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Holi
by W.Holidays
Holika
or Holi for short is the Festival of Color. It marks the end of
the nippy winter months and the beginning of spring. This
festival comes during the full moon in the Hindu month of Phagan.
 This is a day to
forget your worries.
Color can be found everywhere.
Colored powders and
colored water are thrown on everyone.
Singing and dancing and festive parties
are popular.
Holika and
Pralhad
According to legend Hirankashyap was a very powerful and evil
king. He demanded that no one pray to Lord Vishnu and that they
only pray to him. In fear, people did as he bid. However,
his son Pralhad was devoted to Lord Vishnu and would not abide by his
father's rules. To discipline him Hirankashyap ordered harsh and
cruel punishments, yet no harm came to Pralhad. Finally, Holika
(Hirankashyap sister), who was immune to the harms of fire, was ordered
to sit on a bed of flames with Pralhad on her lap. Holika was
burnt, but Pralhad survived unharmed. As Holika lay dying she
begged Pralhad for forgiveness. Pralhad forgave her and deemed
that one day a year would be to remember her. To commemorate
"Holi" large bonfires burn and people say a prayer to "Holi" for
well-being.
Krishna and Radha
Holi is also associated with the immortal love of Krishna and
Radha. A young Krishna complained to his mother Yashoda about
having such a dark complexion compared to his love Radha who was so
fair. Yashoda told him to apply color to Radha's face and see
what would happen. Today, celebrations start early in Nandagaon,
where Lord Krishna grew up. Men from Nandagaon raid nearby
Barsana (where Radha grew up) with hopes of raising their flag over
Shri Radhikaji's temple. The women of Barsana "beat" the raiders
with long wooden sticks. This is a mock battle and the men are
well-padded as they try to evade capture. If captured the men are
forced to dress as women, paint their faces, and dance!
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