Complete history of the Holi festival, From Holika Dahan to Dhuleti: Understanding the History of Holi
What is Holi Festival?
Holi is a Hindu festival, it is celebrated in the month of spring, Holi festival also called the “festival of colors”. The festival of Holi begins on the evening of Purnima (full moon day) , in Vikram Samvat (i.e Hindu Calendar month of Phalguna), which usually falls in late February or early March. in the Hindu calendar month of Phalguna. The festival is marked by two events: Holika Dahan or Chhoti Holi and Dhuleti, Dhulandi or Phagwah. The festivities begin with Holika Dahan, which takes place on the night before Holi, and involves religious rituals being performed in front of a bonfire. .The festival is mainly observed in India, but The festival is celebrated not only in India but also in other parts of South Asia and worldwide. The origins of Holi can be traced back to ancient Hindu mythology and traditions. The festival is a time of joy and celebration, and people participate in playful and colorful activities such as throwing colored powder and water, dancing, singing, and feasting. It is also a time to forgive and forget, and people exchange sweets and gifts with friends, family, and neighbors.
History of Holika Dahan
Holi Dhan is part of Holi celebration, there is history behind Holi celebration One popular legend associated with Holi is the story of Prahlad and Holika. Prahlad was a young devotee of Lord Vishnu who refused to worship his father, the demon king Hiranyakashipu. The king's sister, Holika, who was immune to fire, tricked Prahlad into sitting on her lap in a bonfire. However, through divine intervention, Prahlad emerged unharmed while Holika was burnt to ashes. The victory of good over evil is celebrated on Holi, and people light bonfires to mark the occasion.
There is another story of Holi celebration Another legend is the story of Lord Krishna and Radha. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Krishna was jealous of Radha's fair complexion, so he smeared her face with colors. This playful act became a tradition and is still observed during Holi. The festival is also associated with the love between Lord Krishna and Radha.
Why Holi is Celebrated?
The history of the Holi festival dates back to the Hindu mythology of Bhagavata Purana, which narrates the story of Hiranyakashipu, the king of demonic Asuras. According to the legend, Hiranyakashipu had obtained a boon that bestowed upon him five special powers, and he demanded that everyone worship only him. However, his son Prahlada refused to do so and instead devoted himself to Lord Vishnu. Enraged, Hiranyakashipu subjected Prahlada to severe punishments, and eventually, Prahlada's evil aunt Holika tricked him into sitting on a pyre with her. As the fire blazed, Holika burned to ashes, but Prahlada emerged unscathed. At dusk, Lord Vishnu appeared in the form of a half-lion, half-man creature, and with his lion claws, he disemboweled and killed Hiranyakashipu. This is the history that gives rise to the Holi celebration.
Favorite food items In Holi
Holi is a festival of joy, love, and colors, and food plays an important role in its celebration. People prepare a variety of traditional dishes and sweets to share with family, friends, and neighbors during the festival. During the Holi festival, people relish a variety of delicious sweets and delicacies. Traditional food items such as Gujiya, Dahi Vada, Kesari Malai Peda, and Bhaang are among the most popular ones. Additionally, there are deceptively simple-looking drinks that give a tremendous flavor to the festival and escalate the spirit of Holi, such as Bhaang Thandai. Other popular food items include Dhuska, a Bihar dish with a crunchy and mildly sweet taste, Moong Dal Kachauri, Malpua with the flavor of cardamom and sweet khoya, and Dahi Vada. In this way, people celebrate the festival of love with immense joy and happiness, and every celebration ends with satisfying hunger. They also share the stories of Holi with their community and family members while enjoying the delicious food.
