Holika Dahan…
The story of civilisations,
around the world is replete with attempts to purify the individual’s character
and as a result evolve as a society. The role of all the religions is to
regulate, rectify and control the sub human tendencies, which Humans have by
default. The role of culture is to change this default settings so that the
future generations can step up further in their evolution. The growth of this
process defines and distinguishes a civilisation from others. Festivals play an
important role in imparting the corrections to the society. Every festival has
an intrinsic social value apart from its outward religious hues. Our Holika
Dahan is one such Festival. The purport of this Festival is that people
participating in the Holika Dahan are pledging to “burn away” their bad habits,
negative tendencies, greed, hatred towards fellow beings and renew their faith
in Bhagawan Sri Vishnu. We, as Human beings have to constantly remind ourselves
about the necessity to burn the evil and nurture the Good.
The ancient Pagan Religions also
had similar festivals like celebration of Solstice in which they make Bonfires.
Festivals like Ostara which symbolises Fertility, Rebirth and Renewal were
celebrated by earlier Pagans are now being reinvented by Wiccans, the modern
day Pagans too. This aspect is tied to the rejuvenation of the spirit and the
celebration of life's beauty and vibrancy. It is a time for people to
come together, forget and forgive past grievances, and reconcile with one
another. It promotes harmony, unity, and the strengthening of bonds within
communities. The tradition of applying colors to each other symbolizes this
spirit of forgiveness and letting go of animosities. The spiritual reflections
and the deeper spiritual connections are the essence of this wonderful festival
of colours.
V.V.Balasubramanian
YB-ET
