Holi, is a spring festival celebrated at the approach of the spring season, during the 3 or 4 days preceding the full moon day in the month of Phalgun (March–April).
Holi has different mythological connotations in different parts of India. The most popular relates to an ancient demon king in India known as Hiranya Kashipu. He was a cruel and tyrannical ruler. His son Prahalad was an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu. This infuriated his father who tried hard to get him to stop worshipping Vishnu. When all his efforts failed, Hiranya Kashipu decided to kill Prahlad. He tried various ways ,including getting him to jump off a steep cliff and being trampled by an elephant, but Lord Vishnu saved him every time. Eventually Hiranya Kashipu called his sister Holika who had a boon that she would not burn in fire. Holika made Prahalad sit on her lap in the fire. But, this time, by Lord Vishnu’s grace, Prahalad was unhurt, but Holika was burnt to death.
Finally, the ordeals faced by Prahalad ended when Lord Vishnu came in the form of Narasimha (half man, half lion) and destroyed Hiranya Kashipu. This displayed the triumph of a true Bhakta (devotee) over the evil represented by Hiranya Kashipu.
Even today, bonfires are lit on the night before Holi in memory of the saving of Prahlad and burning of the evil Holika. The next day, people celebrate by applying gulal (coloured powder) to each other. Gulal is the symbol of love, friendship and goodwill.
Holi is celebrated as the festival of the victory of Good over Evil.
