The Festival of Colours, also known as Holi, is a Hindu festival celebrated in India and other parts of the world. It is usually held in March and is a celebration of the end of winter, the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil.
During the festival, people throw coloured powder and water at each other, dance, and feast, enjoying traditional snacks. It is a time of great joy and community spirit, as people come together to celebrate.
The festival has both cultural and religious significance. It’s associated with the legend of Lord Krishna and his beloved Radha, who are said to have started the colourful tradition.
Krishna & Radha
According to mythology, Krishna was a mischievous child who enjoyed playing pranks on people. One day he smeared colour on Radha's face to make her look more like him.
At first, Radha was unimpressed but she quickly realised that it was a sign of Krishna’s love for her so she applied colour to his face, also, and they played with the colours and water while singing and dancing, celebrating their love.
Prahlada & Holika
The festival is also associated with the story of Prahlada and his aunt Holika.
Prahlada was a young prince and a devotee of Lord Vishnu, but this angered his father, Hiranyakashipu, who wanted his son to worship him instead.
Hiranyakashipu tried to kill Prahlada many times but failed, as Prahlada's faith in Lord Vishnu protected him. Finally, Hiranyakashipu asked his sister Holika, who had a special cloak that protected her from fire, to sit in a bonfire with Prahlada in her lap. Holika agreed, thinking that she would be protected by her cloak while Prahlada would burn to death.
However, as the bonfire blazed, the cloak flew off Holika and covered Prahlada, protecting him from the flames. Holika was burnt to ashes while Prahlada emerged unscathed.
The story of Prahlada and Holika symbolises the triumph of good over evil, as Prahlada's faith and devotion to Lord Vishnu saved him from the evil intentions of his father and aunt.
This is why the festivities begin on the night of the full moon, with a bonfire called "Holika Dahan." And then the next day, people gather in the streets to throw the coloured powder, dance, and sing.
Holi is celebrated to commemorate the victory of good over evil and to promote unity, harmony, and joy amongst people. And that is what the colours represent, joy, positivity and harmony. It’s a time to forget differences, forgive each other, and celebrate togetherness, reminding us of the beauty and diversity of the world we share.
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