Every year we all celebrate Holi and for many of us, it is our favorite festival. When it comes to Holi Party in Gurgaon, Delhi, or anywhere in the NCR, people go all out. However, very few of us actually know what is the history behind the festival that we know and love. A fun fact that some of us actually would know, is that the ancient Indian name of Holi was Holika. It is a festival that can be traced back to ancient Indian times and is found in various religious scriptures and tests. Jaimini’s Purvamimamsa-Sutras and Kathaka-Grhya-Sutras are two of the many old Indian works where you can find mentions of this beautiful festival of colors. So, plan a Holi party in 2023.
Many historians agree that the Aryans celebrated Holi as well in mainly the eastern part of the country. Since Indian culture, in general, is so ancient and has roots in traditions that are extremely old, Holi was around before many others. Therefore Holi existed for hundreds of years before even Jesus Christ was born. Moreover, Holi of the ancient texts is quite different from the Holi that we all celebrate today. Today it is just a day of playing with colors and water and having a grand time with all your friends. However, a long time ago, it was a ritual performed exclusively by married women. The married women prayed to the moon God Raka for the wealth, happiness and well being of their families.
When is Holi
This year the holi party in Delhi is on 8th of March. However, when you are trying to calculate the date of Holi, you need to follow the lunar calendar. However, there are two ways to interpret this as well. The first kind is called purnimanta in which you count the days from the first full moon. However, the second way to read the calendar is called amanta. In this method, you start counting days after the first new moon. Nowadays people usually count the days after the first new moon. However earlier, puramanta, or counting from the full moon, was more common.
Therefore the Holi or Holika celebration can be tied more closely with the purnimanta calendar. This is because according to this calendar Phalguna Purnima was the last day of the year and Vasant Ritu or spring started from the next day. Thus this new season was celebrated on the full moon through the festival of Holi. Because it was a way to celebrate spring, This perhaps explains the other names of this festival – Vasanta-Mahotsava and Kama-Mahotsava.
References in Ancient Texts and Inscriptions
The festival of Holi has been referred to in several ancient texts and inscriptions. You can find its descriptions in Narad Purana and Bhavishya Purana, or many other Vedas and Puranas, as well as in the Jaimini Mimansa. In fact, it also finds mention in ancient relics such as on a stone inscription in the ancient city of Vidhya. King Harsha had also referred to the festival during his rule. In fact, the festival finds mention not just in Hindu scriptures. Because Ulbaruni who was a well known Muslim tourist had also talked about the festival in his memoirs. Furthermore, several other Muslim authors and writers of the time also refer to the festival. It was a festival that was celebrated by people of all faiths alike.
Rituals
While many of us just associate Holi with water and color, the traditional celebration actually has a few rituals. Below are some of the rituals and practices for your holi party in Delhi NCR.
Preparations
This might seem like a tough task however in the days leading up to the festival you need to gather wood. Because the Holi festival begins with the lighting of a bonfire which is called Holika. People in different neighborhoods have their own bonfires and it is a way to bring the community together. Therefore all the people in the neighborhood gather wood and gather together to light the bonfire. If you don’t start collecting the wood well in advance you won’t have enough for a large fire.
Holika Dahan Celebrations
Holika Sahan is the next thing that you have to prepare for. This ritual takes place on the eve of Holi. A fire is a lit which signifies the effigy of Holika, Holika is supposed to be the evil sister of Hiranyakashyap the demon King. This effigy is burnt because of the folk tale which said that Holika tried to kill Hiranyakashyap’s son Prahlad, who worshiped Lord Narayana and was a staunch devotee. Therefore, like all festivals, at the core of this festival as well there is the victory of the good over the bad or evil.
Furthermore, this is also a fun time for the kids who get to play pranks and shout abuses at the evil Holika. Another long-cherished tradition is lighting a smaller fire in individual homes. Therefore people take embers from the main bonfire to their homes and light a smaller fire so that the same fire can keep burning in all the homes.
The main day
In all these pre-rituals finally, the main event takes place. Therefore you need to get ready for all sorts of fun. The official or traditional name for this day is Dhuleti and this is the day when you actually play Holi with colors. Since this is the day when all the pujas and rituals are done it is a day of pure fun.
While the festival may have been rooted in North Indian traditions, this is a festival that people across the country enjoy. Everybody loves throwing water on each other and playing with colors. Therefore it is an occasion of complete fun and frolic and people have an amazing time.
People have fun spraying each other with colored water with the help of pichkaris or water balloons to playing with dry color. However you can also keep it simple and just dump entire buckets of water on people, it is equally fun. Nowadays there are also dancing and rain showers at these parties. Therefore all the Holi related songs are played, people get wet in the artificial rain and show off all their moves. Furthermore, there is a lot of delicious food associated with Holi as well such as gujiya, mathri, malpuas and other traditional Holi delicacies with great joy.
In terms of drinks, thandai is the specialty for Holi, and you can lace it with bhang if you want to have extra fun. On Holi being a bit intoxicated is always more fun especially with all the colors around. There really is no fixed way of celebrating this festival however typically it starts in the morning. You start with the festivities then you go home to wash off the colors and then meet again for delicious food.
Holi Celebrations in South India
However, South Indians have a completely different take on the Holi party in Delhi NCR 2020. People in south India worship the love god Kamadeva on Holi. According to ancient legend, Kaamadeva committed a great sacrifice. He shot a love arrow on Lord Shiva to disturb him and break his meditation. Therefore he was able to make Lord Shiva interested in the affair of the world instead of meditation.
Holi events in Delhi NCR 2020
If you are looking for the best holi party in Gurgaon, Delhi, Noida or anywhere in the NCR region, look no further. Holi is one of the most fun festivals in the Indian culture and it is a festival that everyone enjoys irrespective of region or religion. Therefore you definitely would be looking for a great way to celebrate it in 2020. There are many awesome events and parties lined up which you can check out below.
1. Supermoon Holi
If you are looking for an awesome Holi party where you can play Holi and dance under the sun, this is the one for you. At the essence of any awesome Holi party is enough space to run around and play Holi as wildly as you like. Therefore this party provides you exactly that, they have a fantastic DJ who sets the perfect party mood. However, they also have an incredible rain dance set up and all the colors you could possibly need. Hence it is the best of both worlds.
Where: Kalagram, the garden of five senses Delhi
When: March 8, 10 am
2. Holi party festival 2020
More than anything else, a Holi celebration in Delhi NCR needs to feel like a festival. Therefore this is exactly what this awesome party provides. What could be better than running around a farm all day, playing with water and colors? If you haven’t celebrated the festival for a long time and you want to have all our fun, this is a great option. They have a great ambiance and everything that you could possibly need to have a grand time. Because they have fantastic music, all the water and colors, and of course food!
Where: Vintage the farm Delhi
When: March 10, 10 am
3. Holi festival of colors 2020
The Holi Festival of colors 2020 is exactly what you need in terms of Holi celebrations in Delhi without a doubt. Irrespective of whether you are celebrating with family or friends, this is a great party to go to. It is definitely a contender for the best holi party in Delhi and you should check it out this year. At the core of every extraordinary Holi party are simplicity and freedom. Therefore this party gives you the freedom to go all out and party the way that you are supposed to. Afterall in the Indian culture, Holi is just an excuse to have the most fun party of the year.
Where: Ambria Tivoli Pushpanjali Delhi
When: March 10, 11 am
4. Imperfecto Patio
If you are looking for a Holi Party in Gurgaon this is a great option for you. Imperfecto Patio has everything that you love about Holi. From music and dance to showers and buckets and pichkaris and balloons for water to go everywhere, and lots and lots of colors. Therefore they truly have it all and they provide you with a fantastic ambiance to have an incredibly awesome time. Attending this party is an awesome way to celebrate Holi for sure.
Where: Pearl Lane, Block Lane, Mayfield Garden, Sector 51 Gurgaon
When: March 10
5. Holi by the pool at Hyatt Regency
What could be better than having a Holi party pool party in Gurgaon this year? Therefore the Hyatt Regency in Gurgaon offers you exactly that. Holi is all about spraying each other with water and having fun. So why not cut to the chase and start the party right by the pool. This is a great and fun way to celebrate Holi and it is definitely something new. It saves you the time and energy of throwing water on each other, you can simply jump in the pool. However, you can still continue to splash water on each other and apply color, just for the fun of it. They have great food, great music, and an awesome ambiance. What more could you possibly need!
Where: Hyatt Regency Gurgaon
When: March 10, 11 am to 3 pm
6. Holi Carnival at ITC Grand Bharat
If you are looking for a fantastic luxury carnival version of a Holi party, you have come to the right place. ITC Grand Bharat is among the luxurious party venues in Gurgaon for celebrating Holi and you will fall in love with it. If you have ever wondered what a sophisticated but still fun version of a Holi party would be, you are about to find out. They have all the five-star service however they still give you free rein to run around and have a lot of fun. Because at the end of the day, Holi is about pure fun, and here you get the best of both worlds.
Where: ITC Grand Bharat Gurgaon
When: March 10, 4 pm to 7 pm
7. Holika
Everybody throws a Holi party, so why not change it up and have a Holika party! This Holi event in Noida is one that you should definitely be at. Of course, you will celebrate the main day of Holi as well, however, many people forget to make Holika plans. This year why not change it up and go out for Holika and play Holi at home. That way you can get the best of both worlds. Furthermore, the Eros throws one of the most amazing Holika parties and you definitely don’t want to miss out.
Where: Eros Sampoornam Greater Noida
When: March 9, 7 pm
8. Holi Dhamaka
Holi Dhamaka 2023 is another amazing party that you can attend your celebrations this year. If you are looking for some good old unadulterated fun, this is the one for you. They have everything that you could possibly need to have an awesome Holi. Furthermore, they have an amazing staff that looks after you to ensure you have a grand time.
Where: Golden Turtle Farm Gurgaon
When: March 8, 11 am
Ways to Celebrate Holi
There are many new and fun ways to celebrate this festival of colors, as well as some old favorites. Let us look at all the ways in which you can have a Holi celebration in Greater Noida, Delhi, Gurgaon, etcetera.
1. Attend a Holi party
If you are someone who loves meeting new people and just having fun with a large group then this is a great option. With a Holi party that you buy a ticket for, you know exactly what to expect. You know there will be a great crowd there, great music, as well as all the colors and water. It is a classic and sure-shot way to have an amazing Holi celebration.
2. Go for the mohalla party
Nothing can beat playing Holi in the neighborhood with your neighbors. This is exactly what all of us did as children and it is still a fun way to celebrate. You will get to know your neighbours in a completely different way and you can all have fun together. It is a great way of getting to know each other and making memories with the people you live around every day.
3. Have a small celebration at home
If you are more into the ritual side of things, it might be a good idea to have a celebration at home. You can attend the Holika in the neighborhood and just stay at home with your family the next day. If you have a large family with a lot of cousins and relatives, this is a lot of fun. You can cook up a storm together, put color on each other, and have a fun and wholesome Holi.
4. Rent a farmhouse
You could also rent a farmhouse and go away for the weekend to celebrate Holi. If they have a pool it might be fun to play Holi by the pool. It is definitely a unique but interesting way of celebrating this beloved festival.
5. Have a roof party
After you have played Holi in the morning, invite all your friends for a rooftop party, You can have awesome food and some great music. It is a great way to keep the celebrations going and continue the festivities.
Holi is a festival that everyone can enjoy. The elderly, children, people from all regions and cultures, etcetera, everyone loves this festival. Therefore any way that you celebrate it, you will have an awesome time. Furthermore, there are many Holi events to choose from so you can’t go wrong. Here is wishing you and yours a very happy Holi!
You can also read this: 10 Easy Tips to Throw the Most Amazingly Fun Holi Party
