Chaitanya

My heart is that of Radha's 

Longing to reunite with my Beloved.

My soul that of His, 

One and the same, he and I. 

There they sit together 

Witnessing song, dance, and frolick 

Colours that smear the same 

On every skin, 

Rich, poor, class and caste alike.

The red of love, the orange of sacrifice 

The yellow of spring, green of everlasting promises.

And here I am, dancing in a frenzy 

Singing the praises of the Lord 

Who made you and I? 

Would He not grant me a final wish, 

And reveal Himself to me 

As the drums play along?

~ Suranya

Holi is celebrated across India as a day when Krishna confessed his affection for Radha. However, in most parts of East India, especially Odisha and Bengal, this full moon is celebrated as Dol Purnima. Here's why:

Vishambhar Mishra was born in Nabadwip, Nadia, in a commoner's house on the day of Holi in 1486 CE. As he was born under a Neem tree, his nickname (Daak naam) was Nimai. His affection for Krishna and Bhakti grew under the influence of Swami Ishwara Puri, especially after losing his first wife, Lakshmipriya. Finally, at the age of 24, he left home under the guidance of his Guru Swami Kesava Bharati. He left behind his second wife, Bishnupriya, and founded the Gauriya Vaishnavism. It grew into a new cult with followers, where he preached that no priest was needed to worship the Lord. It earned him the name Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, and like many of the Bhakti saints during his time, he also earned the enmity of not only the ruling class and local king (Hussain Khan) but also that of orthodox priests. Nevertheless, to his growing followers who called themselves Vaishnavs, he was believed to be a reincarnation of Radha and Krishna in one body and soul. Jagai and Madhai became his primary disciples. The main form of worship for the Vaishnavs, Kirtan, a song and dance attributed to telling stories and honouring Lord Krishna's Leela, became a popular form of worship across East India. Even today, Kirtan is not only a form of worship but also an art form attributed to the East. Chaitanya travelled across East India and finally settled in Puri, where he mysteriously disappeared in 1534CE. He is believed to have drowned in the sea to become one with God.

Bengalis celebrate the day of Purnima in Falgun as the day of his Abirbhav (arrival) on earth, and hence in Bengal, Holi is known as Dol Purnima. The word Dol Jatra is attributed to the worship of Lord Krishna and Radha on a swing taken around the villages (Jatra means travel) on the day of Holi. Horir Lut (The Loot of Hari) is also an East Indian tradition that comes from this day when Batasha, Murki, Kodma and other offerings are distributed among Bhakts by throwing them into the crowd.

On that note, Subho Dol Purnima, Everyone!