Holi's Deeper Story!

The Origin & Journey of Gujiya

Gujiya is deeply rooted in North India, especially Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. While now iconic to Holi, food historians trace its broader origins to medieval India, influenced by Central Asian and Persian stuffed pastries that arrived through trade routes. Over time, local cooks adapted it using khoya, dry fruits, and coconut.

Lesser Known fact: earlier versions were filled with jaggery and sesame (winter ingredients). In some regions, gujiyas were partially sun-dried before frying to improve shelf life for guests traveling during festive gatherings. Its crescent shape is also believed to symbolize moon, fertility, abundance.

Why White on Holi?

In Mathura and Vrindavan, white wasn’t just aesthetic, it was practical. Traditional colors were made from tesu (palash) flowers that released saffron hues best visible on light fabric.

Lesser Known fact: many rural communities once wore old white garments specifically meant to be permanently stained, symbolizing ego being “colored” and transformed.

“Bura Na Maano, Holi Hai”

The phrase gained popularity in the Braj belt, especially around Barsana, influenced by playful lore of Krishna and Radha. Anthropologists note Holi functioned as a rare social reset where hierarchy briefly softened. But over time, this “ritual freedom” was sometimes misunderstood. Forceful coloring, unsafe intoxication, harassment, and water wastage entered the celebration, not as tradition, but as distortion. Holi was never meant to excuse discomfort or override consent. “Bura na maano” originally invited laughter, not harm. The festival dissolves ego, not someone’s personal boundaries.

Lesser Known fact: folk songs often used satire to critique local power structures under the safe cover of celebration.

If gujiya symbolizes sweetness and white symbolizes openness, then color should symbolize connection. And the most beautiful color one can throw at someone is “respect”.