Article | Festival of Colours | Holi

History: According to Hindu mythology, king Hiranyakashipu was given a boon by Lord Brahma that he could not be killed by either a man or any animal.

Assuming that he has become all-powerful, he started to trouble his people forcing them to worship him with cruel punishments to those who oppose him.

Prahlad (his son) being an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu was unhappy and refuse to do so. King Hiranyakashipu got furious about his son’s stand against him, planned to kill Prahlad with the help of his sister Holika (she had the boon to protect herself from fire). The king asked his sister to hold Prahlad and sit on a pyre. Prahlad was saved by Lord Vishnu, but Holika burned in the flames.

Hence, the festival eve is seen with large bonfires that are lit to symbolise the moment good triumphed over evil. People throw dry leaves, wood and twigs into the fire and perform rituals.

About the Festival: An much-celebrated festival of colour, Holi is celebrated with zeal and enthusiasm.

According to The Georgian calendar, Holi is celebrated in the month of Phagun (the 12th month of the Hindu calendar), which often falls in February or March.

It is believed that the colours of Holi spread a message of Peace and Happiness

Holi signifies the triumph of good over evil and it’s a day when people forgive and forget, and let go of the negative energies from their lives to start afresh.

Reference Post: The Indian Express