By Rama Gaind.
The Taj Mahal in Agra is a monument to love built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife, Mumtaz. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983. Photo: Rama Gaind
International travel is at a standstill, temporarily, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but memories created through previous trips last a lifetime.
One of the most unforgettable times to visit India is during a festival — and Holi (also called holika or phagwa) — is the country’s most glittering celebration when streets throughout the nation are transformed into a kaleidoscope of colour. The annual festival — which this year falls on 29 March — celebrates spring and commemorates various events in Hindu mythology.
Reminiscing about my last trip to New Delhi, a year before the pandemic outbreak, brings back unadulterated images of gay abandon and general merrymaking. Thousands of people, dressed in white, came together in every corner of the country, onto the streets to share in dance, music, family celebrations with gusto, get-togethers and visual stimulation. This was an unforgettable experience in the capital, which was a dazzling display of colour and good cheer.
This group of young children could not resist joining in the spirit of the festival of colours – Holi – in India.
Holi is an ancient Hindu religious festival, known as the ‘festival of colours’ or the festival of love. It is also said to signify the victory of good over evil. The festival is all about partying and enjoyment. It begins with a bonfire the night before where people gather to sing and dance. Revellers hurl brightly coloured, perfumed powders and water at one another and anyone is considered fair game regardless of gender, caste, class or age.
Indians, at home and abroad, gather together with family, friends and neighbours to throw balloon bombs, fire water pistols and splash coloured water as they run through the streets. They generally go a little wild. Shops and businesses close down for the day.
Celebrated originally as the end of winter, it also celebrates the legend of Prahlada, who was protected from the flames by Lord Vishnu. Despite the abusive nature of his father King Hiranyakashipu, he continued his devotion towards Vishnu. Even though this story is the one that’s generally recognised, the myths and legends that surround Holi differ around the country. However, the basic principle remains the same: it is meant to symbolise the victory of good over evil, the importance of love and happiness and support for new friendships.
There is so much to see and do in New India, the capital, but a highlight was a visit to the 42-metre-high India Gate, in New Delhi. It commemorates the 70,000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives fighting for the British Army during World War I.
Originally called the All India War Memorial, it’s an ‘Arc-de-Triomphe’-like archway in the middle of a crossroad that attracts an endless stream of tourists on a daily basis.
Monument to love
India Gate in New Delhi commemorates the 70,000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives fighting for the British Army during the World War I. Photo: Rama Gaind
Moving out of the capital was the best for sightseeing: combining a tour of the famous Golden Triangle — Delhi, Agra and Jaipur — only further broadened our experience of the boisterous merriment.
Agra, in the north state of Uttar Pradesh, is a major tourist destination because of the numerous splendid Mughal-era buildings. At the top of the list was the Taj Mahal, followed by the Agra Fort and Fatehpūr Sikrī. All three are UNESCO World Heritage sites.
On the southern banks of the Yamuna River, the Taj Mahal remains one of India’s most enduring symbols. Emperor Shah Jahan built it in fond memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz. It has been rightly described as the most ‘extravagant monument to love’ ever built. The striking white marble mausoleum was completed in 1653: it took nearly 22 years to build.
Jaipur is the capital and largest city of Rajasthan in north India. You will understand why it’s nicknamed ‘the Pink City’ once you look at the glorious stucco buildings that line Jaipur’s wide streets.
Explore the City Palace, Hawa Mahal and Amber and Jaigarh Forts. If hunting for unique souvenirs is your preference, then visit one of the bazaars and pick-up a pair of camel-leather slippers.
A kaleidoscope of colour is what transforms a nation during the Holi festival in India.
Another worthy alternative was a four-hour drive from the national capital to the temple towns of Mathura (Lord Krishna’s birthplace) and Vrindavan (where he spent his childhood). This is where Holi is a very important traditional festival, with revelry being held every day in a different temple of Lord Krishna. Dances depicting the origins of the festival, along with tossing coloured powders and listening to folk songs, proved memories are timeless, treasures of the heart.
To “be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire” is why I want to make memories all over the world because “photos are a return ticket to a moment otherwise gone”.
One of the best descriptions about the world’s second most populous country comes from French scholar Romain Rolland: “If there is one place on the face of earth where all the dreams of living men have found a home from the very earliest days when man began the dream of existence, it is India”.
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