Holi Gifts

The festival of joy and colour - Holi has some specific gift traditions too. What though is common throughout India is the exchange of mithai or sweets.

Exchange of Sweets :

Sweet sellers make special arrangements for the day by preparing attractive gift packages containing mouth watering delicacies. A heavy rush can be witnessed at sweet-shops, on the eve of Holi as the market places remain closed on the day of Holi for the play of colours.

In the evening people visit friends and relatives and exchange boxes of sweets or special home made delicacies and renew the bond of love and brotherhood amongst them.

Clothes for Married daughters :

There is also a tradition of gifting clothes to married daughters and her family. In some states, a special saree called 'dandia' is gifted to the married daughter along with another saree complete with all necessary accessories.

There is also a particular way in which dandia is prepared. Dandia is essentially a white cotton saree preferably of voile or 'mulmul'. It's borders are dyed with a non-fast colour called Indian Pink. The dandia is made by gathering all four sides of the saree and dipping each side, in turn, into the Indian Pink, allowing the colour to catch two to three inches of the cloth on each side. The colour spreads in uneven splendor towards the middle of the saree but to a limited extent.

The effect is that of a slowly spreading blush. When the colour dries, the saree can be further decorated with beautiful designs on the entire body. Other Indian motifs can also be used. When the colour and designs are ready, a border of gold or silver, about two to three inches in width, is stitched on to the edges of the dandia. This border is called a 'gota'. The portion of the saree that covers the head ('pallu'), has a 'kiran' or a fine fringe of gold or silver, attached to it. This adds shimmer to the dandia. This traditional attire is a must for a newly wed bride.

Gifts for Son-in-Law :

In some parts of India, there is a specific gift tradition for the sons-in-law too. After a special holi meal, it is customary to give the sons-in-law, what is known as a 'pyala' - a crisp note of any denomination from rupees five to rupees five hundred is offered along with a glass of drink. While married daughters are gifted what is called 'kothli' or travel money by their mother-in-law, or the eldest lady in the family.

Linking Gifts and Fun :

If there is a tradition of giving gifts on Holi, there is also a tradition to have some fun before the exchange. At some places, the new bride has her share of joy and fun by playing a naughty joke on her parents-in-law. With the help of the children in the family, the new bride coaxes her parents-in-laws into a room and then locks them up from outside.

Singing specific folk songs for the occasion, the bride then demands her gifts usually a saree or jewelery for opening the door. All in the spirit of Holi !