Holi is one of the most loved festivals of India. It was originally known as'Holika'. It also used to be called'Vasant Mahotsava' and 'Karma Mahotsava' because of the arrival of the spring season. A detailed description of the festival is found in early religious works like Jaimini's Purvamimamsa-Sutras and Kathaka-Grhya-Sutras. It is said that Holi existed several centuries before Christ. However, the meaning of the festival is believed to have changed over the years. Earlier it was a special rite performed by married women for the happiness and well-being of their families. The full moon (Raka) was also worshipped on this day.
Origin of the festival
In eastern parts of India like West Bengal and Odisha, Holi is celebrated as the birthday of Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. However, there are various legends associated with the festival.
The Legend of Demon King Hiranyakashyap and his devotee son Prahlad
There was a powerful demon king called Hiranyakashyap who had become indestructible due to a boon given by Lord Brahma. Hiranyakashyap considered himself a God and demanded everyone to worship him. His son, Prahlad was a staunch devotee of Lord Vishnu and refused to worship him. As a result, Hiranyakashyap asked his sister Holika to burn Prahlad to death. Holika had received a boon that made her immune to fire. She sat on a pyre with Prahlad on her lap, hoping that her nephew will be burnt to death. Instead Prahlad's devotion to Vishnu saved him and Holika was burnt to death. Thus the'Holika Dahan' is a reminder of Triumph of Good over Evil and Self Destruction due to Misuse of boon.
Radha-Krishna's Raasleela
Another legend states that Lord Krishna popularized the tradition of Holi. Krishna once asked his mother Yashoda why is he so dark and Radha so fair. His mother, tired of his desperation, asks him to color Radha's face with whichever color he liked. This playful coloring of Radha's face has been commemorated as Holi. This festival also celebrates the immortal love of Radha and Krishna.
The Return of God of Love
Lord Indra approaches Kamadev, the God of Love to break Lord Shiva's meditation and make him fall in love with Goddess Parvati. Kamadeva shoots a flower arrow to awaken him. Shiva becomes furious and opens his third eye, thereby burning Kamadev to death. Kamadev's wife Rati starts meditating for 40 days. Lord Shiva forgives Kamadev and restores him. This return of Kamadev is celebrated on the 40th day after Vasant Panchami as Holi. The Kamadev legend and its significance has variant forms in South India.
On the eve of Holi, in the evening, people light a bonfire signifying the Holika Dahan. People gather around the fire and sing and dance.
On the day of Holi, people apply colors on each other and celebrate the festival with fun and frolic.
After the day of play with colors, people clean up and in the evening, visit their friends and relatives and greet them by exchanging sweets.
We, the Crazy Creatives, wish you all a very Happy Holi.
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