Holi, the festival of colours, is known as Holika or Holika-utsav. Holi is also referred to as Vasant Mahotsav or Kama Mahotsav in Puranas. There is a symbolic legend to explain why Holi is celebrated as a festival of colours. The word "Holi" originates from "Holika", the evil sister of the demon king Hiranyakashipu. Holi is associated with Bhakt Prahlad and his cruel yet blessed father HiranyaKashipu and aunt Holika. King Hiranyakashipu had earned a boon that made him virtually indestructible. He grew arrogant, thought he was God, and demanded that everyone worship only him. Prahlada his own son, however, disagreed. He was and remained devoted to Lord Vishnu. This infuriated Hiranyakashipu. He subjected Prahlada to cruel punishments, none of which affected the boy or his resolve to do what he thought was right. Finally, Holika, Prahlada's evil aunt tricked him into sitting on a pyre with her. Holika was wearing a cloak that made her immune to injury from fire, while Prahlada was not. As the fire roared, the cloak flew from Holika and encased Prahlada. Holika burned, Prahlada survived. Seeing this, Hiranyakashipu, unable to control his anger, smashed a pillar with his mace. Lord Vishnu appeared as Lord Narasimha and killed Hiranyakashipu. The bonfire is a reminder of the symbolic victory of good over evil, of Prahlada over Hiranyakashipu, and of the fire that burned Holika. This legend goes to re-establish the eternal faith in God ; the supreme power and the fact that whatever be the magnitude of sin, evil and depravity in the world, true reverence, devotion and faith always win. As per Vedas, Dahan Kriya or the act of putting all the sin to fire, should be performed on the day of Holi. During this ritual, Rakshogaan mantras, as mentioned in the Rig Veda should be recited. This ritual can help one eradicate negativity and safeguard from ominous influences!
Om Namo Narayana ~ Om Namah Shivaya ๐๐ป๐๐ป
Happy Holi Lovely People ๐๐๐๐๐๐บ
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