Presenter:
Welcome, friends. On this beautiful spring afternoon, I offer my respects to Mother Bamatara at Shantikunj as we begin today's episode. A warm welcome to both our old and new friends on the Gupta Sadhak Shama Khapa YouTube channel. Greetings, Gurudev!
Gurudev (Baba):
Greetings, son.
Presenter:
Gurudev, today is the auspicious day of Dol Purnima. As our viewers can see, we have beautifully decorated the temple and the deity with garlands of spring colors. Gurudev is also wearing a lovely garland today. Our discussion today is about Dol Purnima. Why is it celebrated, and what is its significance?
Gurudev:
This tradition began a long time ago. Lord Krishna celebrated the festival of Dol with Radhika. They used to play with colors, which is what we now call the Dol festival or the festival of colors. However, there is a very deep, hidden meaning behind this play of colors. Within this play of colors lies "Kam" (desire/lust).
Gurudev:
Most people today are unaware of this. They simply see it as a festival of colors—an excuse to smear color on each other and have fun. But people have failed to grasp its true meaning. Nowadays, Dol has become a festival of alcohol and meat. Alcohol and meat were disliked by Krishna, yet this is the festival of Krishna and Radhika. Instead of a spiritual celebration, it has turned into a "Mahotsav" (grand festival) of intoxicants and non-vegetarian food. I don't even call it Dol anymore; I call it the "Mahotsav of Alcohol and Meat."
Presenter:
You are right, Gurudev.
Gurudev:
I see young men everywhere—meat and alcohol are mandatory for them. Without these, they feel they cannot celebrate Dol. It's quite astonishing. Because people don't understand the true meaning, the festival has become distorted.
Presenter:
Gurudev, I'd like to add that Lord Krishna celebrated Dol to conquer "Kam" (lust/desire). But this message hasn't reached society clearly, which is why we see this current state. If the true purpose of conquering desire through Dol had been communicated, things would be different.
Gurudev:
Exactly. There are many places in India where Dol is still celebrated beautifully and spiritually. In those places, the entire day is spent chanting Krishna's name and playing modestly with "Abir" (colored powder). The use of liquid colors is a modern addition. In our region, it's become common, but outside of Bengal, in many parts of India, the liquid color culture isn't as prevalent. They use Abir and other natural powders, and the celebration remains dignified.
Gurudev:
However, there is a section of society that uses colors excessively and even disrespects women under the guise of the festival. They feel they must consume alcohol. For those of us who understand the spiritual significance, we don't even "play" Dol in the conventional sense anymore. We might just put a little Abir on the heads of elders or the foreheads of youngsters as a mark of tradition. That has always been my way.
Presenter:
You have always maintained that tradition, Gurudev. But if more spiritual leaders like you shared this message, perhaps the current situation would improve.
Gurudev:
We are trying to spread the message, but who is listening? People aren't ready to accept it. Many avatars have come through the ages to show the right path, but how many people followed them? They tried to elevate society to a better place, but people today have turned Dol into an excuse for alcohol, meat, and improper behavior with women.
Gurudev:
I've seen many young people in places like America and London who are depressed and turning to alcohol. They feel there's nothing left in life, so they spend it in a daze of intoxication. This same trend is merging with our festivals here.
Presenter:
So, you are saying that Dol is fundamentally spiritual, but we have distorted it.
Gurudev:
Completely spiritual. The youth want fun and excitement, but they won't find the kind of joy we talk about. That's why they drift toward these distortions. In places like Bihar and elsewhere, true devotees spend the day in Harinam Sankirtan (devotional chanting). They have no attraction to the rowdy play of colors. They might use a little Abir, but their focus is on God. One part of society is celebrating with Krishna, while another is lost in distortion.
Presenter:
Gurudev, what is the significance of the Pichkari (water gun) and the colors used?
Gurudev:
There is a great philosophy behind the water gun and the Abir, but people don't want to understand it. They've distorted it for their own pleasure.
Presenter:
Are you saying that the true meaning of Krishna's play with colors is to conquer desire?
Gurudev:
That is certainly part of it. Additionally, the word "Rang" (color) signifies joy and bliss. But that bliss has been corrupted. Those who truly believe in God spend the day in prayer.
Presenter:
What message would you like to give to the youth regarding Dol Purnima?
Gurudev:
My message is this: do not distort what God has created. There is no need for it. Let the play of colors remain as it was between Krishna, Radhika, and the Gopis. Color has a profound meaning and significance.
Presenter:
So, you are saying we should conquer "Kam" (desire) through "Ananda" (divine joy)?
Gurudev:
Yes. In our scriptures, there are six "Ripu" (enemies of the mind). The first is "Kam" (lust/desire), followed by anger, greed, infatuation, pride, and envy. You must conquer the first one—desire. If you cannot conquer the first, you cannot conquer the others. Our scriptures give great importance to overcoming "Kam."
Presenter:
That is a wonderful message for our viewers. Gurudev suggests that we should turn toward God rather than distortions. If we follow this path, we can truly beautify our lives.
Gurudev:
People must understand the science of color. We see blue, violet, green, yellow—all these colors. There are seven colors in our blood, seven colors in the sun's rays, and seven colors in a rainbow. If you combine all these colors, they possess immense power. People need to understand the essence of color before they misuse it. If you understand the "Rang" (color/essence) of life and follow the right path, only then does it have meaning.
Presenter:
Thank you, Gurudev, for this enlightening discussion. We are moved by your words and hope our viewers will take this message to heart to improve their lives. Pronam, Gurudev.
Gurudev:
Bless you, son.
Spiritual Insight
Guru Shyama Khyapa reveals the profound spiritual essence of Dol Purnima—a festival originally celebrated by Lord Krishna and Radha to conquer desire (Kam), now distorted into a celebration of intoxication and excess. He reminds us that the six enemies of the mind (lust, anger, greed, infatuation, pride, and envy) must be overcome starting with the first. True celebration lies in devotional chanting, understanding the sacred science of colors, and honoring the tradition with dignity rather than indulgence.