India’s most colourful festival made an appearance in the recent Uttar Pradesh electoral campaign. Addressing a rally in Fatehpur, Prime Minister Narendra Modi thundered, “If there is electricity during Eid, there should be electricity on Holi too.” The choice of Holi as representing one creed was remarkable, given that this festival once stood for the opposite; the blurring of identity and the melting away of community norms, resulting in vibrant foods, exhilarating drinks and empowering ideas.
Once upon a time in India, Holi didn’t evoke one community’s rejoicing; it stood for the celebration of spring and harvest by all communities. At the heart of Holi is an ancient Hindu legend — the evil Holika, who, while trying to burn her devout nephew Prahlad, is burnt to cinders herself.