FACTS ABOUT HOLI (FESTIVAL OF COLORS)
Below are some interesting facts about Holi that will help you learn about this festival which is celebrated by millions from various cultures and regions. Holi is awaited eagerly even in the United States and Germany too.
The festival is all about people coming together and getting rid of their worries and spending a day or two with their friends and family.
Facts about history of Holi
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| Holika |
1. The name Holi comes from “Holika”, the sister of demon King "Hiranyakashyap"
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| Prahlad |
2. Legend has that the evil king – Hiranyakashyap – didn't want his son Prahlad to worship one of the Hindu gods – Lord Vishnu. However, Prahlad worshiped Vishnu despite his father’s denial.
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| Hiranyakashyap |
Thus the demon king ordered Prahlad to sit on pyre (a structure, usually made of wood, for burning a body as part of a funeral rite) along with Holika (who was immune to fire) the sister of the demon king. When the fire started, Holika was burnt to death in spite of her immunity to fire, and Prahlad was saved because Prahlad asked the help of Vishnu.
The burning of Holika is celebrated as Holi. However there are other arguments as well. The story is also narrated in various ways but the conclusion remains the same i.e. – “victory of good over evil.”
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| Lord krishna |
3. Other legend behind the origin of Holi is that Lord Krishna as a baby was poisoned by the breast milk and thus he developed the blue color of his skin. Krishna was not sure if fair skinned Radha would like him. Thus he approached Radha and colored her face in some colors. Radha accepted Krishna despite the blue color of his skin and since that day the festival of Holi is celebrated.
4. Occurrence: It is celebrated after the full moon in the month of ‘Phalguna’ (month of hindu calendar) which generally falls between February and March.
5. A popular saying: The festival of colors is also popular for a saying “Bura na mano, Holi hai!” means “do not mind, it’s Holi.”
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