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oxygenmaskI have a few questions that arose after I saw the movie Outsourced (here’s a trailer: http://www.outsourcedthemovie.com/clips-videos.php , where the main character’s rebirth occurred after he experienced the Festival of Holi in India. The movie called it a celebration of color, and people were throwing colored dust in the air and at other people. That against the already colorful background of India looked irresistible to me and I want to experience it. Has anyone traveled to India for the Festival of Holi? When is it? In what part of India is it best to celebrate Holi?
Thanks for posting! I watched the 1st 8 minutes – looks like the India I know. Taxi to green/yellow tuk tuk scene is classic. Can’t wait to watch the entire movie.
~ Dave
Dave’s Travel Corner
oxygenmaskYour welcome! I’m glad you liked what you saw. I think Outsourced is a real gem of a movie. It’s interesting how it addresses all the stereotypes of how westerners feel about India without being stereotypical about it or resorting to low brow humor. I don’t want to give away any of the funnies, but of course the scenes of the guy finding out what hand to eat with and why are hilarious. I don’t want to give the impression that the movie isn’t deep though, it’s an interesting balance.
I looked up on Wiki about Holi: Holi (Hindi: होली) or Phagwah (Bhojpuri) is a popular, Hindu spring festival, observed in North India and Nepal, also called the Festival of Colours. In West Bengal, it is known as Dolyatra (Doljatra) or Boshonto Utshob (“spring festival”).
On the first day, bonfires are lit at night to signify burning Holika.
On the second day, known as Dhulandi, people spend the day throwing coloured powder and water at each other. The spring season, during which the weather changes, is believed to cause viral fever and cold. Thus, the playful throwing of the coloured powders has a medicinal significance: the colours are traditionally made of Neem, Kumkum, Haldi, Bilva, and other medicinal herbs prescribed by Āyurvedic doctors. A special drink called thandai is prepared, sometimes containing bhang (Cannabis sativa). People invite each other to their houses for feasts and celebrations later in the evening.
Rangapanchami occurs a few days later on a Panchami (fifth day of the full moon), marking the end of festivities involving colours.
Holi takes place over two days in the later part of February or early March. As per the Hindu calendar, it falls on the Phalgun Purnima (or Pooranmashi, Full Moon). (In 2007, Holi was celebrated on 3 March, the burning of Holika was on 4 March and the Dhulendi on 5 March.)
bhang! the movie left that out. 🙂
Yea just rented Outsourced – one of the better movies I’ve seen in the past few years. Great humor! This site also has good information about the festival portrayed in that movie:
Regards,
~ Dave
oxygenmaskGlad you liked Outsourced. What did you think about the way that Kali was used in the film? I think it was great because it was so funny and lighthearted and warm, but the parts with Kali and the “rebirth” of the main character hinted at a deeper meaning that I’m still trying to pick apart.
I looked at that site, I am so excited! The only thing that makes me nervous is that women, esp. foreign women, are cautioned that they may become a target during this time. I’d been planning on traveling alone but now am trying to convince my male Indian friend to accompany me.
jaxterThere is no fixed date for holi festival, it is the festival of colors. If you want to experience holi, you have to wait upto next year.As it usually comes in the month of march. This year the date was 11 march. If you need my help please contact me.
Holi event is coming fast your way. You will surely be looking for some Hindi Holi quotes to send to your loved ones. Happy Holi!
