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The Story of Holi

Holi, the Festival of Colors, is one of the most joyful celebrations in India. It marks the victory of good over evil and the arrival of spring.The most famous story is about Prahlada and Holika.
Prahlada was a young prince and a great devotee of Lord Vishnu. But his father, King Hiranyakashipu, was a cruel ruler who wanted everyone to worship only him. When Prahlada refused, the king became very angry.Hiranyakashipu’s sister, Holika, had a magical shawl that protected her from fire. She tricked Prahlada into sitting on her lap in a burning fire. But because Prahlada kept chanting Lord Vishnu’s name, the magic worked in his favor — the shawl flew from Holika to Prahlada. Holika was burned, while Prahlada came out safe.This showed that devotion and goodness always win, while arrogance and evil are destroyed. To remember this, people light bonfires on Holi eve, called Holika Dahan.The next day, everyone plays with colors, dances, and celebrates happiness, unity, and love.

Holi is one of the most joyful and colorful festivals of India, celebrated to mark the victory of good over evil. The festival is linked with the story of Prahlada, a great devotee of Lord Vishnu, and his evil aunt Holika. When Prahlada refused to worship his father Hiranyakashipu, he was punished and made to sit on a burning pyre with Holika. But due to his devotion, Prahlada was saved by Lord Vishnu, while Holika was destroyed in the fire. This event symbolizes that truth and goodness always win over arrogance and evil. To remember this, people light the Holika bonfire on the eve of Holi. The next day, the festival is celebrated with colors, sweets, dance, and happiness, spreading love and unity among all.

Why Holi is Celebrated

Holi is celebrated to mark the victory of good over evil and to welcome the season of spring. The main story behind Holi is of Prahlada, a great devotee of Lord Vishnu. His father, King Hiranyakashipu, wanted everyone to worship him, but Prahlada refused. Angered, the king ordered his sister Holika, who had a magical shawl, to sit with Prahlada in a fire. However, the shawl flew to Prahlada and saved him, while Holika was burned. This showed that faith and goodness always triumph over evil. Since then, people light the Holika bonfire to remember this event. The next day, they celebrate with colors, sweets, and joy, spreading love and happiness all around.

How Holi is Celebrated

Holi is celebrated with great joy and excitement all over India. The festival begins with Holika Dahan on the evening before Holi, when people gather around a bonfire, sing songs, and pray for the victory of good over evil. The fire reminds everyone of the story of Prahlada and Holika. On the next day, known as Rangwali Holi or the Festival of Colors, people of all ages come together to play with dry colors, water balloons, and colored water. Streets and open grounds become filled with laughter, music, and dance. Families prepare delicious sweets like gujiya, malpua, and thandai, which are shared with neighbors and friends. People also visit each other’s homes, exchange greetings, and forget past quarrels, spreading the message of love and unity. In some regions, traditional songs, dhol beats, and folk dances make the celebration even more lively. Holi is not just a festival of colors, but also a celebration of friendship, forgiveness, and togetherness.

Upcoming Holi

04-03-2026 (Wednesday)