Sometimes it seems as if every day in India is a festival, its another reason I love being there. Everyday festivals become an affirmation of life, from the twice daily puja practised in the home to the Big Fat Festivals of which Holi is one.
Its a time of free wheeling through the market place, throwing clouds of colour over people and smearing the faces of loved ones with special tenderness. Its also the time to renew bonds of friendship and to make peace with those you may have had a falling out with over the year. As a spring festival and one that is derived from the love pranks of India’s most famous lovers, Radha and Krishna there are other stories that give everyone an excuse to join in.
Most particularly it is a festival for boys behaving badly, a once a year let rip with almost impunity and the reason why most sensible women stay indoors.
Once in a distant Yuga there was a demoness called Dhundhi who had a habit of devouring young children. Because she had performed many penances she had won the protection of various gods and the people were unable to do anything about her. Until she annoyed Lord Shiva who then adjusted her invincibility so that she became particularly vulnerable to young boys. The young boys of the village got together one day, drank bhang to give them courage and chased the demoness out of town.
So ladies, stay inside and let the boys run wild on this day!