Holi in Gujarat: How the State Adds a Unique Touch to the Festival
Holi in Gujrat is a grand festival and is celebrated traditionally like most Indian regions with colors, songs, and dance. The display of devotion and the religious connection make it unique. However, there is a unique feeling about Gujrati Holi.
Typically, Holi in Gujrat is not only about meeting people and putting colors on them. Popular folk dances like Garba and Dandiya make it so special along with the temple rituals displaying its religious connection.
This is what makes Gujrati Holi significantly distinct from the Holi celebrations in other parts of India. It is further highlighted by large community get-togethers and folk performances.
Five Distinct Stages of Celebrating Holi in Gujrat
Holi in Gujarat is Celebrated in five different stages with a few similar to the other Indian regions.
First Stage: Lighting a Bonfire
This stage involves the bonfire – Holika Dahan. This specific ritual in Gujarat involves faith and fire and is observed a day before the actual Holi. It signifies that good will always win over evil. Several bonfires of different sizes are lit in temples, community spaces, and villages. The ladies sing traditional songs and pray around the fire for happiness and growth for the future. They also walk around the fire to see protection from evil and negative forces.
Second Stage: Playing with Colors
On the following day, the second stage of Gujrati Holi involves playing with colors and other festivities. People engage in dancing and singing with loud drumbeats and music playing all through. There is no age bar and you will see almost everyone of every family enjoying on the streets, throwing Gulala in the air and each other. The colored water sprayed on people highlight this riot of colors.
Third Stage: Group Celebrations
The next stage of Holi Gujrat involves group celebrations. These are arranged by different communities of Gujaratis. The event becomes more exciting with folk dance presentations such as Dandiya Raas and Garba. Without such signature performances, Holi in Gujrat seems incomplete. People dressed in colorful dresses dance around in circles. This symbolizes their strong bond and togetherness. The air becomes more exciting with the loud drum beats, music, and songs.
Fourth Stage: Celebrations in the Temples
People visit the temple to offer prayers and rituals and celebrate Gujrat Holi preserving its divine and religious significance. They sing songs and chant prayers to praise Lord Krishna and put Gulal and shower flowers. Grand processions are also taken out with a religious touch to display how deeply Gujrati Holi is linked to the cultural and spiritual heritage of the Gujarati people.
Fifth Stage: Enjoying Gujarati Delicacies
Traditional sweets and food are a vital part of Holi Gujrat. People feast together and enjoy delicacies like Basundi, Ghevar, and Puran Poli. To refresh them and keep them cool, special Thandai is served. This, once again, brings families, friends and people closer.
Ideally, Holi in Gujrat is an immersive experience. It combines happiness and tradition with devotion to make it even grander than just showing colors on one another. Experience the spiritual energy of people enjoying Holi in Gujarat.
