BonFire

#Sunday Reading Task

Hello Readers...

Hindu communities around the world are celebrating one of the most important events in their cultural calendar. Holi, also known as the ‘Festival of Colours’ is being celebrated around the world, from the Indian subcontinent where it originated to Australia, Europe and the Americas. 

Holi is the festival of colour. It is a fantastic example of Indian Culture. It is also known as Basant Utsav as it is celebrated on the purnima of Falgun month. It is a festival of two days-First Day is Celebrated as Holika Dahan and the next day is Rangwali Holi. This is one of the oldest festival of Hindu religion and it has mention in different Purana and old texts.Even in the old sculptures, the picture of Radha-krishna playing Holi was quite prominent. 

If we look at Holika Dahan which we have celebrated recently on 28th March has deep religious importance in India. But along with religious significance there are some scientific reasons or nature connected with Holi. Holi is a popular ancient Hindu Festival also known as Festival of Love, Festival of Colors and the Festival of Spring. There are many myths and legends connected with Holi celebration. Let's just point out briefly one by one.

Story of King Hiranyakashipu and his Sister Holika try to kill Prahlad who is a devotee of God Vishnu. The moral behind this story is 'Victory of Good over Evil.'

It celebrates the triumph of God Vishnu as Narsimha Narayan over Hiranyakashipu.

Among other Hindu sects like Shaivism and Shaktism significance of Holi is connected to the myth of Shiva Parvati and Kamdeva Rati.

We all Know the name of Bhakt Pralhad. The father of pralhad was Demon King Hiranyakashyap. Hiranyakashyap had got a boon from Lord Brahma and was strated thinking himself as invincible. In this arrogance he stopped the puja of every god and asked every one to worship him only. But his own son, Pralhad, disobeyed it. Being furious he asked to kill Pralhad and handed over his son to his sister Holika.

Holika was equally cruel like her brother. She had a special garment that prevents her from fire. So they planned to kill him by bonfire by tricking the small boy to sit on her lap. But Lord Vishnu protected Pralhad and when the fire was set , the garment flew from Holika and protected Pralhad. Holika was burnt to death. This signifies conquer of good over Evil. Later, Lord took the incarnation of Narshimha, to kill Hiranyakashyap. As per skanda puran, the devotees of god started celebrating this after the death of Demon King as Holi and Holika Dahan.

If we go through Bhagvat, There is also mention of Holi, when Radha and Krishna celebrated this in Vrindaban. In childhood Krishna, was very jealous of Radha because of her fair complexion. Once he told his mother yashoda that it is completely unfair that he is dark and Radha is so fair. That time his mother suggested to smear colour on radhas face and change it to any colour he want. Krishna took this advice started playing colour with Radha and her friends. Thus the festival of Colour or Holi is started.