Holi Celebration with Special Hampers and Sweet Boxes

Holi is undoubtedly one of the most vigorous and celebrated Hindu festivals. Every year, people await its arrival with a zeal of energy. Its charm is unmistakable, its beauty is unparalleled, and its vibe is unmatched. Although a predominantly Indian festival, it has spread its wings across the world for how resonating it is in its message.

Its universal appeal has made people across the globe celebrate it with much enthusiasm, including in Dubai, where it is steadily rising in popularity. In this space, we are going to take a deep dive into the essence and history of Holi and how it is celebrated. Additionally, we are also going to look into the culinary association with Holi and what dessert you can not miss during this festival. So, let us get into it.

The Essence of Holi

Holi is the Hindu festival of colours and has been celebrated for centuries. Celebrating the divine and eternal love of Radha and Krishna, this festival symbolizes the end of the winter and the commencement of the spring season. This festival also marks the blossoming of love.

Holi lasts for a night and a day, beginning on the full moon day during the Hindu month of Phalguna, which mostly falls around the middle of March as per the Gregorian calendar. It is widely celebrated across the Indian subcontinent, though it is steadily now becoming popular across other Asian regions and the Western world.

In the world of mythology, Holi has extreme reverence. It showcases the essence of the triumph of good over evil as it commemorates the victory of Vishnu over Hiranyakashipu when the former took the avatar of Narasimha.

Along with Diwali, it is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in Hinduism. The essence of Holi lies in ending conflicts, correcting past errors, and believing in forgetting and forgiving. This is when people pay and forgive debts and mark new beginnings in their lives.

The History of Holi

Holi has immense historical and cultural significance. In the Braj region, this festival signifies the divine love that Radha and Krishan had for each other. Therefore, it is celebrated until Rang Panchami. When Krishna confided in his mother, Yashoda, about his insecurity as to whether the light-skinned Radha would fall in love with his dark skin, she recommended he ask Radha to colour his face. This playful and joyous colouring came to be recognized as Holi.

When demonic king Hiranyakashipu’s son became a devotee of Vishnu, his father despised him, which led to him cruelly punishing his son. The king was blessed with the boon that he could not be killed by a human or an animal, not indoors or outdoors, not during day or night, not on land or water, and not through any projectile or handheld weapon.

Thus, Vishnu took the avatar of Narasimha – a half-human, half-lion, and killed him at dusk by dragging him to the doorstep, placing him on his lap, and eviscerating him through his claws. This led to the symbol of victory of good over evil, leading to the folks celebrating Holi.

Apart from the mythical references that we mentioned above, the description of Holi has been found before the Gupta period, as numerous scriptures and ancient texts mention Holi.

The 7th-century Sanskrit drama Ratnavali also mentions Holi, as does the Puranas. Classical Sanskrit author Kalidasa also mentioned Holi during the reign of Chandragupta II in the 4th century. The bright celebrations of the festival also caught the attention of European traders and British colonial staff.

How is Holi celebrated?

The night before Holi, the Holika Dahan is celebrated, wherein people gather around a lit bonfire to remove evil and start anew. People sing and dance around the bonfire and cherish time with their loved ones. The next morning, the main event begins, where people start with seeking blessings from God and smearing colours on each other.

Gulaal (dry powdered colours) as well as water colours through water guns and water-filled balloons are used to colour each other. Throughout the day, friends and foes come together to burn their differences and partake in the Holi celebrations.

Food is an integral part of the festival, with the iconic dessert Gujia being an unmissable item on the platter on the occasion. Thandai is the common sweet cold beverage that elevates mood like no other during Holi. In the evening, many people participate in Kavi Sammelan, wherein they recite famous or self-written poems.

How is Holi celebrated in Dubai?

Dubai is the ultimate cosmopolitan city and thrives on its multiculturalism. With a significant Hindu population, it is imminent that Holi was going to get popular sooner than later in the city. The festival is not only limited to the Hindu or Indian community in the emirate. Emiratis, as well as other expats, also partake with much vigour as this is the festival of bringing people together.

Popular Holi events are celebrated across the city, especially in Zabeel Park, Dubai Sports City, Palm Jumeirah, and Dubai Creek Park, among others. Some of the most notable and awaited Holi events in the city include the Colour Splash Festival, Desi Holi Masti, Holi Beach Bash, and Rang Barse Dubai, among others. With Bollywood numbers, family-friendly cultural activities, and rain showers, these events truly represent the essence of the festival.

Our Holi Special Menu

Holi is all about bringing people together. Feasting together with the sweet taste of authentic Indian desserts is a long-living tradition of this festival. At MyGovindas, we understand how much people look forward to a Holi special menu, and we have got you covered in that area.

We have come up with an eclectic and joyous menu full of hampers and desserts to make this pious festival more special. Available at all of our branches spread across Dubai in Karama, Al Arjan, Silicon Oasis, and JLT, you can either visit our vegetarian restaurants in person or order these hampers online.

Let us give you a glimpse of the irresistible Holi hampers that we are offering at our pure veg restaurants in Dubai. They make for the perfect gift for your loved ones.

Rang Barse Hamper

A wholesome gifting hamper, the Rang Barse hamper consists of all the delicious confectionary that you need for a Holi event along with assorted gift items. With this hamper, you will receive Gujia 400 gm, Ghear 2 pcs, biscuit 1 pkt, Makhana 2 pkt, Mathi 400 gm, color box 1 box, Picchkari 1 pcs, Thandai 1 pcs, and Besan Papadi 1 pcs.

Holi Hungama Hamper

The Holi Hungama hamper makes for an endearing gifting option for all the guests you invite home or for those whom you visit. With this hamper, you will receive Gujia 400 gm, Ghear 2 pcs, Thandai 1 pcs, and herbal colour 1 pcs.

Samosa Gujia Box

For all those who have a sweet tooth and crave irresistible Indian snacks, the Samosa Gujia box is a no-brainer choice. This delectable Holi hamper is stuffed with dry fruits, cardamom, Khoya, and Kesar in a sweet pastry crust, which is finally dipped in sugar syrup.

While at it, don’t forget our premium Samosa and Laung Latiya Gujia box and our individual dessert items such as Gheyar, Chandrakala Gujia, Laung Latia Gujia, Kesar Gujia, and Fikki Gujia, as well as the assorted Gujia box.

And who can deny some mouthwatering beverages at a Holi event? Try out our Govinda Thandai bottles to wash down all the delicious sweets and snacks. Quenching your thirst has never been better than it is with a Thandai.

Additionally, we also offer natural herbal colour boxes so that you can enjoy and play Holi with organic colours made from recycled flowers. They are not only vibrant in appearance but also child-friendly, ensuring you participate in a safe Holi.

To Conclude

Holi generates harmony in society. It, being the festival of colours, showcases the essence of forgiveness and coming together. This marks the beginning of spring and the blossoming of love. With this Indian festival making its presence known across the globe, it now has a universal appeal.

Come and participate in this joyous, zealous, and pious festival and let your loved ones know how much they mean to you. Rekindle with an old foe and strengthen old bonds. Celebrate with the sweet delicacies from MyGovindas and immerse in the love that this festival stands for.