Holi

Importance

Holi is a religious spring festival celebrated by Hindus. On the first day of this festival, Hindus participate in a public bonfire. Prior to the event, men prepare for this by collecting extra wood. The fire itself is lit near midnight, as the moon rises. The main custom of Holi is the use of the colored powders and water on others. This is why Holi is given the name “Festival of Colors.”

Origin

The legend on King Hiranyakashipu is one of the explanations Hindus look back to. The King condemned his son, Prahlad, from worshipping the god Vishnu. However, he continued to pray to him. Filled with anger, the King made a challenge to his son. He was to sit on a pyre along with his aunt Holika, believed to be unharmed by fire. The son accepted the challenge, praying to Vishnu to protect him. As the fire began, Holika was burnt to a crisp but Prahlad lived and was unharmed. This burning of Holika is the reason why Holi exists.

Poem

“Let the colors of Holi

Spread the message of peace and happiness.”

The dominant idea behind Holi festival

Is that we should live more in harmony

With nature instead of trying to destroy her and make her our slave.”

“Holi is the apt time to break the ice

Renew relationships and link yourself with those

That you wanted to with bit of color.”