Holi is considered to be the second biggest festival in India and is celebrated by one and all. It’s known by different names in different parts of the country.
Its numerous names all over the country very clearly establish the truth about its immense popularity. One such name is Dhulandi which is native to the state of Haryana. Over here, Holi is celebrated with much pomp and splendor.
It’s the second day or rather the main day of the 2 day festival of Holi which is also known as Rangwali Holi in other parts of India.
Customs And Celebrations
This day boasts of a lot of fun rituals and customs and is especially dedicated to the ‘Bhabhis’ and ‘Devars’. Bhabhis are the wives of the elder brothers of the family while the Devars are the younger brothers of the family.
On this day, the Bhabhis get an upper hand while the Devars have to be on the lookout for their Bhabhis. This day is characterized by full proof permission from the society for the Bhabhis to punish their Devars. Devar – Bhabhi relationship is always known to be a fun, teasing, filled with pranks bond amongst all other bonds in the family. There’s always a cat – mouse race seen between them on who can outdo the other in pranks.
On this day, the Bhabhis are entitled to make their Devars pay back for all the mischievous and naughty pranks that were played on them throughout the year. On this day, they want to make them pay for all their troubles including an interest. Paying back may not be in the monetary sense of the term but nonetheless, the Devars don’t get forgiveness so easily. The Bhabhis of the house roll up their sarees in the shape of a rope and take their Devars on a good long run.
Possessing a mock anger, they decide to trouble their Devars for once to their hearts content on this day. The evening traditions of the day comprise of the Devars bringing in sweets and gifts for their Bhabhis in an attempt to seek forgiveness. If pleased by their actions, Bhabhis forgive their Devars and the festival day has a happy ending. Other famous traditions of the day include breaking of a pot of buttermilk which has been hung high on the streets.
It’s done so by forming a human pyramid similar to the one done during Janmashtami. Also, as it’s the second or main day of Holi, its celebrations include people playing with wet and dry colors. Dry powdered colors known as ‘gulaal’ are smeared on each other’s faces while some prefer to drench other people by spraying water and wet colors. Water balloons and pichkaris are common tools used on this day and men and women, child and adults get together to enjoy this day of fun and celebrations.