The works of Hanif Kureishi, Svabhu Kohli, and Viplov Singh showcase the vibrant synergy between street art and the Holi festival. Each artist, in his unique way, captures the essence of Holi—its colors, its themes, and its ability to bring people together. We explore 5 artworks that show how India's modern painters have captured the spirit of Holi - the Indian festival of 'colours' - on canvas! Indian miniature paintings from Rajasthani and Mughal ateliers along with Indian art forms like Madhubani and Pichwai, incorporate the exuberant scenes of Holi as well as the romantic antics of Krishna and Radha amidst a riot of colors. In Bengal and Orissa, Holi is also celebrated as the birthday of Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (A.D. 1486-1533). The Holi festival in Calcutta during the 1850s has been captured in this painting commissioned by the British. It has men daubed with red powder dancing, singing and drumming towards a tank. One Indian festival that has seen the richest outpouring in paintings for centuries is Holi. The festival is known by different names in different regions – Vasanotsav in the North, Phag or Phagotsav in Rajasthan and adjoining areas, Rangpanchami in Maharashtra, Dol Yatra in Bengal, Odisha and Assam and Kamadahana in the South. The festival of Holi is an ancient and popular Hindu tradition that marks the welcoming of Spring - the season of harvest, triumph of good over evil, and eternal love. The red Palash flower is Meanwhile, Svabhu Kohli and Viplov Singh celebrated Holi 2017 with a collection of artworks that illustrate Holi traditions. Each illustration shows a different aspect of the holiday – from the Holi-themed Pichwai paintings bring Vrindavan’s festivities to life with Krishna, Radha, and the Gopis drenching each other in vibrant hues. Imagine Krishna, armed with his trusty pichkari, cheekily showering Radha with color, while the Gopis retaliate in kind. In the art of Pichwai, Krishna is Srinathji- the Lord of Nathdwara and its Haveli, who celebrates Holi with his devotees and beloved Radha, Gopis, and Gopas. The festival of Holi at Holi is imagined differently by the court painters of Lucknow. The ‘gopis’ play a medley of musical instruments wearing the Mughal anghrakhas, while some are busy mixing colours to play with each other. [Emperor Muhammad Shah (reigned 1719-48) Presides Over Celebrations of the Spring Festival of Colors (Holi Utsava) Bengal Patachitra, a traditional art form of story-telling through scroll paintings have illustrated the various myths and legends of Holi for ages. This is a Patachitra frame depicting Hiranyakashipu Asura. Vibrant Holi Festivals Kick Off in Kashi and Nandagaon Rangbhari Ekadashi marks the start of Holi festivities at Kashi Vishwanath Temple, while Lathmar Holi begins in Nandagaon, celebrating the playful legends of Krishna and Radha. This colorful event attracts tourists and devotes alike to witness age-old rituals amidst enhanced security measures. Traditionally a Hindu festival, Holi is celebrated with much pomp and splendor on the full moon day of the month of Phalgun (around late February or March). It is largely celebrated in India and Nepal, along with parts of Sri Lanka. On Holi, communities come together to dance, smear coloured powder and throw water balloons at each other. Additionally, the festival’s brilliance may instead be found in a less social transgression; the game of Holi is an artistic activity in itself, wherein players become both canvas and creator. Breaking the bounds between artist and subject, mythology and reality, Holi is not only a celebration of community but of the renewal of the self. It is that time of the year when colors are all around, splashed on faces, swirling in the air, and painting the streets in every shade imaginable. Holi isn’t just a festival. It’s a full-blown celebration of joy, love, and togetherness. But did you know that Holi isn’t the same everywhere in Schedule of Events: 12 – 5pm: Music and Food Trucks (City Walk – Outside) City Walk will be alive with music by DJ Krish and a special selection of food trucks featuring delicious Indian specialities. 12 – 4pm: Face Painting and Henna Art (City Walk – Outside) 12 – 3pm: Art Making (Museum Cafe – Inside) Make your own Holi color popper! With the vibrant festival of Holi just around the corner, Indian markets are bustling with enthusiastic shoppers eager to grab colors and pichkaris. 'Gulal' and 'abeer' are in high demand, painting a picture of excitement and preparation across the nation. Homes are joyfully adorned with lively Holi, also known as the festival of colors, is an important festival in India. Celebrated on the full moon day in the Hindu month of Phalguna, Holi marks the start of spring. There are many stories associated with Holi - of it being a beautiful full moon day, of welcoming spring , and of Krishna dancing with all the Gopis (devotees of Lord Krishna) while playing Holi. Holi is a festival when we break all the barriers and feel a sense of oneness with everyone. This is the message of this vibrant festival. Eventbrite - The Art of Living LA presents Celebration of Holi - Festival of Colors - Saturday, March 15, 2025 at 2636 S Hoover St, Los Angeles, CA. Find event and ticket information. Celebrate the joyous occasion of Holi with family, friends, or new faces, music, vibrant colors and a lively atmosphere.
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