A Myriad of Colours
Festivals and colours in India are pretty closely connected. During any celebration, whether it is the décor or the outfits, the ambience is vibrant, with some colours being more prominent than the others. Though most colours used during any celebration tend to be complementary, there’s a hidden meaning behind each colour and why they are used—intrigued by it all? Let’s find out more.
The Colours of India
Though Holi is the festival of colours, most people opt to wear white; funny, isn’t it? Well, as you will find out, there is a meaning behind choosing white for this festival; and no, it’s not just for pretty Instagram pictures. From Baisakhi to Navroz, the people of India have an auspicious colour for every occasion.
Paint the Town Red
We can’t help but think of Ganesh Chaturthi, which has recently passed when talking of festivals. Apart from the modaks filling your belly, other things that come in abundance during this occasion are red outfits and paraphernalia. Red is perhaps the most auspicious colour in India, especially among Hindus. It signifies purity, fertility, fire, which banishes evil, and can incite fear. Across India, many brides wear red on their wedding day, and during most occasions, you will find people sporting a red garment of some kind or a red tilak adorning their forehead.
Graceful in White
The colour white has several connotations attached; worn during a funeral, white signifies a peaceful farewell, but it also represents calm, serenity and purity. Adorning the deceased in white during a funeral also signifies a disconnect from the material world. Famously worn during Holi, this colour embodies the triumph of purity and good over evil. Wearing white signifies banishing all evil and negativity and embracing a new and pure life. Hence, the colour is not just for the morning but used during celebrations as well.
The Infinite Blue
In India, Jodhpur is known as the Blue City, but this colour is widely used across the country. The vibrant blue hues represent many things, but most importantly, they represent life. In a country that relies mainly on agriculture, the blue waters are crucial; hence, this colour is widely revered. Often associated with things that are infinite, such as the ocean and the sky, the colour represents power and is believed to sustain all things on the Earth. In Hindu mythology, Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu, has blue-toned skin.
A Green Paradise
Green signifies nature and new beginnings. Of course, in a predominantly agricultural country, the colour green will have major significance. Green is an important colour in Islam and has been closely associated with Paradise in the Quran. Followers of Islam often don royal green garments during auspicious occasions such as a wedding or during Eid-al-Fitr.
India is a diverse country with diverse celebrations. Though the significance of different colours may vary across cultures, they help unite the community. From red to royal green, you will find every colour in a crowd no matter what the celebration is about. So join in on the festivities, browse through the elegant outfits we offer, and adorn yourself with vibrant hues.
