The colours of Holi: A celebration of life and the triumph of good over evil
Words by Radhika Muthanna, edited by Dalia Al-Dujaili.
When it comes to Indian festivals, Diwali is often the festival most talked about, but I wanted to bring light to one of the most ancient festivals of India. Holi, originally known as Holika, is celebrated in March corresponding to the Hindu calendar month of Phalguna. Holi is the celebration of life itself. It's a colourful way to give gratitude to the end of winter and marks the arrival of Spring. It is about celebrating the victory of good over evil and remembering Hindu legends.
My earliest memory of Holi is celebrating with my cousins in Delhi. I remember my mum was very reluctant as she didn’t want the dye to stain my skin, but that never happened. I remember having so much fun running around the streets throwing colour on everyone. I remember leaving the house in white clothes and came back stained with every colour you could think of and soaked from all the water balloons that were thrown at me. It’s a festival that invokes our instinct to play, feelings of joy, and a sense of togetherness amongst the community. Another distinct memory I have from my childhood is of squirting water guns and flinging balloons filled with coloured water on the streets in India. Celebrated in the Indian subcontinent for decades, there are scriptures and poems documenting celebrations as early as the 4th century CE. Playing with colours, eating gujiya and lighting bonfires are some of the customary traditions on this day.
The literal meaning of the word 'Holi' is 'burning'. There are various legends to explain the meaning of this word. The most prominent of all is associated with demon king Hiranyakashyap. On the first evening of Holika, Holika Dahan, friends and families gather around a bonfire to celebrate the victory of good over evil. Praying for this victory to be mirrored inside of them to destroy any internal evil. The next day is when Holi celebrations begin. Festival-goers chase one another in parks encouraging the celebrations by colour-throwing, dancing and playing music.
From individuals smearing each other with colours, the stories of the festival teach us about love in its most sublime form. Despite being rooted in Hinduism, this ancient Hindu festival has become increasingly popular among non-Hindu communities. The different countries across the regions have different customs and rituals for the celebrations, however, what unites them all is the love and spirit of this festival. In many regions, especially in Maharashtra, men climb on top of each other to form a pyramid-like shape to the height at which a pot of buttermilk is hung. This tradition of Matki Phod (translating to breaking the pot) results in the one who breaks the pot being named the Holi King of the year.
Inspired by the colourful powders being thrown on one another at this festival, I was inspired create a futuristic scene invoking the colours of Holi. The different colours in these photos symbolise specific things, as with the colours of Holi. The colour red symbolises love, passion, and fertility. Green symbolises harvest and nature. Yellow represents happiness, joy, and peace. As trees start to bloom blossom flowers and colour spreads back into the earth after the winter season, Holi celebrates new life and new beginnings.
Model - Nikkita Chadha @nikkitachadha
Photographer - Radhika Muthanna @radhika.photos
Designer and Stylist - Zophie Robinson @zophierobinson
HMUA - Sofia Paradis @sofiaparadis
Creative Director - Narjisse Chidekh @sofckngone
Henna Artist - Pavan Ahluwalia - Dhanjal @pavanhenna
BTS - Shani S @drunk_prwn
Lighting Assistant - Moses Mason @dir_mosesmason
Studio - Project Liquid Studio @projextliquidstudios