Holi Spirit Power !

The word "Holi" originates from "Holika", the evil sister of demon king Hiranyakashipu. King Hiranyakashipu had earned a boon that made him virtually indestructible. The special powers blinded him, he grew arrogant, thought he was God, and demanded that everyone worship only him. Hiranyakashipu's own son, Prahlada however, disagreed.

He was and remained devoted to Vishnu. This infuriated Hiranyakashipu. He subjected Prahlada to cruel punishments, none of which affected the boy or his resolve to do what he thought was right. Finally, Holika - Prahlada's evil aunt - tricked him into sitting on a pyre with her.

Holika was wearing a cloak (shawl) that made her immune to injury from fire, while Prahlada was not. As the fire roared, the cloak flew from Holika and encased Prahlada. Holika burned, Prahlada survived. Vishnu appeared and killed Hiranyakashipu.

The bonfire is a reminder of the symbolic victory of good over evil, of Prahlada over Hiranyakashipu, of fire that burned Holika. The day after Holika bonfire is celebrated as Holi.

The festival of colors is indeed a festival of happiness for me. It is a festival for which the Indians wait the entire year to splash colors all over each other. It is a phenomenon that resonates equally across urban and rural societies but has many variations. While Holi, especially in north Indian cities like Delhi, is often characterized by groups of young men exuberantly tossing powder and water balloons, it is a holiday for everyone.

Holi, like all other Indian festivals, also has it’s fair share of mythological significance. And what is most amazing is people from different parts of India have their own favorite names for this festival and their own mythological tale for the significance of Holi.

Why Is Holi Celebrated?
The Spring Festival 'Holi' is celebrated by the Hindu community residing all over the world. The festival is so fun loving and attractive that all are bent towards its attractive and vibrant colors. It has taken the shape more of a community sport where irrespective of caste or creed, religion or sect, people of all ages join in a group having the fun of smearing, throwing and splashing colors on each other.

Holi is celebrated on Phalgun Purnima at the end of the winter season on the last Full Moon day of the Lunar month Phalguna-February/March.

Holi is named in various ways by different communities of India. There are also many themes behind celebrating this festival. But, whatever may be the name or theme, the unique feature of this festival is smearing, throwing and splashing colors on each other. Everyone looks alike smeared in these colors, their hearts and souls conveying the message of universal brotherhood and equality. Let this Holi mark the year's most joyful event in your life bringing happiness and fortune in vibrant rainbow colors.

Holi is celebrated with tremendous zest and zeal in Northern India as the summer harvest festival. Holi is prominent in Kashmir as the harvesting of the summer crop. Holi is a very big festival here. People celebrate this harvest festival by throwing colored water and powder.They sing and dance thanking God for helping them with the bountiful harvest. So, Holi is a harvest festival celebrated with colors and sweets.

#HappyHoli ❤☺☺❤