Meaning and significance of different colours of Holi

Meaning and significance of different colours of HoliAbhijeet Christopher Loreng, Times Now Digital

Red colour

Red is India's (Hindus') color of love and passion. In India, red has a greater meaning. Women wear red at weddings as it symbolizes purity and fertility, love beauty. Red is a sign of marriage for (Hindu) women, who usually put a red tika on their forehead when married. During Holi, red gulal (powder) reflects wishes for passion, strength, wealth, etc. People like to smear the faces of loved ones and greet them with red paste or gulal. Family deities who are charitable, brave, protective, and who have the capacity to destroy evil are always dressed in red for Holi. Credit: iStock

Blue colour

Blue is the color of the sky and ocean and it symbolizes calm and serenity. What's more, it is the color of Lord Krishna, one of the most favored gods in India. It can also mean immortality, bravery, and determination in Indian culture. Credit: iStock

Green colour

Green symbolizes nature and a manifestation of the divine in Hinduism. It is a festive color that symbolizes new beginnings, harvest, and happiness. And it is a sacred color in Islam, which is the second-largest religion in India, with 14.9% of India's population. Credit: iStock

Indigo colour

This is the colour of the sixth or the third eye chakra in the body. It symbolises intuitive and insightful powers. Credit: iStock

Pink colour

Feminine pink is an innocent, cheerful color that symbolizes youth, good health, and playfulness. It is believed to bring more joy, fun, and energy to Holi celebrations. Pink gulal is a favorite for girls and women, with whom it is seen as the most attractive and energetic color. Credit: iStock

Purple colour

Purple combines the calm color of blue and the passion of red, it is always connected to royalty, wealth, and power in India. In Hinduism, it is the color of the crown chakra — the bridge to the cosmos. Credit: iStock

Saffron colour

Orange (dark saffron) is the most dominate sacred color in India. The yogis, gurus, and 'men of God' wear saffron robes paired with bright saffron turbans. In Hinduism, orange represents the sacral chakra ('energy center') — the sexual/self center. Orange (dark saffron) in the Indian flag means the strength and courage of the Indian people. Credit: iStock

Yellow colour

Yellow is the sacred color of India. It is the color of sunshine and happiness, and is believed to have healing powers. Many gods in India are dressed in yellow, like Lord Vishnu, Lord Krishna, and Ganesha. What's more, yellow is synonymous with turmeric in India, which has been used as a medicine for centuries in India. Turmeric is also an auspicious spice used in weddings and puja (worship rituals). Credit: iStock

White colour

White represents peace, serenity, calm and purity. Credit: iStock