॥ Holi 2024॥
The Story of Holika and Prahlad — the Holika Dahan Legend:
One of the most significant and well-known Indian stories is the one about Prahlad and the Demoness Holika, who is also the name of the festival—the word Holi is derived from the name Holika.
According to legend, the demon king Hiranyakashipu obtained five mystical defensive powers through penance, which he thought would eventually guarantee him immortality. Firm in this conviction, he had his subjects worship him as a deity. But his son Prahlad declined to do so, remaining committed to his worship of the real god Vishnu. Out of retaliation, Hiranyakashipu made multiple attempts to murder his son but was consistently defeated by Vishnu.
During one of these attempts, Hiranyakashipu hatched a scheme to murder Prahlad with the help of his demon sister Holika. Holika intended to take Prahlad into the fire with her, take off the special cloak that shielded her from the heat, and expose Prahlad to the flames. But as her scheme came apart, the cloak flew from Holika to Prahlad, shielding the good son while consigning the evil Holika to the fire.
Hiranyakashipu’s five magical powers of protection will ultimately be overcome by Vishnu, leading to his death. In order to elude Hiranyakashipu’s protection from both men and animals, he assumed the form of a half-lion, half-man. It was evening, which was neither day nor night, and he carried him to the threshold, which was neither inside nor outside, and settled him onto his lap, which was neither on land, in the sea, nor in the air. And with his claws—which technically weren’t weapons—he killed the demon king.
Consequently, the day before the Holi Festival—which falls on the final full moon day before the spring equinox, in the month of Phalguna, the 12th month of the Indian calendar, also known as Pisces, or February 19–March 20—has been designated as the day on which Holika is burned to ashes to symbolize the triumph of good over evil.
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The Story of Krishna and Radha — the Color Fights Legend
We must examine the mythical account of Krishna and Radha’s heavenly love in order to understand why the color conflict starts on the morning of Holi.
Within Hindu mythology, Krishna is the god of love and compassion. A demon once tried to poison Krishna’s milk in an attempt to murder him. But the milk had the unforeseen consequence of turning young Krishna’s complexion a distinctive dark blue instead of killing him.
In addition to feeling self-conscious about his dark blue skin, young Krishna was madly in love with the goddess Radha, who had pale skin. In desperation, he went to his mother, Yashoda, for guidance. She advised Krishna to just give Radha’s skin any color he wanted. Taking this advice at face value, Krishna playfully painted Radha’s skin to resemble his own while expressing his love for her. Krishna’s charm ultimately led Radha to fall in love with him.
Every spring, in remembrance of the love tale between Krishna and Radha, people toss colored powders at one another in an imitation of Krishna painting Radha’s skin a different hue. This has developed into the Holi festival’s most notable custom.
The love tale of Krishna and Radha is especially joyfully honored in Vrindavan, which is now Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, because it took place there.
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Chasing away the Ogress Dhundhi — a Story Loved by Children:
The narrative of the Ogress Dhundi is another popular tale around Holi, especially among kids.
With the exception of her susceptibility to the untamed energy and mischievousness of young boys, Dhundi was virtually unbeatable under Prithu’s rule. This ogre particularly troubled the King of Raghu. A priest suggested that all the lads be sent out to gather firewood and make a fire at the beginning of the spring season in order to kill the ogre. The boys should then surround the fire while clapping, shouting profanities, laughing, pounding drums, insulting her, and so on until she leaves.
This is the reason that on the day of Holi, intoxication is typical, and young males are still permitted to act raucously and use foul language.
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The Sacrifice of Kamadeva — A Story of Divine Love and Sacrifice
“The Kamadeva Story” is another legend surrounding Holi, and it centers on the god of passion and love.
According to legend, the god Shiva turned to deep meditation for comfort after losing his bride Sati, which caused him great anguish. Shiva could not be aroused from his meditation to attend to the matters of this world. Everyone felt the effects of the world’s suffering caused by his absence.
In order to solve this issue, Sati was reincarnated as Parvati, and in order to bring back peace to the world, she needed to gain Lord Shiva’s affection. She sought the assistance of Kamadeva (the Indian Cupid) after she had used up all of her feminine resources.
Kamadeva launched his love arrow into Shiva’s heart, knowing full well the likely outcome. Shiva became enraged and opened his third eye, instantly killing Kamadeva. Nevertheless, the love arrow had struck true, and Shiva was reunited with the world and married Parvati.
Following that, Kamadeva’s spouse Rati implored Lord Shiva, arguing that everything was part of the divine design and that Kamadeva was the epitome of love. Shiva nodded in agreement and cheerfully revived Kamadeva.
On Holi, it is thought that Lord Shiva set Kamadeva on fire. For this reason, Hindus in southern India venerate Kamadeva for his Holi sacrifice. Kamadeva is portrayed with arrows embellished with fragrant flowers, a sugarcane bow, and a honeybee bowstring. Mango blossoms are said to be loved by the deity, and on Holi, people apply sandalwood paste to the foreheads of Kamadeva idols in an attempt to lessen the burns he sustained.
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Killing the Ogress Pootana — the End of Winter and Darkness Story:
There is another story behind Holi about an ogress — “Krishna and Ogress Pootana”.
Pootana nursed baby Krishna with her poisoned breast after Lord Krishna’s uncle Kansa asked her to help kill the infant. Krishna prayed to Lord Shiva, who took up residence in his throat and consumed all of the milk’s toxins. Krishna then killed Pootana by sucking her blood.
Pootana was murdered by Krishna the night before Holi. People thought that Pootana represented winter and that her passing represented the end of winter in light of the seasonal cycle. Therefore, on the eve of Holi, they burn an effigy of Pootana to commemorate the triumph of the divine over evil forces. It also represents the end of darkness and winter.
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