HOLI STORY

The Legends of the Festival of Colours: The Story of Holi

Summary 

One of the most colourful and joyful festivals in India and many other countries is Holi, frequently referred to as the festival of colours. This celebration honours the spirit of unity, the triumph of good over evil, and the coming of spring.

Hindu mythology has a strong hold on Holi, and its significance is explained by a number of stories. We will look at the history of Holi in this blog and learn why it is celebrated with such passion.

The Stories Linked with Holi

1.  The Story of Prahlad and Holika 

Hindu mythology's most famous Holi story revolves on King Hiranyakashipu, his sister Holika, and son Prahlad.

• Hiranyakashipu was a strong demon king who insisted on being worshipped by everyone and thought of himself as a god.

• But Prahlad, his own son, was a devout follower of Lord Vishnu. The king became angry by this.

• Hiranyakashipu called to his sister Holika, who had a mysterious mantle that made her untouchable to fire, for assistance in the effort to kill Prahlad.

• When Holika wearing the costume, she deceived Prahlad into putting her on a fire. But thanks to the hand of God, Prahlad was covered by the coat and flew off Holika.

• Holika was consequently reduced to ashes, but Prahlad was saved.

On the morning of Holi, people celebrate Holika Dahan by lighting bonfires, symbolising the victory of good against evil.

2. Radha and Krishna: The Colourful Story 

The histories of Lord Krishna and Radha create another Holi story.

• Known for being rudely, Krishna worried about his darker skin tone in comparison with Radha's fairer skin tone.

• Yashoda, his mother, playfully suggested that he paint Radha's face the same colour as his.

• Krishna then painted Radha's face, creating the tradition practice of using gulal, or coloured powders, to play.

Holi is a celebration where people celebrate unity and forget differences because this story symbolises love and togetherness.

3. More Regional Colourful Stories 

Apart from to the popular stories of Holika and Krishna, the Holi story is told differently in different parts of India 

a) The death of Kamadeva (South India) 

• Holi is connected with Lord Shiva and Kamadeva, the goddess of love, in different parts of South India.

• Kamadeva was believed that he stopped Shiva's intense meditation to try to support Goddess Parvati.

• Shiva uncovered his third eye in anger at the breakdown and burnt Kamadeva to ashes.

• Later, Shiva restored Kamadeva back to life, and in the memory of his giving up, people celebrate Holi.

b) The Krishna and Pootana Story 

• Holi also has a connection with Pootana, the devil send by Kansa to kill newborn Krishna in Braj (Mathura & Vrindavan).

• Krishna created an absent Pootana's life strength instead of taking her milk to poison him.

• In these parts, Holi is celebrated as a celebration of Krishna's victory over the attackers of evil.

How Indians Celebrate Holi Today 

1. Holika Dahan (Night of the Bonfire)

• Holika Dahan is a celebration where people get together and burn bonfires the night before Holi.

• It represents the defence of good (Prahlad) and the defeat of evil (Holika).

• Grain, coconuts as well, and other offerings are also thrown into the fire by people.

2. Rangwali Holi (color-playing)

• The festival of colours, Rangwali Holi, is celebrated on the next morning.

• Families, friends, and even completely unrelated individuals shower each other with coloured water and throw gulal, or coloured powder.

• The fun is made better by petals from flowers, pichkaris (water guns), and water balloons.

3. Special Foods during Holi

Without its wonderful festive joys, Holi would not be complete. Traditional Holi dishes include:

• Gujiya: A sweet dumpling mixed with dry fruits and khoya.

• Thandai:  A spicy milk drink flavoured with rose, fennel, and almonds.

• Historic Holi: Sweets and flavourful dishes include Puran Poli, Dahi Bhalla, and Malpua.

4. Cultural Festivals and Well-Known Holi Festivities

In India, different regions celebrate Holi in different ways. Among the most well-known festivities are

• During Lathmar Holi at Barsana, Uttar Pradesh, women use lathis, or sticks, to playfully beat males.

• Phoolon Ki Holi (Vrindavan): People play Holi using flower petals in place of colours.

• At Rajasthan, the festival of Royal Holi is celebrated with dramatic processions and cultural events.

The Important Function of Holi 

Holi has more meaning than just colours and festivities.

1. A sign that goodness wins over evil :

• The story of Holika and Prahlad acts like a reminder that loyalty and honesty always win against ego and evil.

2. The festival of Unity and Love Festival : 

• Social and religious divides are broken down during Holi, connecting people in a spirit of joy and love.

3. Celebrating Spring and Fresh Beginning :

• Spring, a season of rebirth and fresh starts, arrives with Holi.

• It is also one of the most popular festivals since it brings joy and positivity.

In conclusion, 

Holi is a celebration of love, unity, and winning over evil, not only a festival of colours. Each aspect of Holi has a meaningful significance, from the famous Holi story of Holika Dahan to the bright colours of Krishna and Radha.

Therefore, let's celebrate Holi with love, forget about the past, and spread joy!

Which of the Holi memories is your favourite? Post your personal stories in the comments section! 🎨✨