिछाया
सोए गोरी का
सोए गोरी का यार, बलम तरसे रंग बरसे
होली है...
ओ रंग बरसे भीगे चुनरवाली रंग बरसे
ओ रंग बरसे भीगे चुनरवाली रंग बरसे
ओ रंग, बरसे, भीगे, चुनरवा, लीरंग, बरसे
ओ रंग बरसे भीगे चुनरवाली रंग बरसे
ओ रंग बरसे भीगे चुनरवाली रंग बरसे
ओ रंग बरसे भीगे चुनरवाली रंग बरसे
ओ रंग बरसे भीगे चुनरवाली रंग बरसे हो
अरे रंग बरसे भीगे चुनरवाली रंग बरसे हाय
~*~*~*~
होली है.. हो..
रंग बरसे...भीगे चुनरवाली रंग बरसे
होली है.....
अरे कैने मारी पिचकारी तोरी भीगी अंगिया
ओ रंग रसिया, रंग रसिया हो
होए...
रंग बरसे... अरे रंग बरसे
भीगे चुनरवाली रंग बरसे
हो रंग बरसे भीगे चुनरवाली रंग बरसे
हो रंग बरसे भीगे चुनरवाली रंग बरसे
हो रंग बरसे भीगे चुनरवाली रंग बरसे
हाँ रंग बरसे भीगे चुनरवाली रंग बरसे
सोने की थारी में जोना परोसारंग बरसे...भीगे चुनरवाली रंग बरसे
होली है.....
अरे कैने मारी पिचकारी तोरी भीगी अंगिया
ओ रंग रसिया, रंग रसिया हो
होए...
रंग बरसे... अरे रंग बरसे
भीगे चुनरवाली रंग बरसे
हो रंग बरसे भीगे चुनरवाली रंग बरसे
हो रंग बरसे भीगे चुनरवाली रंग बरसे
हो रंग बरसे भीगे चुनरवाली रंग बरसे
हाँ रंग बरसे भीगे चुनरवाली रंग बरसे
सोने की थारी में जोना परोसा
अरे सोने की थाली में
हाँ सोने की थारी में जोना परोसा
अरे खाए गोरी का यार
बलम तरसे रंग बरसे
होली है...
ओ रंग बरसे भीगे चुनरवाली रंग बरसे
ओ रंग बरसे भीगे चुनरवाली रंग बरसे
लौंगा इलाची का
अरे लौंगा इलाची का भाई
हाँ लौंगा इलाची का !
हाँ.. अरे लौंगा इलाची का बीड़ा लगाया
लौंगा इलाची का बीड़ा लगाया
अरे लौंगा इलाची का
हाँ लौंगा इलाची का बीड़ा लगाया
अरे चाबे गोरी का यार बलम तरसे रंग बरसे
होली है...
ओ रंग बरसे भीगे चुनरवाली रंग बरसे
ओ रंग बरसे भीगे चुनरवाली रंग बरसे
ओ रंग बरसे भीगे चुनरवा
ओ रंग बरसे भीगे चुनरवाली रंग बरसे
अरे बेला चमेली का.. सेज बिछाया
अरे बेला चमेली का.. सेज बिछाया
बेला चमेली का.. सेज बिछाया
बेला चमेली का.. सेज बिछाया
अरे बेला चमेली का
हाँ बेला चमेली का.. सेज बिछाया
सोए गोरी का
सोए गोरी का यार, बलम तरसे रंग बरसे
होली है...
ओ रंग बरसे भीगे चुनरवाली रंग बरसे
ओ रंग बरसे भीगे चुनरवाली रंग बरसे
ओ रंग, बरसे, भीगे, चुनरवा, लीरंग, बरसे
ओ रंग बरसे भीगे चुनरवाली रंग बरसे
ओ रंग बरसे भीगे चुनरवाली रंग बरसे
ओ रंग बरसे भीगे चुनरवाली रंग बरसे
ओ रंग बरसे भीगे चुनरवाली रंग बरसे हो
अरे रंग बरसे भीगे चुनरवाली रंग बरसे हाय
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
(3)
Hori Khele Raghuveera...[Baghban]:
Hori Khele Raghuveera
Taal se taal mile more babuaa baaje dhol mridang
Man se man kaa mel jo ho to rang se mil jaaye rang
O hori khele Raghuveeraa
Hori khele raghuveeraa avadh mein hori khele raghuveeraa -- 3
Haan hilmil aave log lugaai hilmil aave log lugaai
Hilmil aave log lugaai
Bhai mahalan mein bheeraa avadh mein hori khele raghuveeraa
Arey hori khele raghuveeraa avadh mein hori khele raghuveeraa
Holi hai
Yeah hori khele raghuveeraa avadh mein hori khele raghuveeraa
Arey hori khele raghuveeraa avadh mein hori khele raghuveeraa
Pat tak dhig dhig dhig dhaan jhaa jhaa jhaa jhanak jhaa jhaa jhaa
Arey dhin dik dhak dhin dhin dhin ton kaa re kaa hey kar tanan dhaa dhaa dhaa
Tak dhin, tak dhin tak dhin tanan dhum tanan dhaa dhaa
Inko sharam nahin aaye dekhe naahin apni umariyaa -- 2
Ho saath baras mein ishq ladaaye
Saath baras mein ishq ladaaye
Mukhade pe rang lagaaye badaa rangeelaa sanvariyaa -– 2
Chunari pe daale abheeraa avadh mein hori khere raghuveeraa
Arey chunari pe daale abheeraa avadh mein hori khere raghuveeraa -- 2
Haan hilmil aave log lugaai
Bhai mahalan mein bheeraa avadh mein hori khele raghuveeraa
Holi hai
Arey hori khele raghuveeraa avadh mein hori khele raghuveeraa
Hey ab ke phaag mose khelo na hori
Haan haan na khelat na khelat
Tori shapath main umariyaa ki thori
Haay haay haay chaachaa
Ta ta ta ta ta ra ta ta ta ta haay jhun jhun haay jhun jhun
Dekhe hai upar se jhaanke nahin andar sajaniyaa -- 2
Umar chadi hai dil to javaan hai -- 2
Baanhon mein bharke mujhe zaraa jhankaa de painjaniyaa -- 2
Saanchi kahe hai kabiraa avadh mein hori khele raghuveeraa
Arey saanchi kahe hai kabiraa avadh mein hori khele raghuveeraa
Arey hori khere raghuveeraa
o hori khele raghuveeraa avadh mein hori khele raghuveeraa
Hori khele raghuveeraa avadh mein hori khele raghuveeraa
Hilmil aave log lugaai haan hilmil aave log lugaai
Bhai mahalan mein bheeraa avadh mein hori khele raghuveeraa
Holi hai
Hori khele raghuveeraa avadh mein hori khele raghuveeraa
Ey bhaiyaa hori khele raghuveeraa avadh mein hori khele raghuveeraa
Hori khele raghuveeraa avadh mein hori khele raghuveeraa
Haath de bhaiyaa
Hori khele raghuveeraa avadh mein hori khele raghuveeraa
~*~*~*~
~*~*~*~
ताल से ताल मिले मोरे बबुआ..
बाजे ढोल मृदंग..
मन से मन का मेल जो हो तो..
रंग से मिल जाए रंग
हो.. होरी खेले रघुवीरा
होरी खेले रघुवीरा अवध में होरी खेले रघुवीरा
होरी खेले रघुवीरा अवध में होरी खेले रघुवीरा
अरे
होरी खेले रघुवीरा अवध में होरी खेले रघुवीरा
होरी खेले रघुवीरा अवध में होरी खेले रघुवीरा
हाँ हिलमिल आवे लोग लुगाई
हिलमिल आवे लोग लुगाई
हिलमिल आवे लोग लुगाई
भाई महलन में भीरा अवध में
होरी खेले रघुवीरा
अरे होरी खेले रघुवीरा अवध में होरी खेले रघुवीरा
होली है..
होरी खेले रघुवीरा अवध में होरी खेले रघुवीरा
अरे होरी खेले रघुवीरा अवध में होरी खेले रघुवीरा
तनिक शर्म नहीं आये देखे नाहीं अपनी उमरिया
तनिक शर्म नहीं आये देखे नाहीं अपनी उमरिया
हो साठ बरस में इश्क लड़ाए
साठ बरस में इश्क लड़ाए
मुखड़े पे रंग लगाए, बड़ा रंगीला सांवरिया
मुखड़े पे रंग लगाए, बड़ा रंगीला सांवरिया
चुनरी पे डारे अबीरा अवध में
होरी खेरे रघुवीरा
अरे चुनरी पे डारे अबीरा अवध में
होरी खेरे रघुवीरा
अरे होरी खेले रघुवीरा अवध में होरी खेले रघुवीरा
हाँ हिलमिल आवे लोग लुगाई
भाई महलन में भीरा अवध में
होरी खेले रघुवीरा होली है..
अरे होरी खेले रघुवीरा अवध में होरी खेले रघुवीरा
हे.. अब के फाग मोसे खेलो ना होरी
हाँ हाँ ना खेलब ना खेलब
तोरी शपथ मैं उमरिया की थोरी
हाय हाय हाय चाचा
देखे है ऊपर से, झांके नहीं अन्दर सजनिया
देखे है ऊपर से, झांके नहीं अन्दर सजनिया
उम्र चढ़ी है दिल तो जवां है
उम्र चढ़ी है भैया दिल तो जवां है
बांहों में भरके मुझे ज़रा झनका दे पैंजनिया
बांहों में भरके मुझे ज़रा झनका दे पैंजनिया
साँची कहे है कबीरा अवध में
होरी खेले रघुवीरा
अरे साँची कहे है कबीरा अवध में
होरी खेले रघुवीरा
अरे, होरी खेले रघु
हो.. होरी खेले रघुवीरा
अवध में होरी खेले रघुवीरा
होरी खेले रघुवीरा
अवध में होरी खेले रघुवीरा
हिलमिल आवे लोग लुगाई
हाँ हिलमिल आवे लोग लुगाई
भाई महलन में भीरा अवध में
होरी खेले रघुवीरा होली है..
होरी खेले रघुवीरा अवध में होरी खेले रघुवीरा
अरे भैया होरी खेले, रघुवीरा अवध में
होरी खेले रघुवीरा
[होरी खेले रघुवीरा अवध में होरी खेले रघुवीरा] x 4
बाजे ढोल मृदंग..
मन से मन का मेल जो हो तो..
रंग से मिल जाए रंग
हो.. होरी खेले रघुवीरा
होरी खेले रघुवीरा अवध में होरी खेले रघुवीरा
होरी खेले रघुवीरा अवध में होरी खेले रघुवीरा
अरे
होरी खेले रघुवीरा अवध में होरी खेले रघुवीरा
होरी खेले रघुवीरा अवध में होरी खेले रघुवीरा
हाँ हिलमिल आवे लोग लुगाई
हिलमिल आवे लोग लुगाई
हिलमिल आवे लोग लुगाई
भाई महलन में भीरा अवध में
होरी खेले रघुवीरा
अरे होरी खेले रघुवीरा अवध में होरी खेले रघुवीरा
होली है..
होरी खेले रघुवीरा अवध में होरी खेले रघुवीरा
अरे होरी खेले रघुवीरा अवध में होरी खेले रघुवीरा
तनिक शर्म नहीं आये देखे नाहीं अपनी उमरिया
तनिक शर्म नहीं आये देखे नाहीं अपनी उमरिया
हो साठ बरस में इश्क लड़ाए
साठ बरस में इश्क लड़ाए
मुखड़े पे रंग लगाए, बड़ा रंगीला सांवरिया
मुखड़े पे रंग लगाए, बड़ा रंगीला सांवरिया
चुनरी पे डारे अबीरा अवध में
होरी खेरे रघुवीरा
अरे चुनरी पे डारे अबीरा अवध में
होरी खेरे रघुवीरा
अरे होरी खेले रघुवीरा अवध में होरी खेले रघुवीरा
हाँ हिलमिल आवे लोग लुगाई
भाई महलन में भीरा अवध में
होरी खेले रघुवीरा होली है..
अरे होरी खेले रघुवीरा अवध में होरी खेले रघुवीरा
हे.. अब के फाग मोसे खेलो ना होरी
हाँ हाँ ना खेलब ना खेलब
तोरी शपथ मैं उमरिया की थोरी
हाय हाय हाय चाचा
देखे है ऊपर से, झांके नहीं अन्दर सजनिया
देखे है ऊपर से, झांके नहीं अन्दर सजनिया
उम्र चढ़ी है दिल तो जवां है
उम्र चढ़ी है भैया दिल तो जवां है
बांहों में भरके मुझे ज़रा झनका दे पैंजनिया
बांहों में भरके मुझे ज़रा झनका दे पैंजनिया
साँची कहे है कबीरा अवध में
होरी खेले रघुवीरा
अरे साँची कहे है कबीरा अवध में
होरी खेले रघुवीरा
अरे, होरी खेले रघु
हो.. होरी खेले रघुवीरा
अवध में होरी खेले रघुवीरा
होरी खेले रघुवीरा
अवध में होरी खेले रघुवीरा
हिलमिल आवे लोग लुगाई
हाँ हिलमिल आवे लोग लुगाई
भाई महलन में भीरा अवध में
होरी खेले रघुवीरा होली है..
होरी खेले रघुवीरा अवध में होरी खेले रघुवीरा
अरे भैया होरी खेले, रघुवीरा अवध में
होरी खेले रघुवीरा
[होरी खेले रघुवीरा अवध में होरी खेले रघुवीरा] x 4
*******************************************
Holi Bhajans:
(1)
Nandi kese khele anokhi holi sham ke
Nandi kese khele anokhi holi sham ke
Ya hari me kho gayi re mere payal pav ke
Avhi nayi gadahi mene bahutak dam ke
Nandi kese khele ..................
Dhum sahi na jaye sakhi re aado sham ke
Harmat laag jaye esse holi kaya kaam ke
Nandi kese khele ..................
Rese bahut hai buri sakhi re, gokul gavo ke
Rag dale chap lagaye, apne naam ke
Nandi kese khele ..................
Yah hari hai ajar amar, govardan dham ke
Mitre mandle khush rahi, sab har naye saal ke
Nandi kese khele ..................
~*~*~*~
होली का गीत
होली खेल रहे शिव शंकर गौरा पार्वती के संग
गौरा पार्वती के संग माता पार्वती के संग। होली....
कुटी छोड़ शिव शंकर चल दिये लियो नादिया संग
गले में रूण्डो की माला, सर्प लिपट रहे अंग। होली....
मनियों खा गये आक धतुरा धडि़यों पी गये भंग
एक सेर गांजे को पीकर हुए नशे में दंग। होली....
कामिनी होली खेल रही है देवर जेठ के संग
रघुवर होली खेल रहे है सीता जी के संग। होली.....
राजा इन्द्र ने होली खेली इन्द्राणी के संग
राधे होली खेल रही है श्री कृष्ण के संग। होली.....
विष्णु होली खेल रहे है लक्ष्मी जी के संग
ब्रह्मा, विष्णु मिलकर खेले शंकर जी के संग। होली.....
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
(2)
Holi khelan aayo sham
Holi khelan aayo sham aaj is rag me bhori re
Kore kore kalash mage, va me keshar ghore re
Rag berage karo aaj kare te goro re
Holi khelan aayo sham ..............
Pas padose bulaye yahi, aagan me ghoro re
Pitambar levo chin aaye, pahirav dev chori re
Holi khelan aayo sham ..............
Hare bais ke basureya yaki tode marode re
Tare de de ya nachavo, apne aaro re
Holi khelan aayo sham ...............
Chand sakhi ke yahi vinte, kare nihore re
Haha khaye pare jab peya, tab yeh chodo re
Holi khelan aayo sham ...............
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
(3)
Ya ne esso chatak
Ya ne esso chatak
Mere chunri me lag gaye daag re, ya ne esso chatak rag daalo
Aoran to holi naye khelo, ya ki mohe se lag gayi laag re
Ya ne esso chatak .................
Mohu to ketni varaj sundri, ye to mohe se khele faag re
Mere chunriya esse kori, par raseya ne esse bhore
Ab kese chutego ya ko daag re, ya ne esso chatak ......
~*~*~*~
होली का गीत
अरी भागो री भागो री गोरी भागो,
रंग लायो नन्द को लाल।
बाके कमर में बंसी लटक रही
और मोर मुकुटिया चमक रही
संग लायो ढेर गुलाल,
अरी भागो री भागो री गोरी भागो,
रंग लायो नन्द को लाल।
इक हाथ पकड़ लई पिचकारी
सूरत कर लै पियरी कारी
इक हाथ में अबीर गुलाल
अरी भागो री भागो री गोरी भागो,
रंग लायो नन्द को लाल।
भर भर मारैगो रंग पिचकारी
चून कारैगो अगिया कारी
गोरे गालन मलैगो गुलाल
अरी भागो री भागो री गोरी भागो,
रंग लायो नन्द को लाल।
यह पल आई मोहन टोरी
और घेर लई राधा गोरी
होरी खेलै करैं छेड़ छाड़
अरी भागो री भागो री गोरी भागो,
रंग लायो नन्द को लाल।
~*~*~*~
होली का गीत
अरी भागो री भागो री गोरी भागो,
रंग लायो नन्द को लाल।
बाके कमर में बंसी लटक रही
और मोर मुकुटिया चमक रही
संग लायो ढेर गुलाल,
अरी भागो री भागो री गोरी भागो,
रंग लायो नन्द को लाल।
इक हाथ पकड़ लई पिचकारी
सूरत कर लै पियरी कारी
इक हाथ में अबीर गुलाल
अरी भागो री भागो री गोरी भागो,
रंग लायो नन्द को लाल।
भर भर मारैगो रंग पिचकारी
चून कारैगो अगिया कारी
गोरे गालन मलैगो गुलाल
अरी भागो री भागो री गोरी भागो,
रंग लायो नन्द को लाल।
यह पल आई मोहन टोरी
और घेर लई राधा गोरी
होरी खेलै करैं छेड़ छाड़
अरी भागो री भागो री गोरी भागो,
रंग लायो नन्द को लाल।
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
(4)
Raseya ko nari banayo re
Raseya ko nari banayo re
Raseya ko nari banayo re, raseya ko nari banayo re
Gaal gulal dugan me anjan, vedeh bhal lagayo re
Kati lehga gal mahi kanchuki, chunri shish aothavo re
Narayan kartari bajaye ke, pashu mati nekat nachavo re
Raseya ko nari banayo re ...................
~*~*~*~
होली का गीत
मैं कैसे होली खेलू री साँवरिया के संग।
कोरे कोरे कलश भराए उनमें घोला रंग।। मैं कैसे.....
भर पिचकारी सम्मुख मारी चुनरी हुई सुरंग
घर-घर से ब्रज वनिता निकली लिये केसरी रंग। मैं कैसे.....
एक सखी उनमे से बोली मलो श्याम के अंग। मैं कैसे.....
ताल बजे तम्बूरा बाजे और बाजे मृदंग।
कान्हा जी की बंसी बाजे राधा जी के संग। मैं कैसे....
~*~*~*~
होली का गीत
मैं कैसे होली खेलू री साँवरिया के संग।
कोरे कोरे कलश भराए उनमें घोला रंग।। मैं कैसे.....
भर पिचकारी सम्मुख मारी चुनरी हुई सुरंग
घर-घर से ब्रज वनिता निकली लिये केसरी रंग। मैं कैसे.....
एक सखी उनमे से बोली मलो श्याम के अंग। मैं कैसे.....
ताल बजे तम्बूरा बाजे और बाजे मृदंग।
कान्हा जी की बंसी बाजे राधा जी के संग। मैं कैसे....
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
(5)
Hari khelan faag
Hari khelan faag
Hari khelan faag, machi holi
Madh utre ritu fagun aayo, ghar ghar sham karat feri
Fhek gulal haat pichkari, kesar pit surag wali
Bharma khele mahadev khele, surpati khele var jori
Surdas chavi dekh magan bhaye, hari ke charan lage dori
Hari khelan faag ...................
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
(6)
Mohe chhedo na
Mohe chhedo na
Mohe chhedo na, O mohe chhedo na nand ke lala
Ki main hi brij bala, Nahi main radha teri
Kahe pakad li meri kalai, Teri duhai o krishna kanahi
Kahe pakad li meri kalai, Teri duhai krishna kanahi
Harzai too bansi wala, Ki main hoon brij bala
Nahi main radha teri, Mohe chhedo na nand ke lala..........
Radha se hogi teri thhithholi, Aankh micholi tum humjoli
Holi main yoon mujhe kyon rang dala, Ki main hoon brij bala
Nahi main radha teri, Mohe chhedo na nand ke lala.........
~*~*~*~
होली का गीत
अरी भागो री भागो री गोरी भागो,
रंग लायो नन्द को लाल।
बाके कमर में बंसी लटक रही
और मोर मुकुटिया चमक रही
संग लायो ढेर गुलाल,
अरी भागो री भागो री गोरी भागो,
रंग लायो नन्द को लाल।
इक हाथ पकड़ लई पिचकारी
सूरत कर लै पियरी कारी
इक हाथ में अबीर गुलाल
अरी भागो री भागो री गोरी भागो,
रंग लायो नन्द को लाल।
भर भर मारैगो रंग पिचकारी
चून कारैगो अगिया कारी
गोरे गालन मलैगो गुलाल
अरी भागो री भागो री गोरी भागो,
रंग लायो नन्द को लाल।
यह पल आई मोहन टोरी
और घेर लई राधा गोरी
होरी खेलै करैं छेड़ छाड़
अरी भागो री भागो री गोरी भागो,
रंग लायो नन्द को लाल।
~*~*~*~
होली का गीत
अरी भागो री भागो री गोरी भागो,
रंग लायो नन्द को लाल।
बाके कमर में बंसी लटक रही
और मोर मुकुटिया चमक रही
संग लायो ढेर गुलाल,
अरी भागो री भागो री गोरी भागो,
रंग लायो नन्द को लाल।
इक हाथ पकड़ लई पिचकारी
सूरत कर लै पियरी कारी
इक हाथ में अबीर गुलाल
अरी भागो री भागो री गोरी भागो,
रंग लायो नन्द को लाल।
भर भर मारैगो रंग पिचकारी
चून कारैगो अगिया कारी
गोरे गालन मलैगो गुलाल
अरी भागो री भागो री गोरी भागो,
रंग लायो नन्द को लाल।
यह पल आई मोहन टोरी
और घेर लई राधा गोरी
होरी खेलै करैं छेड़ छाड़
अरी भागो री भागो री गोरी भागो,
रंग लायो नन्द को लाल।
***********************************************************
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Special Holi Recipes
(1) Bhaang lassi
Ingredients:-
* 15 gms (1/2 oz) bhang (cannabis)
* 2 Cups warm whole milk
* 1/2 Cup sugar
* 1 tbsp Coconut milk
* 1 tbsp Almonds, chopped
* 1/8 tsp Ginger, powdered
* 1 Pinch garam masala
* 1/2 tsp Grenadine
* 1 Cup water
Method:
* Take a pan and bring water to a boil.
* Now add bhang to it.
* Let it simmer for about 7 to 10 mins and close the flame and strain it.
* With the help of a 2 tblp of milk grind the strained bhang. Repeat this process several times.
* Add some more milk to the bhaang and grind it along with the almonds. Repeat this several times.
* Strain this mixture and pour the milk, coconut milk, grenadine and boiled water into a pan.
* While stiring add ginger, sugar and garam masala to the above prepared bhang mixture
* Cool it in the refrigerator for few hours before serving the bhang lassi
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(2) THANDAI RECIPES
(a) Bhang Thandai
Ingredients:-
* 1 1/2 liter - Water
* 1 1/2 cups - Sugar (cheeni)
* 1 cup - Milk
* 1 tbsp - Almonds (badam)
* 1 tbsp - Watermelon/Cantaloupe seeds (dried and skinned) (kharboje ke beej)
* 1/2 tbsp - Poppy seeds (khus khus)
* 1/2 tbsp - Aniseed
* 1/2 tsp - Cardamom powder (elaichi powder)
* 1 tsp - Peppercorns (whole) (sabut kali mirch)
* 15 cannabis (bhaang)
* 1/4 cup - Dried or fresh rose petals (gulab ki pati)
Method:--
* Take a pan and add 1/2 litre of water and sugar to it. Let it saok for 2 hours.
* Now in a separate bowl soak all the other dry ingredients in 2 cups of water for minimum 2 hours. After 2 hours grind these soaked ingredients into a fine paste.
* Mix remaining water to the paste and strain it using a strong muslin strainer to extract the liquid into a vessel until the residue becomes dry.
* Now to this strained mixture add milk and sugar syrup.
* Add the cardamom powder in the milk.
* Keep it for chilling in the fridge for 2 -3 hours before serving.
* Serve it cold with some chopped almonds.
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(b) Plain Thandai
Ingredients:-
* 21/2 cup Water
* 2 tblsp Fennel Seed (Saunf)
* 1/2 tsp Cardamom Seed (Elaichi)
* 4 whole Cloves (Lavang)
* 2/3rd cup Raisins (Kishmish)
* 1/2 cup blanched and chopped Almond (Badam)
* 1/4th cup chopped Pistachio (Pista)
* 1/4th cup Melon seeds, Sunflower seeds or Pine Nuts
* 1 ltr Milk (Doodh)
* 1/4th tsp dry-roasted and powdered Saffron (Kesar) threads
Method :-
* Bring the water to boil in a small saucepan.
* Add the fennel seeds, cardamom and cloves, cover, and remove from the heat.
* Set aside for ten minutes.
* Place the raisins, almonds, pistachios and melon seeds, sunflower seeds, or pine nuts in a bowl and add fennel tea.
* Cover and set aside for at least 1 hour.
* Transfer it to a blender, cover, and blend until the nuts & spices are reduced to a smooth texture.
* Pour into a strainer and set over a bowl.
* When some of liquid had drained through the sieve, gather the corners and squeeze tightly to extract the maximum liquid.
* Heat 2 tblsp of milk and add saffron.
* Combine the nut milk, saffron milk and remaining milk in a large jug and chill well.
* Serve over a crushed ice.
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(c) Thandai Recipe
Ingredients:-
* 250 gms sweetened condensed milk
* 1 1/2 litre milk
* 10 almonds, soaked in water and peeled
* 6 pepper corns
* 4 cardamoms, crushed
* 2 tsp fennel seeds (saunf)
* 1 tsp khus essence (poppy seeds)
* Few ice cubes, crushed
Method:-
* Grind well the peeled almonds, cardamom and fennel seeds to a fine paste
* Mix with the rest of the ingredients.
* Strain the mixture well.
* Take crushed ice cubes in a glass till half.
* Fill the rest with the above mixture.
* Serve garnished with rose petals.
* Makes for 12 glasses
* Preparation time: 5-10 minutes
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(3) Bhaang Pakore Recipe
Ingredients:-
* 250 gms Besan (gram flour)
* 200 gms Potatoes (aloo)
* 200 gms Cauliflower (gobhi)
* 150 gms Onions (pyaj)
* 100 gms Spinach (palak)
* 200 gms Brinjal (baigan)
* 10 gms Bhang (cannabis) seed powder
* 2 gms Soda-bicarb
* 5 gms Ajwain (carom seeds)
* 5 gms Pomegranate seed powder (anardana)
* Salt to taste
* Oil for deep-frying
Method:-
* Wash and cut the vegetables in big chunks.
* Mix together besan, soda-bicarb and salt together.
* To this mixture add bhang seed powder, ajwain, red chili powder, and pomegranate seed powder.
* Now add enough water to make batter of dropping consistency.
* Heat oil in a kadai.
* Dip the vegetable pieces one by one in the batter such that they get completely smeared with the batter from all around.
* Then deep fry them on medium fire till golden crisp.
* Bhaang pakora are ready and can be served hot.
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(4) Gujiya Recipe
Recipe makes 20 to 24 gujia.
Ingredients:-
Crust:-
* 1 cup all purpose flour (plain flour or maida)
* 1 tablespoon sooji (semolina flour)
* 2 tablespoons oil
* 1/3 cup lukewarm water or as needed
Filling:-
* 1/2 cup heavy cream or whipping cream
* 1 cup milk powder
* 1/4 cup coconut powder
* 1/4 cup sliced almonds
* 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
* 2 tablespoon sugar
* 2 tablespoon melon seeds (optional)
Garnish:-
* 1/2 cup sugar
* 1/4 Water
* 2 tablespoons sliced almonds and pistachios
Also needed:-
* 1 tablespoon all purpose flour (plain flour or maida)
* 2 tablespoon water
* Oil to fry
Method:-
Crust:-
* Mix flour, sooji, and oil in a bowl, make a soft dough adding water slowley as needed.
* Knead the dough until the dough becomes soft and pliable.
* Set the dough aside and cover it with a damp cloth. Let the dough sit for at least ten minutes.
Filling:-
* Mix the cream and milk powder in a frying pan.
* Cook on medium heat until mixture starts leaving the sides of the frying pan and becomes soft runny dough. Stir continuously so the mixture does not burn on the bottom of the pan.
* Turn off the heat and add coconut, almonds, melon seeds, sugar, and cardamom powder. Mix together well.
* After cooling, the mixture will be lightly moist. Keep aside.
Making the Gujias:-
* Mix 2 tablespoons of water with 1 tablespoon of flour to make a paste. Set aside.
* Knead the dough again for a minute.
* Divide the dough into about 20 equal parts and roll into balls with the palms of your hands.
* Roll each ball into about 4-inch diameter (like a roti or chappati).
* Dip your finger in the flour paste and spread it around the rim of the rolled dough, but just on the half the circle.
* Take the rolled dough in your palm and put about 1-1/2 tablespoons of the filling mixture in the center and fold it into a semi-circle. Now press the edges together with your fingers. Make sure the edges are completely sealed otherwise they will open while frying and oil will get in and filling will come out. (or gujias can be made with the help of gujia moulds.)
* Continue filling the rest of the gujia in the same manner.
* Heat about 1-1/2 inches of oil in a frying pan on medium heat. To test if the oil is hot enough, drop a small piece of dough into the oil. It should sizzle right away but come to the surface slowly.
* Place the gujia in the frying pan few at a time.
* After gujhias are floating on top of the oil, turn them slowly. Fry the gujias until they turn light golden-brown color on all sides. Don’t fry on high heat; the gujia crust will be too soft and not crispy.
* When they are done cooking, lift them out of the oil with a slotted spoon.
Garnishing:-
* Boil the sugar and water on medium heat until syrup is about one thread or 230 degrees (Fahrenheit) on a candy thermometer.
* Dip the gujias into the syrup making sure they are coated with syrup all around.
* Place the gujias on a wire rack to allow the extra syrup drain.
* Garnish the gujias with sliced almonds and pistachios while the gujhias are still moist with syrup.
* Gujias will be dry in an hour.
* Gujia can be stored in airtight container up to a month.
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(4)Dahi Bhalle
Ingredients:-
--------------
For bhalle:-
* 1 cup urad duli dal (split black gram)
* Pinch of hing
* Salt to taste
* Oil for frying
* 1 chopped green chilly
* Little chopped ginger
* For filling:
* 1 tsp chopped kaju
* 1 tsp kishmish
* 1 small tsp grated coconut
* Salt to taste
For the dahi:-
* 2 cups thick yogurt
* ½ cup milk
* Pinch of sugar
* 1 tsp dry roasted jeera powder
1 tsp blak salt
2 tblsp sweet tamarind chutney
Few pomegranate seeds
Method:-
* Soak the dal for 2 hrs in water and keep aside.
* Then take out extra water and add all the ingredients of the bhalle except oil and
* Grind it into a mixture.
* Mix all the filling ingredients in a bowl. In a kadai heat oil for frying.
* Now take a tablespoon of the mixture on your palm and then flatten it out.
* Place some filling in the centre.
* Now with the help of water close the sides of the mixture on the hand.
* It should look like a half moon.
* Place them in the hot oil and fry then till golden crisp.
* Now dip them in some water for ½ hour.
* Beat the yogurt and add milk and sugar to it.
* Gently squeeze water from the bhalle and place them in half the beaten yogurt mixture.
* Now in a serving plate lay out the dahi and bhalla and then pour some beaten dahi on them and sprinkle some jeera powder and black salt powder and some sweet tamarind chutney.
* Garnish dahi bhalle with pomegranate seeds and serve immediately
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(5) Namakpara Recipe
Ingredients:-
* 1 cup flour (maida)
* 1cup semolina (Suji)
* 41/2-51/2 tblsp lwater
* 2 tbsp beaten curd
* 3 tblsp ghee
* 1tsp Ajwain
* ¾ tsp Salt or to taste
* Oil for deep frying
Method:-
* In a bowl mix flour, salt, ajwain and melted ghee till the mixture takes the form of breadcrumbs
* In a separate bowl combine beaten curd with water. With this mixture knead a tight dough out of the flour salt mixture.
* Cover this dough with a wet cloth piece for ½ hour.
* Make balls of the dough and roll them into a ¼ thick flat bread of the size of a medium pizza.
* Now with the help of a knife cut vertically and then into horizontally to get diamond shaped strips.
* Heat the oil in a kadai. Fry these strips in small batches over medium flame till they are golden crisp.
* Drain out the excess oil and place them to cool on tissue paper.
* Fry all the strips in the similar manner and then store namakpare n an airtight container.
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(6) Shakarpara Recipe
Ingredients:-
* All purpose flour - 500 gms
* Ghee - 100 gms
* powder - 11/2 tsp
* to knead
* Oil for frying
For the coating -
* Sugar - 300 gms
* Water - 100 ml
Method:-
* Sieve the flour and then add ghee to it. Mix the mixture till it resembles breadcrumbs.
* Add the baking powder and then with the help of water knead it into a stiff dough.
* Cover it with a damp cloth for 10-15 min.
* Heat oil in a kadai. Divide the dough into three long rolls.
* Roll each portion to 1/2 inch thickness and cut with knife into 1/2 inch pieces.
* When the oil gets perfect hot fry the pieces on medium flame for 10-12 minutes or till the pare are crisp and light golden.
* Drain them on a paper tissue and fry the remaining pieces in the same way.
To make the syrup (coating)
* In a pan boil the water and the sugar till it reaches one-string consistency
* Remove from fire, add the pare all together and coat the pare evenly with the help of a flat spoon.
* Do not mix too much, as the sugar will harden.
* Take them out and let them dry for a while.
* Store in airtight container.
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Wow, every photo I've seen as I blog hop on the celebration of Holi festival speaks two things - festivity and fun! Wow, I wish I could personally celebrate this festival at one time. This year's Holi is coming so here's expressing my happy holi wishes to all. Have fun on Holi!
ReplyDeleteHoli is a colorful festival celebrated by Hindus. Its also known as Phagwah, Doḷajata. Mainly this festival is celebrated in India and Nepal. Your colorful images are very interesting.
ReplyDelete