Holi 2013 Date And Stories Behind Holi Festival
Holi is the festival of colors celebrated by Hindus in all over India. Holi festival is celebrated on Phalgun (Purnima) which comes in February end or March. It is the first major Hindu festival of the year. People in India celebrate this festival of colors to welcome the spring season and farmer pray to God for a good harvest. This festival bridges the social gap and renews sweet relations. On this day, people hug and wish each other 'Happy Holi'.
Holi Mythological Stories
There are numerous legends and stories linked with the colorful festival of Holi. The mythological origins vary in different parts of the country, but the variety only gives one more reason to enjoy the festival! Here are some of the most popular legends. Holi 2013 Date is on Wednesday, 27 March.
Legend of Holika and Prahlad-
There was a demon-king named Hiranyakashyap who won over the kingdom of earth and he commanded everyone to worship him not God but his little son Prahlad refused to do so and he became a true devotee of Lord Vishnu, the Hindu God. The king Hiranyakashyap tried many ways to kill his son Prahlad but every time Lord Vishnu saved him. Finally, the King asked his sister to enter a roaring fire with Prahlad in her lap as Holika had a boon to remain unharmed by fire. Prahlad happily followed his father's orders and kept chanting the name of Lord Naarayana. However, Holika's boon ended and she was burnt to ashes, while Prahlad came out safe.
Thus, Holi derives its name from Holika and, is celebrated as a festival of victory of good over evil. This is one of the most popular stories of Holi.
Legend of Radha and Krishna-
Holi is also celebrated in memory of the immortal love of Lord Krishna and Radha in some region of India. It is believed that when Krishna was a young boy, he asked to his mother Yashoda the reason for his dark color while Radha was so fair. Yashoda jokingly suggested that he should spread color on Radha's face too and change her skin texture to any color he wanted. Captivated by the idea, Krishna proceeded to do so and thus, introduced the play of colors on Holi.
There are also many other stories too behind the celebration of Holi festival like the legend of Kaamadeva and legend of Dhundhi.
Holi Celebration in India
Holi is one of the major festivals in India and it is celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm. Holi is celebrated in every part of India but the celebrations have a regional influence in their rituals and traditions.
Holi Mythological Stories
There are numerous legends and stories linked with the colorful festival of Holi. The mythological origins vary in different parts of the country, but the variety only gives one more reason to enjoy the festival! Here are some of the most popular legends. Holi 2013 Date is on Wednesday, 27 March.
Legend of Holika and Prahlad-
There was a demon-king named Hiranyakashyap who won over the kingdom of earth and he commanded everyone to worship him not God but his little son Prahlad refused to do so and he became a true devotee of Lord Vishnu, the Hindu God. The king Hiranyakashyap tried many ways to kill his son Prahlad but every time Lord Vishnu saved him. Finally, the King asked his sister to enter a roaring fire with Prahlad in her lap as Holika had a boon to remain unharmed by fire. Prahlad happily followed his father's orders and kept chanting the name of Lord Naarayana. However, Holika's boon ended and she was burnt to ashes, while Prahlad came out safe.
Thus, Holi derives its name from Holika and, is celebrated as a festival of victory of good over evil. This is one of the most popular stories of Holi.
Legend of Radha and Krishna-
Holi is also celebrated in memory of the immortal love of Lord Krishna and Radha in some region of India. It is believed that when Krishna was a young boy, he asked to his mother Yashoda the reason for his dark color while Radha was so fair. Yashoda jokingly suggested that he should spread color on Radha's face too and change her skin texture to any color he wanted. Captivated by the idea, Krishna proceeded to do so and thus, introduced the play of colors on Holi.
There are also many other stories too behind the celebration of Holi festival like the legend of Kaamadeva and legend of Dhundhi.
Holi Celebration in India
Holi is one of the major festivals in India and it is celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm. Holi is celebrated in every part of India but the celebrations have a regional influence in their rituals and traditions.
