Holi begins
The two-day Hindu celebration Holi is known as the festival of colors. It celebrates springtime and love, and over time, has been embraced by people of different faiths across India.
The two-day Hindu celebration Holi is known as the festival of colors. It celebrates springtime and love, and over time, has been embraced by people of different faiths across India.
Renee Harleston
Reviewer URLNames: Holi, Festival of Colors
Pronunciation: HOH-lee
The two-day Hindu celebration Holi is known as the festival of colors. It celebrates springtime and love, and over time, has been embraced by people of different faiths across India.
Origin
Many different Hindu stories are tied to Holi. In one, Prahlada, the son of a demon king, receives several punishments, for worshipping Vishnu, the protector of the world, rather than his own father. The last punishment was one by fire from the king and his sister, Holika, who challenges Prahlada to walk through a bonfire. Holika, who had powers, would do the same and be protected but Prahlada would not. However, he is protected after Vishnu transfers Holika’s powers to Prahlada.
In another, the god Shiva is awakened from deep meditation in order to save the world. Another story tells of how as a boy, Krishna would throw water and colors on girls for fun, until it eventually became a tradition.
When is it observed
Holi begins on the last full moon day in the month of Phalguna in the Hindu calendar, and lasts two days. It usually takes place in March.
Traditions
During Holi, people light bonfires, throw vibrant colored powders into the air and on one another. In some places, participants will burn bonfires to represent the burning of Holika. After, everyone bathes and wears clean white clothes to visit friends and loved ones. They will also gather for festive meals.
About Shiva
Shiva is considered one of the most important Hindu gods, along with Brahma and Vishnu. He represents goodness and benevolence but is also recognized as the destroyer and creator of all things. It is his job to destroy the universe every 2,160,000,000 so that it can rebuild. He has two sons with his wife Parvati, six-headed Skanda and elephant-headed Ganesha—who was given an elephant head after Shiva mistakenly removed his human head. Shiva is often depicted with a blue throat, representing the poison that he swallowed in order to save the world.
About Krishna
Krishna was born the eighth child to his mother, Devaki, and was the eighth incarnation of the god Vishnu, the supreme god who creates, protects and transforms the universe. He was the subject of a prophecy that foretold he would kill his mother’s brother, King Kansa, and because of that, his life was in danger even before he was born. However, his family protected him, and he grew up to fulfill the prophecy. He also killed demons, even at a young age, and was known for his spirited pranks. He is remembered for making spirituality accessible to all people, and his basic philosophy of yoga was the foundation of all future teachings.