New Delhi, March 2: On March 4, the festival of Holi will be celebrated across the country with great enthusiasm, and markets are fully prepared for the occasion.
While vibrant colors and water guns fill the markets, did you know that in a part of India, Holi is celebrated not with colors but with the sacred hue of turmeric? We are referring to Kerala, where the way of celebrating Holi is distinctly traditional and spiritual.
In Kerala, the festival is known as Manjal Kuli, which begins on the full moon and lasts for four days. Notably, colors are not used in this celebration; instead, turmeric water is utilized. Manjal Kuli is particularly celebrated at the Goshripuram Tirumala Temple, representing the Gauda Saraswat Brahmin community, which aims to dispel negativity from life through this festival.
The festivities span four days, starting with the first day dedicated to donating items associated with prosperity and well-being at the temple. Devotees offer coconuts, coconut oil, turmeric, kumkum, and various other items to the deity. On the second day, a turmeric paste is prepared at the temple, which devotees apply to their bodies. It is believed that this practice mitigates the effects of changing seasons and promotes physical and mental purity. Those who do not apply the paste bathe in turmeric water.
The third day features the celebration of Rang Panchami at the temple, where everyone applies colors to each other, fostering love and brotherhood. This day is marked by community gatherings, where people from different backgrounds come together. The final day concludes with a communal meal at the temple, where after offering food to the deity, everyone lovingly feeds one another. This day emphasizes the importance of food.
The purpose of Manjal Kuli is not only to purify oneself mentally and physically but also to enhance social harmony. Cultural programs showcasing Kerala’s unique style and traditions are also organized during this time.
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