Holi, known as the Festival of Colors, Love, and Spring, is a major Hindu festival celebrated primarily in India and Nepal. It honors the divine love of Radha and Krishna, as well as the triumph of good over evil represented by Vishnu's victory over Hiranyakashipu. Holi's vibrant festivities have spread through the Indian diaspora to other parts of Asia and the Western world.
1910: Oxford English Dictionary Standardizes "Holi" Spelling
In 1910, the Oxford English Dictionary adopted "Holi" as the standard spelling for the festival, replacing previous phonetically derived variations used in earlier editions.
1929: Publication Highlighting Holi-Fool Tradition in Punjab
In 1929, Bose, in "Cultural Anthropology: And Other Essays," noted the prevalent custom of "playing Holi-fools" in Punjab.
1947: Holi Not Recognized as a Public Holiday in Pakistan
From Pakistan's independence in 1947, Holi was not officially recognized as a public holiday.
1961: Documentation of Wrestling Matches during Holi in Punjab
In 1961, Bose recorded the tradition of holding wrestling matches as part of Holi celebrations in certain regions of Punjab.
1993: Research on Holi Fairs and Theatrical Performances
Self, in 1993, researched and documented Holi fairs in Punjab, highlighting their extended duration and the folk theatrical performances like "swang" and "nautanki."
2000: Documentation of Pre-Holi Festivities in Punjab
Sekhon, in 2000, documented the pre-Holi celebrations in Punjab, known as "luhatak," where people begin throwing colors days before the main festival.
2007: Study Reveals Eye Irritation Caused by Malachite Green in Holi Colors
A 2007 study identified malachite green, a synthetic dye used in some Holi colors, as a cause of severe eye irritation in Delhi if not washed off promptly.
2009: Study Highlights Health Concerns Related to Industrial Dyes in Holi Colors
A 2009 study revealed the use of metal-based industrial dyes in some Holi colors, leading to an increase in skin problems post-celebrations. The study highlighted the lack of quality control and labeling for these colors, posing health risks to consumers.
2016: Pakistan Declares Holi as a Public Holiday
In a landmark decision in 2016, Pakistan's parliament declared Holi as a public holiday, granting local governments and public institutions the authority to observe it.
2017: Scholarly Research on Holi in Mughal India
In 2017, Sharma published research highlighting the exuberant Holi celebrations during the Mughal era, including paintings depicting Mughal emperors participating in the festivities.