Vibrant colours remind us of the festival of Holi in India. It is a festival with cultural, astrological, and mythological significance in India. It is Celebrated on Purnima (Full Moon day) of Phalguna month as per Hindu calendar. It marks the victory of good over evil, the romantic and mischievous raas of Krishna and Radha, and Pootna’s killing and sacrifice of Kamdev. Even after millions of years of the festival's origin, it is celebrated nationwide with immense zeal. In this blog, we dive deep into the various aspects of Holi through a blog titled, Importance of Holi.
The Origins of Holi
Holi, popularly and commonly called as festival of colours has many legendary stories forming the reasons for the celebration. In different places, people celebrate it with distinct beliefs, cultures, and traditions. The popular rituals of playing with the colours are epitome of sacrifice, love, devotion and eradication of differences. We first delve into the mythological reasons behind the festival of love and colors, Holi.
Holika and Prahlad
Prahlad, the son of the arrogant king of Hiranyakashyap was the king of Demon and wanted to be worshipped by people. Hiranyakashyap had the boon of immunity and protection from Brahma. Lord Vishnu killed his brother and it aggravated his hatred towards the almighty. Prahlad was a blind devotee of Lord Vishnu and refused to worship his father. Even after repeated threats from his father, he continued to worship Vishnu. Infuriated by his son, His all efforts to kill his son went in vain since he didn’t want a single person who worships the deities in his dynasty. Not only when he tries to kill his son by throwing him from a mountain, but Lord Vishnu had every time saved him from the wrong intentions of Hiranyakashyap.
His sister Holika was blessed with the boon of not burning in fire. Hiranyakashyap conspired and decided to kill Prahlad by instructing both, Holika and Prahlad to sit on the fire. Prahlad was unaffected by the fire, but Holika on the other hand turned into ashes. This lore signifies the win of good over evil. A day before Phalgun Purnima is a ritual of Holika Dahan where people worship the bonfire. Holi puja is performed on the eve of Holi and this day are also called Choti Holi.
Acknowledgment of the efforts of Kamdev
Shiva, heartbroken and shattered after the demise of sati, went into deep meditation and forgot all his duties towards the world. Goddess Parvati, the next incarnation of Sati, took birth to remind Shiva of his worldly responsibilities. Her all efforts went into vain, she then requested Kamdev, the almighty of sexual desires to help her in stirring him. Kamdev shot his arrow of love and sexual urges upon Shiva. Infuriated Shiva opened his third, the destructive eye, and cremated Kamdev in ashes. It is believed that the day on which Shiva burned Kamdev was the day of Holi.
Also Read: Use Colors According to Your Zodiac Sign
Love of Krishna and Radha
The love story of Radha and Krishna is eternal with numerous legends worth sharing. It is believed that dusky Krishna was charmed by the beauty of Radha from childhood. He hesitated to express his affection to Radha and asked his mother, Yashoda Maa for help. She asked Krishna to smear the vibrant color (gulal) on the fair complexioned Radha. Radha fell in love with Krishna and since then there has been a ritual of playing Holi, especially in the Brij region. The Holi of Brij and Barsana is famed around the world.
Also Read: Things to do on Holika Dahan and Holi
Astrological Significance of Holi
On the day of Holi, the Sun and the Moon are 180 degrees opposite to each other. The planetary configuration is assumed to be beneficial when they are in opposition. When the Moon resides in Leo and Virgo, whereas the Sun resides in Aquarius and Pisces, they are said to be astrologically boon to people. Such planetary pattern proffers chances for self-discovery, balance, and alliance in life. Challenges may arise, but it would eventually lead to the growth of the individual.
It is also considered a sacred day to perform Vastu Pujas. This day also holds an important place in astrology. One can easily get rid of evil and negative energies by worshipping Lord Hanuman. This is the time when positive energy is strong in the Universe and can be used for personal growth.
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