Dolapwnima
or Holi is the most famous spring festival of India. Usually celebrated in March
It has special properties in its celebration in Orissa where it is a five day
affair, especially in the rural areas. The images of Krishna are worshipped
form Dashami (10th day of the bright fortnight) to the full moon day.
The images are taken in decorated vimans, small wooden temples, carried on the
shoulders of bearers from house to house where offerings are made to them. After
the tour of the village the vimanas from different villages are assembled in
an open field and the time is spent in bhajana and kirtan. Jatras and palas
are also held in the area. The day after the full moon day people throw coloured
water on one another and smear each other's faces with coloured powder (3bir).
The festival is specially important for cattle owing to their association with
the cowherd boy Krisllna. They are bathed, anointed with vermillion, garlanded
and fed sumptuously. The festival is connected with the destruction of the demon
Holikasura or the she-demon Holika by making a bonfire, for which the festival
is called Holi.
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