Dol Purnima also known as Holi in Kolkata, is celebrated in the month of March, every year. It is during this month that Kolkata in West Bengal experiences the spring season. Though the season is experienced for a brief period, yet it brings joy and celebration in the life of the residents of the city.
Dol Purnima welcomes the spring season. Not only in Kolkata but Holi is observed in other parts of India as well. Special mention should be made of Mathura. Here Holi is celebrated very religiously. In Shantiniketan, near Kolkata, Dol Purnima is observed through colors accompanied with dance and Tagore's music.
Holi is a festival of colors that is celebrated by people from all strata of the society. It is a time for getting together with friends and family members. In West Bengal Holi is also termed as Dol Yatra. Color and gaiety are associated with this festival. This festival in Calcutta is celebrated with lots of gusto. Spirit of unity and fellow feeling is associated with this festival.
People smear their near and dear ones with powdered colors known as aabir. Besides use of powdered color,
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they are diluted with water and sprayed for more fun. On the day of Dol Purnima, young people often indulge in drinking a local beverage prepared with milk and known as 'bhang'. On the eve of Holi in Calcutta, it is a ritual to burn Holika. Sweets like Malpoa and Rossogolla are prepared in the households and distributed among relatives, friends and in the neighborhood.
An ancient Hindu myth is associated with celebration of Dol. It is believed that Prahlad had disobeyed his father Hiranyakashyap. Prahlad was a worshiper of Vishnu. But his father wished to take the superior position and he desired to be worshiped by all.
As Prahlad's devotion for Vishnu enraged his father, he planned to punish him. Hiranyakashyap took help from his sister Holika. It was known that fire could not harm Holika. For this reason Holika with Prahlad in her lap, mounted a burning pyre.
But incidentally, Prahlad survived the fire but Holika was burnt and was reduced to ashes. This mythical incident is behind the observation of the festival of Holi. Many believe that this incident marks the victory of good over evil powers.
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