Holi: Festival of Colors and Love

Holi is one of the famous colorful festivals of Hindus. People around the world celebrate this holi also known as "festivals of colors" with full enthusiastic and joy. This festival fall in the month of March and this year it is on 20th March, 2019.

The origins of the festival can be found in various legends in Hindu mythology, one of which tells the story of a demon, Holika, and her brother, King Hiranyakashipu. Spurred by his son's disobedience, the king and his sister Holika plotted to kill Prahlada. As part of their plans, Holika lured Prahlada onto a pyre in an attempt to burn him to death. While sitting on the pyre with Prahlada, Holika donned a magical shawl that protected her from the fire. However, as the pyre burned, the shawl flew from Holika's shoulders onto Prahlada's, resulting in the demon perishing in the flames. Vishnu, the god whom Prahlada had chosen to worship instead of his father, then appeared. Taking the form of a half man and half lion, the god killed the treacherous king.

On the night before Holi, bonfires are lit to signify the burning of Holika and the victory of good over evil. Some Hindus who observe the festival will also smear themselves with ashes from the fire, as a symbol of purification. Thus, Holi is celebrated for color, love and the triumph of good.

During this colorful festival, mostly people come into the street and splash colorful holi powder and water even if they do not know each other. The schools and offices are closed during this day and almost every store will be closed to celebrate this special day. Some people sing a Holi song and dance together. Now a day, there are several programs organized by different organization where people can play holi together and share the happiness.