The festival of Holi is associated with a folklore - Centuries ago a cruel, demon king, Hiranyakashyapu was against his own son, Prahlad, for being an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu. After trying everything within his power (saam - pacifying, daam - enticing with lucrative allurements, danda - severely punishing, bhed - discriminating) to stop Prahlad from praying to Lord Vishnu, the demon king finally ordered his sister Holika to lure Prahlad with kind words to sit on her lap, while fire would be lit around them. The plan was simple. Holika, who had the boon of being unscathed by fire, would survive, whereas Prahlad would burn to death. However, so intense was Prahlad's devotion to his Lord that as he sat on his aunt lap surrounded by the greedy, unmerciful, and hungry flames, chanting his Lord's name, even Fire did not have the nerve to touch him. Holika's armor did not save her this time as she had harbored evil intentions of wanting to harm God's child. So Fire chose her as his prey instead, thus signifying the victory of good over evil.
My fondest memories of Holi are gathering around a lit bonfire with friends and family, praying solemnly to Fire God to burn and cleanse away all evil. And of course, gorging on mouth-watering, delectable, melt-in-your mouth Puran Polis, a wheat roti stuffed with a sweet mixture comprising of cooked yellow gram, jaggery, cardamom and saffron, made by my dearest Mom. Holi – a festival that heralds the onset of spring holds a very special place in my heart.
Holi – the festival of colors in so many ways, is harbinger of spring. After the lengthy, brutal and lethargic winter, when the fresh, warm raindrops soak the earth, the scent of the rain on dry earth wafts through the air. Spring signifies rebirth, renewal and regrowth. It signifies hope, fertility and cheer. In short, spring reminds you to pack your winter blues in your at closet, blossom out of your cocoons into beautiful butterflies.
Why are people reluctant to pack away their troubles and start afresh? Perhaps because they are so used to being worried and upset, that it has become second nature to them. If there is nothing to be worried about at present, they will be fretting over their past or be anxious about their future. In a nutshell there are some people who can never be happy.
It is said that life is full of existential angst, it is a given. Yet, it is up to us to either withdraw and revel in our miseries or rise like a phoenix from the ashes every time we face adversities. Happiness is not a matter of chance. It is a state of mind. What is the last time you stopped to smell the blossoming roses? Or walked bare feet on the dew-kissed grass? Or tasted the fresh, sweet and juicy strawberries? Or heard the birds chirping a melodious tune? Or simply watched the vibrant colors of nature’s canvas? What is the last time you have truly indulged your five senses?
If you cannot remember, it is time to shake off your distress, and make time to let loose the child within you. It is time to throw the caution to wind, and live each day like there’s no tomorrow. It is time to let go of your inhibitions and laugh with wild abandon. More so, it is time to welcome the verdant green spring! Will your troubles magically disappear? No – certainly not! But by living in the present and soaking in all the blessings that nature has to offer this season, you can definitely get the strength and courage to face your problems with a new perspective.
I leave you to ponder with my favorite quote: "The clock is running. Make the most of today. Time waits for no man. Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That's why it is called the present."
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