India and many other countries celebrate Holi, the colorful festival of colors, with much excitement and enthusiasm.
In India, it is the most anticipated and joyous event, observed with love, unity, and happiness.
The legends surrounding Holi’s celebration range from the celebration of the heavenly love between Lord Krishna and Goddess Radha to Lord Narasimha’s victory over demonic forces.
Let’s explore more to uncover the ancient tales underlying the jubilant celebration before it’s too late.
The Story of Holika and Prahlada:The legend of Prahlada and Holika is among the most well-known myths related to Holi.
Hiranyakashipu, the demon king, was the father of Prahlada, a devoted disciple of Lord Vishnu. Prahlada stayed faithful to Lord Vishnu in spite of his father’s attempts to dissuade him from worshiping the Lord.
Furious with his son’s disobedience, Hiranyakashipu plotted Prahlada’s death with his fire-impervious sister Holika.
Hoping that her immunity would shield her, Holika persuaded Prahlada to sit with her on a pyre.But despite Holika’s death in the flames, Prahlada was spared by Lord Vishnu’s favor. This incident represents the triumph of commitment and righteousness as well as the victory of good over evil.
The Eternal Bond between Radha and Krishna:
Additionally connected to the heavenly love of Lord Krishna and Radha is the Holi festival. Known for his playful demeanor, Lord Krishna griped his mother over Radha’s pale skin, despite his own dark complexion.
His mother recommended that he use his own colors to playfully color Radha’s face in response. Therefore, it is thought that this lighthearted deed of Lord Krishna’s is where the custom of dousing people with color at Holi originated.
The eternal tie between the divine and the devotee, as well as the celebration of love and unity, are symbolized by the love between Radha and Krishna, which is celebrated through singing, dancing, and the joyous dousing of colors at Holi.
The Story of Kamadeva’s Offering:
Another mythical tale connected to Holi centers on Kamadeva, the goddess of passion and love. Hindu legend states that Kamadeva offered himself as a sacrifice to Lord Shiva’s wrath in order to right the equilibrium that Shiva’s intense meditation had upset.
Shiva eventually brought him back to life, although in an incorporeal form, having been moved by Kamadeva’s love. As a result, Holi is also considered a celebration of Kamadeva’s sacrifice as well as the rebirth of passion and love.
On Holi, it is thought that Lord Shiva set Kamadeva on fire. Thus, in southern India, they honor Kamadeva for his Holi sacrifice.