Holi festival

Holi’s traditions have their roots in Hindu mythology. The festival is associated with the legend of Hiranyakashyap, a demon king in ancient India, and his son, Prahlad. Hiranyakashyap claimed to be immortal and demanded to be worshipped as a god. His son Prahlad was however deeply devoted to worshipping Bhagwan Vishnu, and his father was angry that his son worshipped Vishnu over him.

Hiranyakashyap asked the help of his sister, Holika, to kill Prahlada. In an attempt to burn Prahlada, Holika sat with him on a pyre while having a siddhi that protected her from the fire. But her siddhi did not function, Holika burned - however Prahlada was protected instead. Later that night Bhagwan Vishnu appeared as half-lion and half-man, and killed Hiranyakashyap. In that way, good conquered evil - and this is the meaning of the festival Holi.

Holi is also the festival of colors, remembering Bhagwan Krishna to dye Radha with his deep blue color. But the color of God means bhakti - devotion, and coloring His devotee with His color means blessing and liberation for the devotee.