Holi 2024: Why Is Holi Called Dol Jatra In Eastern India?

Dol Jatra 2024:?The festival of Holi holds cultural significance among various Hindu traditions of the Indian subcontinent. Traditionally, the day signifies the triumph of good over evil. But it also celebrates the arrival of Spring in India, the end of winter, and the blossoming of love.

The majority of revellers celebrate the day by dancing, organising a feast, creating rangolis, playing with colours and playing games. However, certain things can be culturally different on the day depending on the region. Each state in our country has its unique style and distinct traditions to celebrate Holi.

One unique Holi celebration is Dol Jatra, observed primarily in Eastern India, particularly in West Bengal and Odisha. This festival, which occurs during Holi, commences with the worship of Lord Krishna. During Dol Jatra, idols of Lord Krishna and Radha are adorned and placed on swings as part of the festivities.

Which state celebrates Dol Jatra?

Dol Jatra, also called Dol Purnima or Doul Utsav, epitomises the vibrant festival of colours in Eastern India, particularly in regions like West Bengal, Assam, Odisha, and Tripura. Celebrated fervently on the full moon day of the Phalguna month in the Hindu calendar, Dol Jatra often aligns with the North Indian festival of Holi. Despite the shared emphasis on colourful revelry, Dol Jatra possesses unique characteristics deeply rooted in the rich cultural heritage of the East.

What is the significance of Dol Jatra?

The legend behind Holi centers on the demon king Hiranyakashyapu, who possessed a boon rendering him invincible. Despite this, his son Prahlad remained a devoted follower of Lord Vishnu. When Hiranyakashyapu's sister, Holika, who was immune to fire, attempted to burn Prahlad alive, his unwavering faith saved him, and Holika perished instead. The burning of Holika symbolises the victory of good over evil and is marked by a bonfire on the eve of Holi.

What is the difference between Holi and Dol Jatra?

Dol Yatra or just Dol, celebrated primarily in eastern India, is a festival that marks the time when Krishna reunited with Radha and expressed his love. Holi, on the other hand, is more on the mythology of good winning over evil, when Holika got killed in the very fire in which she was trying to murder Prahlad.

A Vibrantly Spiritual Journey

In contrast, Dol Jatra finds its roots in the playful romance between Lord Krishna and Radha. According to Hindu mythology, on the full moon day of Phalguna, Lord Krishna expressed his love for Radha by playfully smearing colours on her while they swung in the forests of Vrindavan. This act of playful affection and the onset of spring are celebrated through Dol Jatra.

Dol Jatra begins with the worship of Lord Krishna and Radha. The idols are adorned with colourful clothes and flowers, presenting a visually striking sight. Devotees offer sweets and sing devotional songs, immersing themselves in the playful atmosphere reminiscent of Krishna and Radha.

At the heart of the celebration is the ritual of offering "Abir," a fragrant powder made from crushed leaves and sandalwood. Unlike the water-based colours used in Holi, Abir is delicately applied to the forehead and cheeks, symbolising blessings and the essence of playful love.

Note: Details mentioned here are as per the information available.

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