Holi, commonly known as the “Festival of Colors”, is a prominent Hindu celebration. It is traditionally observed in the spring, and it is a time for people to gather, enjoy music and dance, and throw brilliantly coloured powders and water at each other to symbolise the victory of good over evil.
Holi is the beginning of spring and the rebirth of nature. It is a lovely and joyous festival that brings together individuals of all ages and ethnicities, forging bonds that help them socially.
Holi is mainly celebrated in Nepal and India. The Holi celebration is related with various stories and legends. The fable of Prahlad and Holika is one of the most well-known. According to mythology, Hiranyakashipu, a demon king, was granted a blessing that made him unstoppable. He asked that everyone in his kingdom to worship him rather than gods, but his own son Prahlad rejected him because he was a Lord Vishnu follower.
Hiranyakashipu, enraged at his son’s disobedience, directed his sister Holika, who has a boon that rendered her impervious to fire, to drag Prahlad into flame. Lord Vishnu, on the other hand, protected Prahlad and burned Holika to ashes. The Holi festival commemorated this incident, which is believed to be the triumph of good over evil.
Another Holi myth is the love story of Lord Krishna and Radha. Lord Krishna, who had a dark complexion, was said to be envious of his lover Radha’s beautiful skin. His mother urged him to smear color over Radha’s face in a playful manner, which he did, and this gesture of playfulness established a custom and is now celebrated as Holi.
Early Vedas and Puranas such as “Narada Purana” and “Bhavishya Purana” describe Holi in detail. Archaeologists discovered a 300 BC stone in Ramgarh with the inscription “Holikotsav”, which refers to the Holi festival. This suggests that Holi existed prior to the birth of Christ. Among many other ancient allusions, King Harshas' “Ratnavali” mentions Holikotsav.
Overall, Holi is a celebration of love, unity, and the triumph of good over evil, and its myths revolve around these themes.
Compiled By: Nikita Gautam
photo credit: Adam Whitlock
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