HOLI
The Legend :
There are in existence quite a number of legends associated with the origin of Holi.
The most famous ones being that associated
with the demon king Hiranyakasipu. The demon king who is blessed with
immortality to the extent possible by Lord Brahma had conquered the entire world and
desired to be worshipped by one and all as the Supreme power. But his own son, Prahlad,
who was an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu denied to accept his supremacy. Enraged by this
Hiranyakasapa is known to have decided to punish him severely. Holika,
the sister of the king who was immune to fire was asked to sit amidst fire along with
Prahlad so that fire can devour him. But much to the surprise of Hiranyakasipa, Prahlad
was left untouched by fire while Holika was burnt to ashes. Holi is thus celebrated as the
victory of good over evil and bonfires are lit up till date in the evenings at the street
corners with the dummy of Holika set ablaze.
 Other interesting legend is that Lord Krishna’s
rasleelas and playing pranks with Radha along with other Gopikas in the gardens
of Brindavan. "Vasantotsavam" as it is well known was played by them with the
advent of Vasanta Rutu (the Spring) and Holi is believed to be a replica of the
same and thus newly wed couples have an importance in the celebration.
It is also said that Kamadeva was
burnt to ashes by the anger of Lord Shiva on this day and Dhundhi, an
ogress, who was troubling the children in the kingdom of Prithu was made to run away for
life by the shouts and pranks of the mischevious boys.
Holi thus is celebrated to mark the burning
of self-conceit, selfishness, greed, lust, hatred and in fact all the undesirable demoniac
tendencies, propensities, thoughts and behaviours.
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