The story centers on an arrogant king who resents his son Prahlada worshipping Lord Vishnu. He attempts to kill his son but fails each time.
Finally, the king's sister Holika who is said to be immune to burning sits with the boy in a huge fire. However, the prince Prahlada emerges unscathed, while his aunt burns to death. Holi commemorates this event from mythology, and huge bonfires are burnt on the eve of Holi as its symbolic representation.
Holi commemorates this event from mythology, and huge bonfires are burnt on the eve of Holi as its symbolic representation.
This exuberant festival is also associated with the immortal love of Krishna and Radha. The young Krishna would complain to his mother Yashoda about why Radha was so fair and he so dark. Yashoda advised him to apply color on Radha's face and see how her complexion would change.
Holi is celebrated with particular eclat in the villages around Mathura , the birthplace of Krishna .
Down the ages, civilization has advanced leaps and bounds, but the spirit of Holi remains the same. Each year, without fail, the old and the young alike, gather into groups and indulge in a riot of colors.
Holi is also synonymous with bhang, which is consumed by many in the form of laddoos and ghol s. One could get away with almost anything on this day; squirting colored water on passers-by and dunking friends in the mud pool saying " bura na mano, Holi hai " (don't feel offended, it's Holi)
Apart from this usual fun with colored powder and water, Holi is marked by vibrant processions, which are accompanied by folk songs, dances and a general sense of abandoned vitality. |
