Indian students of Yerevan State Medical University celebrated one of the happiest and brightest festivals in the world – the holiday of colors and spring – Holi. This year, however, due to epidemic conditions, traditional holiday events were canceled.
The festival marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring. Holi is celebrated during the Phalgun month, which typically falls in the month of March. The holiday has existed for more than 2000 years.
The participants of the festival water each other with colored water and spread the petals of medicinal herbs, turning the holiday into a parade of bright colors.
According to the Indian calendar, Holi is celebrated on full moon days.
“Ideally the joyous festival of Holi gets us closer to our religion and mythology. Wearing white is one of the most common and popular choices during Holi: white will continue to be a timeless choice this day. It signifies purity, humility, brilliance, beginnings, safety and peace,” President of the YSMU International Student Council Siva Shakti Viraswamy says.
Traditionally Holi is celebrated with dry colors known as “Gulal”, which are prepared naturally from the flowers, beetroot, turmeric, berries and other products.
“Mouthwatering delicacies complementing the traditional aspect are a must to have during any festival, and they are an integral part of Holi. Here is a list of traditional Holi delicacies: Gujiya (an authentic Holi sweet); Laddoos; Malpua (which is like a pancake); Puran Poli (sweet buttery flatbread); Thandai (Indian sweet drink made with milk and almonds, saffron, poppy seeds).