Holi, known as the 'festival of colors' is celebrated on the full moon day falling in the month of Phalguna (Feb-Mar). Various colors and water are thrown on each other, amidst loud music, drums etc to celebrate Holi. Like many other festivals in India, Holi also signifies a victory of good over evil.
Observed for centuries, the festival is a jubilant occasion that sees Hindus create bonfires and cover each other in rainbow-hued powder to commemorate the beginning of spring.
From the festival’s significance to how it is celebrated, here’s everything you need to know about Holi:
What is Holi?
In addition to marking the arrival of spring, Holi also celebrates fertility, colour, love, and the triumph of good over evil.King Hiranyakashipu believed that everyone should worship him as a god. His son, Prahlada, refused to do so, opting to worship the Hindu god Vishnu instead.Spurred by his son’s disobedience, the king and his sister Holika plotted to kill Prahlada. As part of their plans, Holika lured Prahlada onto a pyre in an attempt to burn him to death.
While sitting on the pyre with Prahlada, Holika donned a magical shawl that protected her from the fire. However, as the pyre burned, the shawl flew from Holika’s shoulders onto Prahlada’s, resulting in the demon perishing in the flames.
Vishnu, the god whom Prahlada had chosen to worship instead of his father, then appeared. Taking the form of a half man and half lion, the god killed the treacherous king.On the night before Holi, bonfires are lit to signify the burning of Holika and the victory of good over evil. Some Hindus who observe the festival will also smear themseves with ashes from the fire, as a symbol of purification.
One of the other legends pertaining to Holi tells the tale of the love shared between Hindu deities Radha and Krishna, the latter of which is frequently depicted with blue skin.
According to the ancient legend, Krishna fell in love with Radha, but was concerned their difference in skin colour would keep them apart.
After voicing his concerns, his mother encouraged Krishna to ask Radha to paint his face any colour of her choosing. This act made Krishna feel less self-conscious about his skin colour, and the pair fell in love.
It’s said that lovers have continued this tradition ever since, painting their faces the same colour in celebration of Holi and their love.
The origins of the festival can be found in various legends in Hindu mythology, one of which tells the story of a demon, Holika, and her brother, King Hiranyakashipu.
Once the celebrations are over, it’s recommended that those who took part shower as soon as possible to remove the colours.
They should use lukewarm water to wash the colours from their face, and refrain from rubbing their skin too roughly.
Observed for centuries, the festival is a jubilant occasion that sees Hindus create bonfires and cover each other in rainbow-hued powder to commemorate the beginning of spring.
From the festival’s significance to how it is celebrated, here’s everything you need to know about Holi:
What is Holi?
In addition to marking the arrival of spring, Holi also celebrates fertility, colour, love, and the triumph of good over evil.King Hiranyakashipu believed that everyone should worship him as a god. His son, Prahlada, refused to do so, opting to worship the Hindu god Vishnu instead.Spurred by his son’s disobedience, the king and his sister Holika plotted to kill Prahlada. As part of their plans, Holika lured Prahlada onto a pyre in an attempt to burn him to death.
While sitting on the pyre with Prahlada, Holika donned a magical shawl that protected her from the fire. However, as the pyre burned, the shawl flew from Holika’s shoulders onto Prahlada’s, resulting in the demon perishing in the flames.
Vishnu, the god whom Prahlada had chosen to worship instead of his father, then appeared. Taking the form of a half man and half lion, the god killed the treacherous king.On the night before Holi, bonfires are lit to signify the burning of Holika and the victory of good over evil. Some Hindus who observe the festival will also smear themseves with ashes from the fire, as a symbol of purification.
One of the other legends pertaining to Holi tells the tale of the love shared between Hindu deities Radha and Krishna, the latter of which is frequently depicted with blue skin.
According to the ancient legend, Krishna fell in love with Radha, but was concerned their difference in skin colour would keep them apart.
After voicing his concerns, his mother encouraged Krishna to ask Radha to paint his face any colour of her choosing. This act made Krishna feel less self-conscious about his skin colour, and the pair fell in love.
It’s said that lovers have continued this tradition ever since, painting their faces the same colour in celebration of Holi and their love.
The origins of the festival can be found in various legends in Hindu mythology, one of which tells the story of a demon, Holika, and her brother, King Hiranyakashipu.
Once the celebrations are over, it’s recommended that those who took part shower as soon as possible to remove the colours.
They should use lukewarm water to wash the colours from their face, and refrain from rubbing their skin too roughly.