數百萬人歡慶印度教色彩節 迎接春天來臨
Source:VOA | South & Central Asia
Millions celebrate Hindu Holi festival, approach of spring
March 14, 2025 9:41 PM
印度與南亞多國於週五舉行盛大的色彩節（Holi）慶典，數百萬人身穿白衣，在街頭互相潑灑鮮豔彩粉。這一天是印度全國假日，人們紛紛返鄉與親人團聚，在節日前夕燃起篝火、載歌載舞，進行宗教祈禱，象徵善良戰勝邪惡與迎接春天的到來。印度總理莫迪也透過社群媒體發表賀詞，強調節慶凝聚民族團結的重要性。在德里，公園與街道充滿彩粉煙霧與音樂聲，孩童從陽台與屋頂投擲彩色水球，節慶氛圍歡樂奔放。Holi同時頌揚印度教神祇克里希納與拉達的愛情神話，也象徵生命的重生與更新。
Hindus across India and other South Asian countries, dressed mostly in white, smeared or sprayed friends and relatives with brightly colored powder Friday as millions celebrated the return of spring during Holi, the festival of colors.
Friday is a nationwide holiday in India, so people can participate in the raucous, joyfully messy celebration, which usually lands on the last full moon of the lunar month heralding the end of winter.
In neighboring Nepal, festival activities began Thursday and stretched across two days. The boisterous festival is observed in other South Asian countries and by many in the Indian diaspora.
Holi is one of India's biggest festivals, and millions of people make nostalgic journeys to their hometowns to celebrate with loved ones by lighting bonfires on festival eve, which signifies the triumph of good over evil. Gathering around the flames, family members sing, dance and pray to Hindu gods.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted Holi greetings to the nation on social media Friday. In a post on X, Modi wrote about the important benefits of the festival in bringing people together.
“Happy Holi to all of you. It is my wish that this holy festival full of joy and happiness infuses new enthusiasm and energy in everyone's life and also deepens the color of unity of the countrymen,” Modi posted in Hindi.
In one New Delhi park so many people hurled colored powder at one another that the air took on a rainbow haze, while others danced in the streets to music blaring from speakers. Water guns were the weaponry of choice for groups of young men who chased festival participants, already drenched in a variety of hues, through public parks and side streets.
Children took aim from a greater distance, perched on rooftops or balconies, where they flung water balloons filled with colored pigments and glitter at the revelers below.
The annual event also celebrates the mythical love affair between the Hindu god Krishna and his consort Radha. On a larger scale, it signifies rebirth and rejuvenation across Hindu culture.
Language Notes
- smear：塗抹，抹上（黏稠物）；弄髒 ⬆
- raucous：喧鬧的，刺耳的，吵鬧的 ⬆
- diaspora：僑民；離散族群（特指離開原居地後仍保有文化認同的一群人: 併發症 ⬆
- triumph：勝利；成功；（抽象的）正義獲勝 ⬆
- reveler：狂歡者，參加慶典或派對的人 ⬆
Check your comprehension!
Choose the BEST answer to each of the questions below. After you finish, highlight the parentheses to reveal the hidden answers.1. ( C ) What is the main purpose of the nationwide Holi holiday in India?
A. To commemorate Krishnas birthday with fasting and prayer.
B. To allow people to travel abroad to celebrate spring.
C. To enable widespread participation in Holi’s joyful, colorful festivities.
D. To mark the start of the monsoon season.
2. ( B ) According to the article, what deeper cultural meanings does Holi carry beyond the colorful celebrations?
A. It promotes economic exchange between rural and urban communities.
B. It symbolizes rebirth, renewal, and the victory of good over evil.
C. It honors India’s independence and national unity.
D. It serves as a mourning period for lost ancestors.
3. ( D ) Why are rooftops and balconies mentioned in the description of Holi activities?
A. Because they are traditional places where Hindu prayers are conducted.
B. Because they provide safety from the rowdy Holi crowds.
C. Because they are decorated with flags and religious symbols.
D. Because children use them as strategic spots to throw colored water balloons.
