New Delhi: Holi, the Indian festival of colours will be celebrated across the world on 6 March, 2015. It is one of the most popular and vibrant festivals in the Hindu culture.
According to Hindu scriptures Holika Dahan, which is also known as Holika Deepak or Chhoti Holi, should be done during Pradosh Kaal (which starts after sunset) while Purnimasi Tithi is prevailing.Bhadra prevails during first half of Purnimasi Tithi and all good work should be avoided when Bhadra prevails.
History of Holi
Holi is an ancient festival, which is referred to in the seventh century Sanskrit drama – Ratnavali. The celebration of Holi is recounted in Hindu sacred texts and stories that have passed from generation to generation. The main Holi legend according to Hindu mythology is as follows:
Holika was a female demon, and the sister of Hiranyakashyap, a demon king who considered himself ruler of the universe, and higher than all gods.
The king despised his son, Prahalad, who was a faithful devotee of the god Vishnu. One day the king asked him: “Who is the greatest, God or I?” God is,” said the son, “you are only a king.”Prahalad’s response infuriated the king who decided to murder his son.
But the king’s attempts at murder did not work too well. Prahalad survived being thrown over a cliff, being trampled by elephants, bitten by snakes, and attacked by soldiers. So the king asked his sister, Holika, to kill the boy. Holika had been given a magic boon by the gods that made her immune to fire, so she seized Prahalad and sat in the middle of the fire with the boy on her lap.
However, because Holika was using her gift for an evil deed, her power did not work and she was burned to ashes. Prahalad, on the other hand, stayed true to his God, Vishnu, and sat praying in the lap of his demon aunt. The God protected him and he survived.
To celebrate the story, large bonfires are burned during Holi and in many parts of India; a dummy of Holika is burned.
The celebration of Holi is very ancient in its origin. By its very origin, Holi is celebrated as an ultimate triumph of the “good” over the “evil.” Many colours associated with Holi are said to be the face of celebrations.
Bureau Report
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