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Holi (Hindi: होली, Nepali: होली) is a religious spring festival celebrated by Hindus as a festival of colours.

It is primarily observed in India and Nepal. It is also observed by the minority Hindus in Bangladesh and Pakistan as well in countries with large Indic diaspora populations following Hinduism, such as Suriname, Malaysia, Guyana, South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago, the United Kingdom, the United States, Mauritius, and Fiji.

Holi is also known as Phagwah (Assamese: ফাকুৱা), Festival of Colours, or Doḷajātra (Oriya: ଦୋଳଯାତ୍ରା) in Odisha, and as Dol Jatra (Bengali: দোলযাত্রা) or Basantotsav ("spring festival") (Bengali: বসন্তোৎসব) in West Bengal and Assam.

Holi is of particular significance in the Braj region, which includes locations traditionally connected to the Lord Krishna: Mathura, Vrindavan, Nandagaon, and Barsana, which become tourist destinations during the season of Holi.

As per the Hindu calendar, Holi is celebrated on the Phalgun Purnima which comes in February or March in the Gregorian Calendar.

Significance

The word Holi originated from "Holika", sister of Hiranyakashipu. The festival of Holi is celebrated because of a story in the old Hindu religion. In Vaishnavism, Hiranyakashipu is the great king of demons, and he had been granted a boon by Brahma, which made it almost impossible for him to be killed. The boon was due to his long penance, after which he had demanded that he not be killed "during day or night; inside the home or outside, not on earth or in the sky; neither by a man nor an animal; neither by astra nor by shastra". Consequently, he grew arrogant and attacked the Heavens and the Earth. He demanded that people stop worshipping Gods and start praising respectfully to him.

According to this belief, Hiranyakashipu's own son, Prahlada, was a devotee of Vishnu. In spite of several threats from Hiranyakashipu, Prahlada continued offering prayers to Vishnu. He was poisoned by Hiranyakashipu, but the poison turned to nectar in his mouth. He was ordered to be trampled by elephants yet remained unharmed. He was put in a room with hungry, poisonous snakes and survived. All of Hiranyakashipu's attempts to kill his son failed. Finally, he ordered young Prahlada to sit on a pyre in the lap of Holika, Hiranyakashipu's demoness sister, who also could not die because she had a boon preventing her from being burned by fire. Prahlada readily accepted his father's orders, and prayed to Lord Vishnu to keep him safe. When the fire started, everyone watched in amazement as Holika burnt to death, while Prahlada survived unharmed. The salvation of Prahlada and burning of Holika is celebrated as Holi.

In Mathura, where Krishna grew up, the festival is celebrated for 16 days (until Rangpanchmi) in commemoration of the divine love of Radha for Krishna. The festivities officially usher in spring, the celebrated season of love.

Description

Every year, thousands of Hindus participate in the festival Holi. The festival has many purposes. First and foremost, it celebrates the beginning of the new season, spring. Originally, it was a festival that commemorated good harvests and the fertile land. Hindus believe it is a time of enjoying spring's abundant colors and saying farewell to winter. It also has a religious purpose, commemorating events present in Hindu mythology. Although it is the least religious holiday, it is probably one of the most exhilarating ones in existence. During this event, participants hold a bonfire, throw colored powder at each other, and celebrate wildly.

Rangapanchami occurs a few days later on a Panchami (fifth day of the full moon), marking the end of festivities involving colors.

The main day, Holi, also known as Dhuli in Sanskrit, or Dhulheti, Dhulandi or Dhulendi, is celebrated by people throwing scented powder and perfume at each other. Bonfires are lit on the eve of the festival, also known as Holika Dahan (burning of Holika) or Chhoti Holi (little Holi), after which holika dahan prayers are said and praise is offered. The bonfires are lit in memory of the miraculous escape that young Prahlad accomplished when Demoness Holika, sister of Hiranyakashipu, carried him into the fire. Holika was burnt but Prahlad, a staunch devotee of god Vishnu, escaped without any injuries due to his devotion. Holika Dahan is referred to as Kama Dahanam in South India.

Holi is celebrated at the end of the winter season on the last full moon day of the lunar month Phalguna (February/March), (Phalgun Purnima), which usually falls in the later part of February or March.

In most areas, Holi lasts about two days. Holi lowers (but does not remove completely) the strictness of social norms, which includes gaps between age, gender, status, and caste. Together, the rich and poor, women and men, enjoy each other’s presence on this day. No one expects polite behavior; as a result, the atmosphere is filled with excitement, fun and joy.

Though there have been references in Sanskrit texts to similar festivals, like ratnavali where people sprayed coloured waters using bamboo syringes, the origin of the modern Holi festival has been traced to ancient Bengal. It was a Gaudiya Vaishnav festival, in accordance to Vaishnaviya Tantra. People went to Krishna temples, applied red color to the icon and then distributed the red coloured powder or Abir along with malpua prasad to family and friends. Red signified the colour of passion and Lord Krishna is the king of desires. The ritual signified that all our desires should be diverted for the attainment of Krishna and for the well being of society.

In some cultures though, the ritual of burning wood and leaves on the full moon night already existed. This ritual was to signify the end of winter and full advent of spring. Old wood and leaves that had fallen were burnt to signify that it was time for new leaves and flowers. People then smeared their bodies with ash. Later, however, the story of Holika Dahan became associated with this ritual.

Rituals

The earliest textual reference to the celebration of Holi is found in the 7th century Sanskrit drama, Ratnavali. Certainly there are perennial rituals attached to Holi: the first is smearing of coloured powder on each other, and throwing coloured and scented water at each time. On the first day of this festival, Hindus participate in a public bonfire. Prior to the event, men prepare for this by collecting extra wood. The fire itself is lit near midnight, as the moon rises. The main custom of Holi is the use of the colored powders and water on others. This is why Holi is given the name “Festival of Colors.”

Regional rituals and celebrations

Holi is celebrated with much fervor here. Unlike in the other Indian communities, it is also here a school holiday. There is also a tradition followed in rural Karnataka where children collect money and wood for weeks prior to Holi, and on Kamadhana night all the wood is put together and lit. The festival is celebrated for two days. People in north Karnataka prepare special food on this day.

Holi festival is celebrated in Sirsi town with a unique folk dance which has a legend of 300 years. The folk dance called “Bedara Vesha” (Hunters Dance) is performed during the nights beginning five days before the festival day. The festival is celebrated every alternate year in the town which attracts a large crowd on all the five days from different parts of the State.Nearly 50 solo artistes perform the dance with a troupe of drum beaters, whistle blowers and the like.

In Maharashtra, Holi is mainly associated with the burning of Holika. Holi Paurnima is also celebrated as Shimga. A week before the festival, youngsters go around the community, collecting firewood and money. On the day of Holi, the firewood is arranged in a huge pile at a clearing in the locality. In the evening, the fire is lit. Every household makes an offering of a meal and dessert to the fire god. Puran Poli is the main delicacy and children shout "Holi re Holi puranachi poli". Shimga is associated with the elimination of all evil. The colour celebrations here traditionally take place on the day of Rangapanchami, 5 days after Holi, unlike in North India where it is done on the second day itself. During this festival, people are supposed to forget about any rivalries and start new healthy relations with all.

In the Mattancherry area of Kochi, there are 22 different communities living together in harmony. The Gaud Sarawat Brahmins (GSB) who speak Konkani also celebrate Holi in Cherlai area of West Kochi instead of in theior own community. It is locally called Ukkuli in Konkani or Manjal Kuli in Malayalam. It is celebrated around the Konkani temple called Gosripuram Thirumala temple. Holi is also celebrated at some colleges in south.

Holi is celebrated with fun and frolic in Andhra Pradesh. Different in the other Indian communities, The school holidays are here. There is also a tradition followed in rural Telangana region where children play kamuda and collect money, Rice, Mokkajonna and wood for weeks prior to Holi, and on Kamadhana night all the wood is put together and set on fire. The festival is celebrated for two days. In Andhra Pradesh Holi is celebrated along with Basnata Panchami. In the Telangana region and the capital city of Hyderabad, Holi is a major festival, and the festivities and colour starts appearing at least a day before the actual holiday.

Traditional Holi

The spring season, during which the weather changes, is believed to cause viral fever and cold. The playful throwing of natural coloured powders has a medicinal significance: the colours are traditionally made of Neem, Kumkum, Haldi, Bilva, and other medicinal herbs prescribed by Āyurvedic doctors.

Modern issues

Synthetic colors

Natural colors were used in the past to play safe Holi by applying turmeric, sandalwood paste, extracts of flowers and leaves. As the spring-blossoming trees that once supplied the colors used to celebrate Holi have become more rare, chemically produced industrial dyes have been used to take their place in almost all of urban India. Due to the commercial availability of various attractive color pigments, slowly the natural colors are replaced by synthetic colors. As a result it has caused, mild to severe symptoms of skin irritation and inflammation.

Courtesy: Wikipedia

 "Holi"  festival (festival of colors) is celebrated in Sirsi town with a unique folk dance which has a legend of 300 years. The folk dance called “Bedara Vesha” (Hunters Dance) is performed during the nights beginning five days before the festival day. The festival is celebrated every alternate year in the town which attracts a large crowd on all the five days from different parts of the State.

Nearly 50 solo artistes perform the dance with a troupe of drum beaters, whistle blowers and the like. 

History:
According to legend, after the decline of the Vijayanagar kings, the region was ruled by the Sonda dynasty.
There was a fear of attack from Muslim invaders in the Sonda region, including Sirsi (then Kalyanapattana). To protect them, Malleshi, a young boy from the Beda community and a warrior in the Vijayanagar empire, was appointed.

Initially, Malleshi discharged his duties well, dancing during the nights in a peculiar way on the streets. Later, he, with his men, became a troublemaker and womaniser.

The troubled public thought of teaching Malleshi a lesson. He wanted to marry Rudrambika, daughter of local leader Dasappa Shetty. Rudrambika, in the interest of society, prepared herself to sacrifice her life through marriage to Malleshi.

She threw a type of acid into his eyes while he was dancing on the night of Holi. Malleshi, who lost his eyesight, chased her with a sword to kill her.

However, he was caught by 12 people, and then burnt alive. Rudrambika also set herself on fire on her husband’s funeral pyre (sati). To depict this episode (as stated in the Canara Gazette during British period) and in appreciation of Rudrambika’s sacrifice, the Hunters Dance is being performed even today.

"Bedara Vesha-2013" starts from March 23, 2013.

Photo Gallery:

Photo Courtesy: "http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bedara-Vesha/449744948407293?ref=stream"
Information Courtesy: "http://www.hindu.com/2009/03/10/stories/2009031050660300.htm"


 Chelavara Falls is one of the most beautiful falls in Coorg, which is located around 40 km away from Madikeri and 20 kms from Virajpet. Chelavara Falls is also called as Embepare by the locals meaning Tortoise Rock.

The water fall is really a wonder full view as the water gushes from the top amidst the green coffee plantation.

This fall is popularly known as the Embepare, which means Tortoise Rock in the colloquial language. From the waterfall, visitors can view the water gushing through the green coffee plantation. Tourists visiting Chelavara Falls can also visit Choma Kund hill, which is just 2 km away from the falls.

Photo Gallery:





Photos: Shriharsha BS, Nitin, Vikas, Pradeep S, Bharath, Madan - Sutthona Banni Team Karnataka
Information Courtesy: Wikipedia

 Kunjarugiri is a village in Udupi district in the Indian state of Karnataka. It is located about 11 km from Udupi City near Moodubelle. The main attraction of the village is a hill, known as Durga Betta, on which is located a temple of Durga, known to locals in the Tulu language as Kunjar Amma. Parashurama is credited with erecting the temple in honour of the divine mother Adi Shakti.

Sri Madhvacharya, the founder of the Dvaita school of philosophy, used to visit the Durga temple every day during his childhood. Around the hill, there are four ponds or thirthas which were visited by Sri Madhva everyday. The four ponds are called Dhanus Thirtha, Gada Thirtha, Bana Thirtha and Parashu Thirtha.

Shree Durgadevi of Kunjarugiri:

Kunjarugiri is reputed for its sanctity owing to the celebrated Durga Temple on a high hillock popularly known by the names: Kunjarugiri, Durgabetta and Vimanagiri.. This potent Durga Saannidhya, which was installed by none other than Lord Parashurama.

The high hills, abodes of  Shree Durga and Lord Parashurama, look like “Kunjara” (Elephant) for which the place is known as “Kunjaragiri” or “Kunjarugiri”.  

It is also reputed as “Vimanagiri” because the Gods and Godesses came by “Vimana” to offer floral tribute, when Jaganmatha Durga was installed on the hill by the Lord Parashurama.

Sacred association  of  Vishwaguru  Shri Madhwacharya – gives it a prominent place in the spiritual sphere.
The ancient Durga temple stands on the top of Vimanagiri amidst the lush green groves of  hilly serenity. This very serene location of the temple, its antiquity and the divinity of the magnificent idol of the Goddess, at once creates a memorable feeling of  long lasting devotion and piety in the hearts of the devotees. It has been the experience of every devotee who visits the temple for worship. The devotees feel the spiritual solace and the potent protection at the feet of Durgadevi. The holy atmosphere in and around the shrine, the holy Theerthas, the Lord Parashurama Temple and the nearness to Paajaka Kshetra makes it an important place for the pilgrims.

Photo Gallery:


Courtesy: http://kunjarugiri.in/

 “Sirimane Falls” is one of the beautiful waterfalls in Chikkamagalur district of the Western Ghats of Karnataka.  Here the water falls from 70-80 feet height (approx) in the green forest.


Sirimane Falls is located at a distance of 5km (approx) from Kigga near Sringeri. Kigga is a small village located at a distance of 9 km from Sringeri. The main attraction of Kigga is “Sri Rishya Shringeshwara temple (Rishya Shringa)”. Another attraction of Kigga is Narasimha Parvatha, the tallest peak in the Agumbe Ghats.

Route Map:

Road: Bus facility is available up-to” Kigga” village. From Kigga you have to go to “Sirimane” by walk (5-6kms)or in private vehicles.

Nearest Airport is Mangalore and nearest Railway stations are Udupi (96 KM) and shimoga (114 KM).

 Photo Gallery:

Courtesy: Wikipedia

The "RVM Foundation's Shiv Mandir" located in old airport road Bangalore. It is one of the famous Shiva temple in Bangalore.This temple is built by RMV foundation in 1995.

The Shiva Temple has got a Shiva statue made of cement concrete which is 65 feet tall. The temple also has a huge lord Ganesh statue and Navagraha temple inside. This temple is open for 24 hours. Iside and underneath the Shiva statue there is a path where Models of Shiva lings different forms, such as linga made of ice is maintained.

Location: Behind Total Mall (earlier Kemp Fort), Old Airport Road, Bangalore

How to reach there: BMTC buses are available from Majestic like 333, 331 etc.

Daily Schedule:

RVM Foundation Shiv Mandir is open to devotees for 24 hours. Devotees can visit the temple at any time and seek Lord Shiva's blessings.

Aarti

Milk abhishek
Havan
  Morning - 8.30 a.m.
  Evening - 7.30 p.m.
  Night - 11.45 p.m.

24 hours

Morning: 9.00 a.m.
Evening: 9.00 p.m.

 Temple Specialties:

65-feet-tall Shiva Statue:
The Shiv Mandir, located in the heart of Bangalore, is abode to the 65-feet-tall Shiva statue. Seated in a Yogic posture, the deity is a towering symbol of faith. Lakhs of devotees throng the temple to experience God, especially on festive days. The majestic Lord, in a lotus position, sits in a scenic spot, with the backdrop of Mount Kailash and the Ganges flowing from the Lord's matted locks. The sense of tranquility that one can experience by looking at the 65-feet marvel, in the Himalaya, with the blue sky moving above, is overpowering. The look on Lord Shiva's face is so serene that it calms anyone who looks into his eyes. The positive energy that exists in the place is overwhelming. To stand beneath the powerful God and surrender oneself completely is a positively exuberating feeling one must experience.


32-feet-tall Ganesh Statue:

Upholding the tradition of worshipping Lord Ganesh before all endeavors, the 32-feet-tall Vignaharan Ganesh is the first deity you will be offering prayers to at the temple. The white statue of the Vignaharan Ganapati is seated first in your path of pilgrimage at the Shiv Mandir, blessing you with his right hand and a modak in his left hand. 

Navagraha Temple:
This place is called “God's very own Universe,” as it consists of images of the powers of the 9 planets that rule our fate. As you do the parikramas or circumambulate the Navagraha, you can offer prayers. Performing Shani puja here can ensurewealth and prosperity for your family.


Pratyaksh Ling:
The Pratyaksh Ling is hidden under the sacred waters of theMansarovar Lake and appears only during the aarti in the morning, evening, and midnight. After the aarti is over, the Ling disappears! This symbolic gesture tells us that God's miracles are mystical and everything happens only at the right time as per His wish. This implication suggests us to have Faith because God can turn the impossible into possible. The aarti itself is a special blessing, but praying to the Pratyaksh Ling is a symbolic prayer to God's greatness, acknowledging the fact that God will make the unexpected happen.


Courtesy: "www.shivmandir.org.in/"