Happiness in Holi

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer explains that the Holi Festival, celebrated by the peoples of India, is a significant cultural celebration of Brahmanism. The writer notes that the roots of the Holi Festival began in ancient times, dating back to before the Common Era in history. The writer then points out that the significance of the festival has developed over the ages. Rituals such as playing of colors and lighting bonfires are modern day traditions of the festival. The writer maintains that the moving experience of the Holi festival is treasured by not only the people of India, but by an international audience.

Outline:
Introduction
History of Holi
Significance of Holi
Traditions of Holi
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"The modern day Holi festival takes place, according to the Hindu calendar, the day after the full moon in the month Phalgun. In the west, the Holi festival falls on the day after the full moon in early March."
"One the eve of the Holi festival, everyone in the community begins to collect firewood. Once darkness falls on the eve of the Holi festival, a massive bonfire is lit. The fire is called Holika, in reference to the story of Prahlad and Hiranyakasipu. People in the community will often toss items that are symbols of sickness or impurities (Hinduism 2007). There is singing and dancing at this event. Children will often yell insults, directing them at the demon Holika. The bonfire represents the success of a true devotee of Brahmnasim."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Agarwal, D. (2004, June 3). Spring is in the air. The Hindu. Retrieved October 30, 2007, from http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/yw/2004/03/06/stories/20040306 00060400.htm
• Feast. (2007) In Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved October 30, 2007, from Encyclopedia Britannica Online: http://search.eb.com/eb/article-66478
• Flood, G. (Ed.) (2003). The Blackwell Companion to Hinduism. Oxford: Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
• Hinduism. (2007) In Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved October 30, 2007, from Encyclopedia Britannica Online: http://search.eb.com/eb/article-59108
• Holi. (2007) In Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved October 30, 2007, from Encyclopedia Britannica Online: http://search.eb.com/eb/article-9o40780

More papers on Happiness in Holi:

• Essay # 65963 : "The Holy Ghost People"
• Essay # 49763 : "The Holy Month of Ramazan"
• Term Paper # 144769 : "An Examination of Utilitarianism"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: