Holi is one of the most significant and most vibrant Hindu festivals. It was originated in India, but the vivid festival has gained popularity all over the world. Holi-themed events are organized across India, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and lots of other European and Asian countries. Holi is popularly known as the Festival of colours, but some prefer calling it the Festival of Spring since it is celebrated at the arrival of spring after a long winter.
The first day of Holi is called Holika Dahan or Chhoti Holi. It starts in the evening of Purnima (full moon day) in Phalguna month of the Hindu calendar, where religious rituals are performed in front of the bonfire. The second day of Holi is called Dhuleti, Dhulandi, Phagwah or Rangwali Holi. It is celebrated on the subsequent day of Holika Dahan, where people use different colours to celebrate the festival with their friends and family.
History of Holi
The Legend of Prahlad and Holika:
According to Hindu mythology, Lord Vishnu was the nurturer of the universe. Hirnakashyipu, on the other hand, was a mighty demon king, who became very proud after winning all three worlds – earth, heaven and hell. He started believing that he is the most powerful being of the universe. The demon king even believed that he could defeat Lord Vishnu. He made it compulsory for the people of his kingdom to worship him instead of god and deities.
Prahlad, the little son of a demon king, was one of the greatest devotees of Lord Vishnu. He refused to follow the orders of his demon father. Hirnakashyipu became furious and decided to punish his son with the help of his demoness sister Holika. She had the ability to walk through the fire without a scratch. Holika decided to take her nephew Prahlad inside the fire, perish him and come out unharmed.
As per the plan, Holika tricked her nephew into sitting with her into a pyre. Lord Vishnu blessed his devotee Prahlad and made him immune to the fire, while the power of her evil aunt became ineffective and she was burned into ashes. To celebrate the victory of good over bad, the tradition of Holika Dahan was started. This tradition reminds us that good will always triumph over evil.
The Legend of Lord Krishna:
Krishna started developing dark-skinned characteristics after he was poisoned by the demon Putana. When he was young, Krishna had an affection towards Radha and always wondered whether she will like her or not due to his dark skin. His mother Yashodha, playfully suggested him to approach Radha and ask her to colour his face with any colour of her choice. Radha responded positively and soon after both of them became a couple. Since then, colours are being used to celebrate their love, devotion and companionship during the festival of Holi.
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