Synopsis
Actor Vineet Kumar Singh reminisces about an unforgettable Holi celebration in Benares when he accidentally consumed thandai laced with bhang, marking it as one of his wildest experiences. He fondly shares family traditions, favorite festive dishes, and the significance of Holika Dahan.Key Takeaways
- Vineet's craziest Holi was in Benares where he unknowingly drank thandai with bhang.
- The celebrations lasted all day, filled with colors and laughter.
- His favorite Holi foods include dal puri, kheer, and homemade gujiya.
- Traditions like Holika Dahan hold deep significance in his family.
- He emphasizes the importance of sharing stories of good overcoming evil.
Mumbai, March 14 (NationPress) Actor Vineet Kumar Singh fondly recalls a time he inadvertently enjoyed “thandai with bhang” in Benares, describing it as one of his “wildest Holi”.
“My most unforgettable Holi was celebrated in Benaras, a city famous for its thandai. On one occasion, I consumed thandai containing bhang without realizing it. It was served to me by friends, and that Holi was on a different level altogether.”
He mentioned that the festivities lasted throughout the day.
“I was extremely hungry, feasting continuously, and we didn’t stop playing Holi even as night fell. We didn’t even consider bathing, just kept having fun with colors. Our entire group celebrated Holi this way, and honestly, I can’t recall anything from that day. Later, friends shared all the hilarious things I did during Holi. That was definitely the craziest Holi!”
The actor expressed that his favorite dishes, particularly during Holi, include Dal Puri, Sadi Puri, Pumpkin Sabzi, and Kheer. He also emphasized that homemade Gujiya and chips are essential for the festival.
“On Holi, we would make gujiya with our mother, along with my brothers. We also prepared chips from scratch, cutting, boiling, and drying them. Additionally, we made papad, mathri, and sevda, which is a savory snack.”
“We created various types of namkeen dishes. These moments are among my most cherished Holi memories, enjoying time with my siblings and making the festival even more special.”
How does he get ready for Holi?
“My Holi preparation involves taking a shower and applying a generous amount of coconut oil on my hair, face, and body before heading out,” he disclosed.
Discussing Holika Dahan, the celebration on the eve of Holi symbolizes the triumph of good over evil.
This occasion is marked by lighting a bonfire, signifying the destruction of the demoness Holika, who met her end through divine intervention while attempting to harm Prahlad, a devoted follower of Lord Vishnu.
Vineet shared that his entire family applies “sarson (mustard) ka ubtan” on their skin.
“Once it dries, we rub it off and add the remnants to the Holika Dahan. This has been a cherished tradition in our family since my childhood. Whenever I find myself in Benaras during Holi, I fully participate in this ritual,” he shared.
“Another family tradition involves passing down the stories of Prahalad, Hiranyakashyap, and Holika to the younger members of the family. My father and other elders would narrate these tales to me and my brothers, and now we share them with the next generation.”
“We educate them about the significance of Holika Dahan and how truth and devotion always prevail over evil.”
