29

paraded, torn mud material, eyes stinging with dyes, cow dung, urine impregnated in hair and skin. a weaving mauling, shouting, pawing, wheeling turmoil of the exultation of the human animal in triumph.

note D.H. Lawrence's statement for incorporation of the same theme p 15

the celebration of the life force - physical - mental contact -the sexual ruling all without distinction, high and low, the elemental connections, concentrated exploding on a sunny morning in Vanarasi.

Holi is timed to fall during the full moon - spring festival

Swami Sivananda in Hindu Fasts and Festivals 1947 speaking of Holi, "Hindu festivals have always a spiritual significance. They wean the man from sensual pleasures and take him toe the spiritual path of divine communion." p. 30

check "The Holi: A Vernal Festival of the Hindus" by Crooke in "Folk Lore vol XXV 1914 p. 55-83

"The fires lit at Holi spring festival are intended as a purgation of evil spirits or as a mimetic charm to produce sunshine." p 169 vol 2 Ocean of Story

Popular Religion and Folklore of Northern India by W. Crooke

30

"Pink powder made of turmeric, lime juice and borax. It seems to be a more agreeable substitute for vermilion, whose constant use has probably an injurious effect on skin and hair . . . at festivals such as Holi it is greatly in evidence" p 164. Vol 2 Ocean of Story

"Holi is a fertility festival which has its origins in the aboriginal orgies of some powerful tribe and even now retains many of the characteristics of the fertility festivals of savages. The processions are usually composed of drunken crowds who dance and sing lewd songs and carry phallic emblems. The Holi for obvious reason, is dearer to the lower classes than to the upper." p 124 Hindu Religious Customs and Manners by Thomas

One legend has it that there was a witch like woman named Holika (Putana) who liked to eat children. She attempted to burn Prahlad, a child who was devoted to Krishna, but he was pure in his devotion and Holika herself was burned instead.

Another legend has it the Holika who was the same evil person as above (a female demon)

was defeated by a large group of children who collected around her, shouting abuse