Holi as festival of harmony within and without: A note and a poem

NOTE

In India, Holi is the most cherished festival following Diwali. Often referred to as the festival of colors or the festival of harmony and forgiveness, this year it will be celebrated on March 3.

Holi is a traditional Hindu religious festival celebrated in India, Nepal, and various regions around the globe where there are large communities of Hindus or individuals of Indian descent.

In recent times, it has transformed into a trivial commercialized event filled with cheap fun, frolic, pranks, and vibrant colors. Nevertheless, the spiritual essence of the festival deserves to be rejuvenated.

POEM

With hues so bright, Holi paints the land,

A vibrant dance where colours freely fly,

A story old, told hand in hand,

Of good's bright victory over evil's lie.

Make right prevails, and banish the wrong,

And celebrate where goodness is instilled.

Let colours fly, and spirits soar above,

In truth's bright light, and everlasting love.

Let's bury anger with the colors bright,

And wash away the shadows of the years.

Let kindness bloom, a gentle, guiding light,

Where bitterness and hurt dissolve to tears.

Forgive the slights, the words that cut so deep,

Forget the wrongs, release the heavy chain.

Begin anew, a promise you will keep,

To seek the inner peace, again, again.