The colours of Holi, & India's first talkie | #96
A queer icon from India ➡️
Hello,
Lilly Pulitzer once said - “I am a believer that colour affects people’s moods.” Wonder what she would make of Holi. So many colours, so many moods.
The most popular legend in Hindu mythology says the festival marks Lord Vishnu’s triumph over King Hiranyakashipu, who killed anyone who disobeyed him or worshipped other gods. Hiranyakashipu’s son Prahlad, worshipped Vishnu, so Hiranyakashipu conspired with his sister Holika, to burn his son. Holika agreed to kill her nephew, luring Prahlad into a pyre and trying to burn him. However, Vishnu came to Prahlad’s rescue and Holika ended up burning in the pyre.
To this day, devotees celebrate Holika Dahan on the eve of Holi to mark this event by making bonfires in their neighbourhoods. Other legends also include the celebration of love of Radha and Krishna, and also Shiva and Parvati.
This week’s newsletter is dedicated to the many colours of Holi in India.
Things we learnt this week 🤓
Bhasm Holi - In Varanasi, devotees of Lord Shiva celebrate 'chita-bhasma' - Holi with ashes. The story is Lord Shiva’s followers, which included ghosts, couldn’t go to Kashi Vishwanath temple to celebrate Holi. So Shiva himself came down to play Holi with them at the Ghats. This is usually celebrated in the famous Manikarnika Ghat. Wonder if the ghosts also enjoy the bhaang on offer?
Lathmar Holi - The neighbouring towns of Barsana and Nandgaon in UP, are known as the towns of Radha and Krishna. According to the legend, Lord Krishna who was resident of Nandgaon wanted to spray the colours on his beloved Radha and her friends to tease them on the day of Holi. But, as Krishna and his friends entered Barsana they were playfully greeted with the sticks by Radha and her friends who drove them out of Barsana. This scene is recreated every year by the men of Nandgaon and the women of Barsana. Sure this Holi is a smashing success.
Hola Mohalla - Also called Hola, this festival usually coincides with Holi. Hola, is derived from Halla meaning military charge and mohalla refers to an organised procession. It is a celebration commemorating the bravery of Sikh Warriors. The festivities include an extensive display of traditional martial arts which is later followed by music and dancing. The title song of the film Rang De Basanti, had shots of the festival taking place, but was edited out following objections from animal rights activist Maneka Gandhi.
From IWTK, with love 💌
It was Falguni Pathak’s 53rd birthday. She is the unknown queer icon of India.
Alam Ara was India’s first talkie. And it was only made thanks to Mohammed Ali Jinnah
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