Holi is known as a festival of colours, fun and frolic. It is a
festival of the Hindus. It usually comes in March. It is celebrated with gaiety
in North India. Of late the South is also catching up
with the North in celebrating this festival of colours. There are different
stories about the importance of the festival. It is said that at one stage a
demon by name Tarakasura conquered all 'Lokas or worlds' including heaven and
was teasing the 'Devas'. It became necessary for the Devas to pray to Lord Siva
to bring forth a person who could conquer Taraka. But Lord Siva was in deep
'Tapas'. He was not showing any interest towards Parvati, who was devotedly
serving him with a desire to marry. Then the 'Devas' requested 'Manmadha, the
God of Love' to help them and disturb the 'Tapas' of Lord Siva. He shot his
flower arrows at Lord Siva which disturbed his meditation. Lord Siva got angry
and burnt 'Manmada' to ashes by opening his third eye. But the arrow had its
effect and Siva had to love Parvati and Kartikeya was born, who later killed
Tarakasura. The bonfire raisd on the festive occasion is to represent the 'Kamadahana'
by Lord Siva. Another story is about Prahlada who was a devotee of Lord Vishnu,
a bitter enemy of Asuras. So Hiranya Kasipu, the father of Prahlada entrusts
Prahlada to his sister Halika to burn the boy alive. But in that attempt Halika
gets burnt and Prahlada is saved. The bonfire is said to be a symbol of
Halika's death. Some others connect the colour festival to Rasalila of Lord
Krishna with Gopikas. Whatever may be the story behind Holi, the bonfire
symbolises burning of evil for the sake of good. The Holi day is full of fun
and frolic. All men and women, boys and girls and children join in the
sprinkling of colours. Differences are forgotten. Enmity does not find a place.
All are friends. Even old people join the fun. They use Abir and Gulal. Till noon the singing and dancing go on with no
restrictions whatsoever. Buckets of colour water are sprinkled. Youngsters play
till they are completely drenched in colour. Even dignitaries like ministers
including the Prime Minister and the President partake in the fun. Satire,
irony and abuse are freely used with no offence. The mirth is over by noon. After a rich meal of special dishes
people go to meet their friends and relations., The evening bonfires are lit in
some places. During the previous night people dance around the fire and make
merry. It is not a festival of colours but also a festival of unity and
friendship. All barriers like caste, creed, position, and language are
forgotten and men and women join the fun.
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