Holi

The Saptama Skandha of the Bhagavat Purana tells an old story. Long, long ago there was a king named Hiranyakashipu. He was enormously powerful. His pride told him that no one in the world could equal him.

According to the Bhagavat Purana, Hiranyakashipu had a small son named Prahlad. Prahlad was gentle and calm. His mind was ever absorbed in devotion to Vishnu. From childhood, he took Vishnu's name.

Hiranyakashipu was troubled by this. He tried many times to talk Prahlad out of it. But the boy's devotion only deepened. The Bhagavat Purana tells us — true bhakti (devotion) takes deep root in the heart, and no one can uproot it.

Hiranyakashipu had a sister named Holika. The Saptama Skandha of the Bhagavat Purana says Holika had a boon — because of that boon, fire could not burn her. Hiranyakashipu devised a plan: Holika would sit in a fire with Prahlad in her lap.

According to the Puranic legend, Holika was consumed by the fire, but Prahlad came out unharmed. Devotion was protected. Vishnu had looked after his bhakta (devotee). This story is told in full in the Saptama Skandha of the Bhagavat Purana.

According to the Bhavishya Purana, the tradition of Holika Dahan (the Holika bonfire) has continued in memory of that event. On the night of Phalgun Purnima, people gather together. A fire is lit. Coconut and grain are offered to the flames. This tradition has long been seen as a symbol of letting go of old bitterness and wrongdoing.

The next day brings the festival of colours and gulal (coloured powder). The Narada Purana mentions this colour celebration of the Phalgun month. Everyone plays with colour together. Young and old become one. Old grievances are forgotten. Sweets like gujiya and malpua are made in homes.

In the Braj region — around Mathura and Vrindavan — this colour festival has long been associated with the legends of Krishna. There is a tradition of celebrating Holi with flowers. The Lathmar Holi tradition of Barsana is also very old. In West Bengal, it is called Dol Yatra. In Maharashtra and Goa, it has been celebrated as the Shimga festival.

This festival marks the departure of winter and the arrival of spring. Fresh flowers bloom in nature. New leaves appear on trees. Holi is a welcome to this renewal — within and without.

The story of Prahlad from the Bhagavat Purana is at the heart of Holi. It tells us that there is a force greater than pride and power — true bhakti. When Prahlad emerged from the fire unharmed, it was not just a child being saved. It was the victory of devotion. Holika Dahan has long been seen as the symbol of that victory.

The colour festival carries another deep meaning. When everyone colours one another, distinctions of big and small dissolve. Faces covered in colour all look alike. In tradition, it has long been believed that Holi washes away old grudges. The Narada Purana connects this colour celebration to the welcoming of spring.

Holi is not a single day's celebration. It begins on the night of Phalgun Purnima and continues through the morning of the next day. On one side, fire — releasing what is old. On the other, colour — welcoming what is new. That is the spirit of Holi.

• A community bonfire is lit on the night of Holika Dahan, and puja is performed.
• The tradition of offering coconut and grain to the fire.
• The next morning, celebrating with colours and gulal.
• Making traditional sweets like gujiya and malpua at home.
• Family and neighbours embrace each other.
• Old grievances are set aside, and new beginnings are made.
• Community singing and folk songs have long been part of this festival.