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Andhra
Pradesh, a southern state of India celebrates a number of
festivals. Some of them are their very own and others are
celebrated with pomp and gaiety by the people Andhra. Among
the Festivals of India, Holi or Festival of Color is a cause
of jubilation in Andhra Pradesh.
Holi in Andhra Pradesh is celebrated on the the month of
Phalguna that is March according the English calender. Holi
is observed on the full moon day or Purnima. This Indian
Festival has close association with the Hindu myths related
to Lord Shiva. |
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It is
believed that during Lord Shiva was meditating, cupid shot
his arrows to inflict love in him. But Shiva was outraged by
this disturbance, he burnt cupid to ashes by the power of
his third eye. When Cupid's wife asked for mercy to Lord
Shiva, he granted a wish that he can come back to his
original form only on this particular day of the year.
Starting a week or so before Holi, a ritual of burning dry
woods and sticks is performed. The people celebrating this
ritual perform dance and music surrounding the holy fire.
The merry making continues with offering of grains to the
fire. Specially the Banjaras in Andhra Pradesh perform this
rite very religiously. The following day is celebrated with
colors.
Holi is actually the Festival of Color. The vibrant colors
are used to smear each other. This is a festivity of fun and
frolic and at the same time this festival drives away the
negative spirits to give rise to fellow feeling.
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