Today Phagwah is celebrated as a symbol of various Hindu traditions. Hence it is not a single day or two but covers sixteen days of joyful time, starting on the first day after the full moon in end February or early March each year. Primarily, Phagwah is a commemoration of the triumph of good over evil. It is traced back to the tradition of the demon king Hiranyakasyapu who tried to kill his own son, the prince named Prahlad, but Lord Vishnu’s blessings saved the boy each time. Eventually, Hiranyakasyapu’s sister Holika (from whose name the word ‘Holi’ derives) attempted to kill the boy by taking him along into fire. Holika who herself was immune to burning. The fire burned down Holika to ashes and Prahlad came out, safe and sound.
Phagwah is also associated with other religious traditions. For example, it is associated with the opening of god Siva’s third eye and the consequent end of Kamadeva, the god of erotic love. Also related to Phagwah is the story of Dhundhi, the invincible ogress who teased the children in the kingdom of Prithu. She was made to flee the kingdom by the shouts, noise, and pranks of the kingdom’s mischievous kids. In addition, Holi is also associated with the tradition of the eternal love of Krishna and Radha.
Phagwah’s opening day is one of revelry. People of all castes and social backgrounds are allowed to join the bustle, thus refuting the social inequality. People gather in the open, friskily chase one another, and make fun by throwing gulal (colored water) over one another. On the Holi night, a pile of wood is burnt with an image of Holika with little prince Prahlada in it. Holika’s image is made of material that can burn down while that of Prahlada is made of fire-resistant stuff. This symbolizes the victory of divine forces over the wicked ones of Holika. Some people would place an image of Kamadeva in the yard of their house and offer worship.
Phagwah is celebrated with the most avid enthusiasm in northern parts India. For young boys and girls, it is a socially permissible occasion of flirting and merrymaking together. Many young men also take Bhang (marijuana mixture) to augment the pleasure of the moment. However it is also observed in Bengal and other areas, though in a quieter and more dignified way. In the more rural settings of the Maharashtra State, singing and dancing are central to Phagwah’s festivity. In Rajasthan, folksongs and playing with colors make the occasion a unique way of sharing happiness. Celebration goes on all day long and, in the evening, people have tired themselves to rest and restore their energies for the coming day.