Holi- one of the most vibrant festivals of India. Also known as the festival of colours, Holi is one of the most significant festivals of Hindus, although it is celebrated by people of other faiths as well. The festival of Holi marks the triumph of good over evil and is celebrated for two days. The evening before Holi is known as ‘Holika Dahan’ or ‘Chhoti Holi’ during which people light a bonfire to signify the burning of the demon Holika.
As per Hinduism, there once lived a devil and powerful king, Hiranyakshyap who considered himself a God and wanted everybody to worship him. To his great ire, his son, Prahlad began to worship, Lord Vishnu. To get rid of his son, Hiranyakshyap asked his sister, Holika to enter a blazing fire with Prahlad in her lap, as she had a boon to enter fire unscathed. Legend has it that Prahlad was saved for his extreme devotion for the lord while Holika paid a price for her sinister desire. The tradition of burning Holika or the ‘Holika dahan’ comes mainly from this legend. Mythology also states that Holi is the celebration of death of Ogress Pootana who tried to kill infant, Krishna by feeding poisonous milk. Celebration of the various legends associated with Holi reassure the people of the power of the truth as the moral of all these legends is the ultimate victory of good over evil.
The legend of Hiranyakashyap and Prahlad also points to the fact that extreme devotion to God pays, as God always takes his true devotee in his shelter. Holi also marks the arrival of the spring harvest season and the end of winter in the country. Holi is celebrated in the month of Phalguna of the Hindu calendar and the festivities start on the evening of the Purnima (Full Moon day). People celebrate Holi by splashing water and smearing each other with colours, which is also known as ‘Gulal’. Children enjoy the day by playing with water baloons and water guns.
People also relish on some lip-smacking sweets like Gujiya- a traditional sweet made on Holi and Thandai, which is a Holi-special drink made of milk. Some people also binge on some ‘bhang’, which is cannabis added to thandai, and it is intoxicating. Bhang is enjoyed by people on Holi across the country. Holi celebrations in Vrindavan and Mathura are very famous. In Barsana, Uttar Pradesh, ‘Lathmar Holi’ is
celebrated where women hit men with sticks (lath) while they try to shield themselves. Holi will be celebrated on 18th March 2022.
Yoga Vidya Gurukulam wishes everyone a happy Holi.