The Commission for the promotion and the protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic communities (CRL Rights Commission) is mandated to promote respect for all cultural, religious and linguistic communities in South Africa.
In this human rights month the Commission wishes the Hindu community a happy Holi festive celebrated on Thursday, 8 March 2012. Holi, the festival of colours, is undoubtedly the most fun-filled and boisterous of Hindu festival. It's an occasion that brings in unadulterated joy and mirth, fun and play, music and dance, and, of course, lots of bright colours!
The Spring Festival of India, Holi is a festival of colours, celebrated in March or April according to the Hindu calendar, it was meant to welcome the spring and win the blessings of Gods for good harvests and fertility of the land. As with all the Hindu festivals, there are many interesting legends attached to Holi, the most popular being that of Prince Prahlad, who was a devout follower of Lord Vishnu.
It is the second most important festival of India after Diwali. Holi in the Hindu is a festival of fun and frolic and has been associated with the immortal love of Krishna and Radha. The exuberance and the festivity of the season are remarkable.
Unlike all the other festivals of the Indian community, Hindu Holi festival is one such festival where one can put down the social taboos and indulge in the intoxicating drinks and sweets prepared by using opium. It is a festival of romance often represented by the love-play of Radha and Krishna. Brij Holi is famous all over the world for its gaiety in spirit.
Each year, young and old, men and women, all indulge themselves in the spirit of colours and for once forget the social taboos. There are mouth-watering delicacies to savour such as 'Gujhias' and 'Papris' and there are interesting traditions and customs of Holi that have their own regional variances.
The CRL Rights Commission appeals to all South African to embrace and join the Hindu community in celebrating the joyous festival of Holi.
For enquiries:
Ms Botle
Marketing and Communications Officer
Cell: 0832 331 538
Tel: 011 537 7625
The Commission for the promotion and the protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic communities (CRL Rights Commission) Commission wishes the Hindu community a joyous Holi festive
