How Gujarat Eats, Prays, Plays And Serves On Holi

The Indian state of Gujarat goes all out for two days to celebrate Holi. This Hindu Festival of Colours occurs on the full moon day of Phalguna. The first day ends with a bonfire and raw coconut and corn being offered to it. On the second day of the event, known as "Dhuleti," participants splash each other with coloured water and dry gulal. It is also one of Gujarat's most important tribal festivals. Dwarkadheesh temple in Dwarka celebrates it with fervour. Gujarat's Holi festivities are distinguished by various distinct features, including the breaking of clay pots filled with buttermilk (similar to Janmashtami) and the lighting of a sacred bonfire on the eve of the festival.

The Start of the Rabi crop

For farmers, the celebration also heralds the beginning of the Rabi harvesting season. The end of winter is marked with the festival of Holi, which is held in the Hindu calendar month of Phalguna.

A Festive Feast

Fasting and feasting are involved. The full Thali meal comprises Gujarati daal, bhinda (okra) shaak, roti, basmati rice, mithi sevai or sev, and condiments. When it comes to Holi, mithi sev is a must-have ingredient. After the evening Holi rites are completed, this sweet vermicelli is served. As Holi approaches, all the rural women make wheat flour sev.

Ritual Fire and Offerings to Holika

Communities around the colonies and their outlying towns light up their squares with bonfires. Many devotees who keep a day long fast, break the fast after watching the Agni Dev or Fire God. Holi begins with the lighting of a bonfire on the eve of the festival, which is fueled by fire brought from the Mata temple. Raw mangoes, coconuts, corn, sugar toys, and khoya are all presented to the Holika. Gujarati virgin girls use the night's bonfire ashes to make representations of their deity "Gauri."

Holika during Holi in Gujarat, Image Source: deshgujarat.com

Dhuleti, From Playing With Mud To Colours

Dhuleti, also called Dhuli Padvo. The term refers to the once-common practice of mud-throwing, which has since been replaced by the use of gulal or Holi colours. This is the point in the festivities when the celebrants participate in a frenetic round of colour wars. 

Sport of Smashing the buttermilk pot 

It's a special part of the Holi celebrations in the Indian state of Gujarat. The shattering of the buttermilk-filled earthenware pot is the most well-known custom. This custom originates in legends in which Lord Krishna teased and broke the pots of milkmaids.

Buttermilk in a pot and glasses, Image Source: AdobeStock

Tied up high on a rope is a pot containing buttermilk. Hundreds of people create a human pyramid to ascend to greater heights and to get the prize. While the boys build the pyramid, the crowd throws coloured water at them.

Attendees soak up the celebratory atmosphere while feasting on sweets. The team that busts the pot first often wins a prize. Anyone who smashes the pot is declared the "Holi King".

Holli ki Toli 

The youngsters of this state are full of life, especially when they participate in the processions known as tolis. Soaked in waters of various hues, boys cheerfully advise folks to watch their butter and milk pots. This custom can be traced back to the story of Lord Krishna, who was said to have regularly broken into homes in his village to help himself to butter and milk. 

Holi celebration in Gujarat's temple, Image Source: deshgujarat.com 

Tribal Customs

Adivasi males in the villages or tribal areas engage in a combat sport known as Gol-Gadheda, in which the women, after stealing a man's shoulder scarf, tie it on a tree top or tall pole with a glob of molasses. Men must gather it from the pole, which women fiercely guard. The game continues until one of the guys manages to grab the bundle of jaggery.