The legend of Holi
India is the land of festivals. Of all the festivals celebrated in this part of the world, Holi is the most colorful. If you want to celebrate Holi, you need to be in North India in the month of March. In spite of its huge popularity in the North, Holi is no big deal in South India and it is not celebrated there. However, now that North Indians are migrating to South Indian cities like Madras, Bangalore and Hyderabad, this is changing. Still, you can’t compare the Holi celebrations in the South to those in the North.
Why people celebrate Holi
Hindu festivals have numerous legends behind them. Holi is no different and these legends are as colorful as the festival itself.
The Legend of Holika and Prahlad
Tens of thousands of ago there lived a demon king called Hiranyakashyap. An egoistic king, he ruled over the earth and wanted everyone to worship him, not Vishnu. He killed anyone who praised or worshipped Lord Vishnu. Ironically, his own son Prahlad was an ardent devotee of Vishnu. He wouldn’t worship his father no matter what.
Prahlad was a virtuous boy who spent his days in the worship of Lord Vishnu much to the disappointment of his father. Hiranyakashyap tried to ‘reform’ Prahlad and when that failed he tried to kill him. He made several attempts on his son’s life but every time Vishnu saved the boy.
An exasperated Hiranyakashyap finally sought the help of his sister Holika. He wanted her to enter a blazing fire with Prahlad in her lap. Holika had received a boon that made her immune to fire. So, Hiranyakashyap was confident that she would be able to enter the fire and come out unscathed. Holika readily agreed. A demoness, she loved neither Vishnu nor Prahlad. She coaxed the boy to sit in her lap and entered a blazing fire willingly. This time too, Vishnu saved Prahlad who had been chanting his name all the while, but Holika perished in the fire. She didn’t know that the boon would work only when she entered the fire alone.
Here Holika represents evil and Prahlad represents good. Holi, therefore, is a festival celebrating the victory of good over evil. Holi derives its name from Holika. The legend of Prahlad proves that no one can harm a true devotee.
Even today the burning of Holika occurs. On the evening before Holi people make huge bonfires in community areas, near temples, in housing complexes and open spaces. People would start gathering wood and other combustible materials for this ritual several days before Holi. An effigy of Holika is placed on top of the pyre and then it is lit signifying the victory of good over evil. People will gather around this fire and sing and dance.
There are several stories about how the tradition of Holi started. The one involving Radha and Krishna is the most famous. You can read it here.
The real celebrations begin the next morning. While this festival has a strong religious theme, there is no tradition of Puja on the day of Holi. Holi is all about pure enjoyment and fun.
