Krishna, Radha and companions play Holi

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Rich in aspects and forms of celebrations, the occasion of Holi is one of the most important ones in the long list of Hindu festivals throughout the year. Mostly an opportunity for playful practices and joyful banter, people throw colored powder and water on each other with great abandon and unrestraint. The celebrations are often accompanied by merry singing and dancing. Symbolically it signifies the going of winter and the advent of spring. Holi is also associated with lovers, and Radha Krishna, being the perfect idealization of a flawless love, are often depicted playing Holi as in this painting.

The occasion of Holi was one of wild fun and tumultuous enjoyment, a time when everybody was as much a victim as perpetrator.

Here the space is divided into two halves, the males to the left and the females to the right. They confront each other as if in battle. Krishna's shotgun oozes forth a deep rich red liquid, which hits straight the middle region of Radha's sensuously carved figure. She strikes a bashful pose, trying to unsuccessfully restrain him. The companions participate in the revelries too. Both groups contain ecstatic singers, musicians, and dancers, making the occasion more jolly.

One of the more enterprising males has reached the opposite side and is engaged in a physical tiff with an equally active female. Both attempt to apply color to each other, while simultaneously trying to prevent one's own coloring.