Why is Holi celebrated?




Holi is a Hindu festival that is celebrated in India and other parts of the world, typically in late February or early March. The festival has many origins and myths associated with it, but the most popular story is that it celebrates the victory of good over evil.

The legend goes that there was once a demon king named Hiranyakashipu, who was granted a boon by Lord Brahma that made him invincible. He became arrogant and demanded that everyone worship him instead of the gods. However, his own son Prahlada was a devout follower of Lord Vishnu, and this enraged Hiranyakashipu.

The demon king tried to kill his son many times, but each time Prahlada was saved by Lord Vishnu. Finally, Hiranyakashipu's sister Holika, who had a cloak that made her immune to fire, offered to sit with Prahlada in a pyre and burn him alive. However, due to divine intervention, Prahlada was saved while Holika was burnt to ashes.

Thus, Holi celebrates the victory of Prahlada's devotion over his father's evil, and the burning of Holika, which is represented by the bonfires lit on the eve of the festival. The next day, people play with colors, throw colored water and powder at each other, and have fun with friends and family, symbolizing the joy of spring and the triumph of good over evil.