Holi in Bihar State – A Joyful Celebration of Colors and Traditions

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Significance of Holi in Bihar

Holi, the festival of colors, is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy all over India. In Bihar, the festival holds a special significance as it marks the beginning of the new agricultural season. The state celebrates the festival with traditional rituals, music, dance, and delicious food. Holi is a time when people come together, forget their differences, and celebrate the joy of life.

In Bihar, Holi is known as Phagwah or Phalgun Purnima, and it is celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Phalgun. The festival is a symbol of the victory of good over evil and the arrival of spring after the cold winter months.

Preparations for Holi in Bihar

The preparations for Holi in Bihar start weeks in advance, and the festival is eagerly awaited by people of all ages. People clean their homes and decorate them with colorful rangoli designs and flowers. They buy new clothes and prepare traditional delicacies for the festival.

One of the most important preparations for Holi in Bihar is the making of Holika Dahan, a bonfire that symbolizes the victory of good over evil. People collect wood, dry leaves, and other combustible materials to build the bonfire, which is lit on the night before Holi. They also make effigies of the demon Holika and burn them in the bonfire to signify the triumph of good over evil.

Another important preparation for Holi in Bihar is the preparation of colors. People make colors at home using natural ingredients like flowers, turmeric, and sandalwood. They also buy packets of colored powder and water guns to play with.

Celebration of Holi in Bihar

The celebration of Holi in Bihar is a joyful and colorful affair. People wake up early in the morning, wear old clothes, and apply oil on their skin to protect it from the colors. They then gather with their friends and family and start playing with colors. The air is filled with laughter, music, and the sound of water guns.

One of the unique aspects of Holi in Bihar is the tradition of playing with ‘abir,’ a fine powder made from sandalwood, rose petals, and other natural ingredients. People smear abir on each other’s faces and sprinkle it on each other, creating a colorful and fragrant atmosphere.

Another important aspect of Holi in Bihar is the traditional music and dance. People gather in groups and perform the famous Bhojpuri dance forms like Jhumar, Nachari, and Dhobiya. They sing folk songs and play traditional instruments like dholak, manjira, and shehnai.

Another interesting tradition during Holi in Bihar is the practice of ‘Bhang.’ Bhang is a drink made from the leaves of the cannabis plant, and it is consumed during the festival. People drink Bhang and indulge in fun activities, which adds to the overall joy and excitement of the festival.

Holi Delicacies in Bihar

No festival in Bihar is complete without delicious food, and Holi is no exception. People prepare a variety of sweet and savory dishes for the festival, and each region has its own specialties.

One of the most popular Holi delicacies in Bihar is ‘Malpua,’ a sweet pancake made from flour, milk, and sugar, and deep-fried in ghee. ‘Dahi Vada,’ a savory snack made from lentil dumplings and yogurt, is also a popular dish during Holi.