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Holi is also known as the festival of Colours. It is celebrated yearly to mark the end of Phalguna month and the winter season. Today, the definition of Holi has changed. People celebrate it with color water, artificial colors, pichkaris, and water balloons. But this wouldn’t have been the case in the 4th century, as stated by the Great poet Kalidasa in the Dasakumara Charita and Puranas.

As Holi has been celebrated for centuries, there are a few legends and stories about our Sanatan Dharma.

1. The famous Story of the King Hiranyakashipu and Prahlad 

One famous story we all know is that of the Demon King Hiranyakashipu. Once, the king prayed to Lord Bhramaji and did a great tapa to please him. Pleased by his devotion, Bhramaji told him to ask for any wish. He wished to be immortal. So Bhramaji granted five magical boons. As per the boon, the king could not be killed by any asura god in the day or at night. He even couldn’t be killed inside the house and even outside. This made Hiranyakashipu happy, and he started acting inevitably. He forced everyone to worship him and thought of himself as the Almighty. But his son Prahlad was a great devotee of lord Vishnu. Hiranyakashipu forced himself on Prahlad, but Prahlad, being engrossed in his devotion towards Lord Vishnu, wasn’t afraid of him. Being furious, he orders his Demon sister Holika to kill Prahlada. As Holika was immune to fire, she lit the pyre of hay and set it on fire.

She made little Prahlada sit on her lap. But as soon as the pyre lit, Prahlad kept chanting the names of Lord Vishnu. To everyone’s surprise, Holika got burnt, and Prahlad came out safe. Seeing this, the king got furious and kept finding ways to kill his son. But Prahlada was saved every time. Later, a time came when the demon king was himself slayed off by Lord Narasimha, a tiger avatar of Lord Vishnu. He appeared from the pillars after a massive fight with the king. Lord Narasimha made Hiranyakashipu lay on his lap and tear apart his abdomen. This was done with his tiger claws and at the time of evening. Today, this day is celebrated as Holi, marking the victory of good over evil deeds.

2. Story of the Demoness Dhundhi 

As per this folklore, Dhundhi was a devil extremely vulnerable to the playfulness and mischievous strategies of young boys in the village. She had a boon from Lord Shiva that men, gods, or weapons wouldn’t kill her. Even the cold, rain, and heat cannot destroy her. But she was also cursed by Mahadev that she would be in grave danger due to crazy young boys.

The king Raghu was in great trouble due to the ogress. Hence, he consulted his priest. So, a priest found a way. He said on Phalgun 15, the cold will vanish, and summer will begin. All the village boys must hold bits of wood and pyres in their hands and must go out of the house. He asked them to collect a heap of timber and grass and set it over the fire by chanting mantras. He told the kids to clap their hands and merry-go-round the fire thrice. They must even laugh and sing and sing, which will chase away the demon Dhundhi. So, one day, they all stood united and decided to do whatever was said by the priest. The children even threw color powder and water, which she wasn’t immune to. This irritated the demon, and she never returned to the village and ran away. The story of Dhundi not only displays unity and Valour but also marks the start of spring. Hence, this day started to be celebrated and recognized as Holi.

3. The sacrifice made by Kamadeva 

After the death of his beloved wife Sati, Lord Shiva was greatly disturbed, and he isolated himself in a dark cave high up in the Himalayas near the Kailash mountains. Due to his absence, life on earth was highly suffering due to the absurd behavior of the demon Tarkasura. Son of Lord Shiva and Lord Parvati was said to kill the demon Tarka, as told by Lord Bhramaji. So, to make Lord Shiva realize that Devi Sati was once again born as Goddess Parvati. So, the other Gods sent Kamadev (the god of love) to develop feelings of love and attraction in the heart of Lord Shiva for Parvati. Kamadev decided to help despite knowing the harsh consequences.

He took his flower-decorated bow and arrow and aimed them at Lord Shiva. Mahadev woke up from his deep meditation angrily. He opened his third eye. A massive beam of light (fire) erupted and burnt Kamadev into ashes. Thus, Kamadev sacrificed himself on the day of Holi. Hence, the people from southern India started worshipping Kamadeva for his great sacrifice. They call this festival ‘Kama Mahotsava.’ People often plant Ashoka trees near the temple premises. This tree is said to symbolize Love and a dedication to Kamadev.

4. Killing the Lady demon Putana 

Another legend from the stories of Lord Krishna says how Shri Krishna killed the demon Putana. One day, Putana entered Dwarka as ordered by the Maternal uncle of Shri Krishna to kill him. She disguised herself as a woman and started breastfeeding Baby Krishna.

As Shri Krishna was sucking milk from her poisonous breast, he soon sucked the life out of her. There, Putana lay dead. Putana is also called winter in this tale, and Shri Krishna’s brave act marks his victory over evil forces.

5. The Eternally Divine Love of Lord Krishna and Radharani 

The story of the evergreen love of Radharani for Shri Krishna and their affection for each other. One day, Shri Krishna asked his mother, Yashoda Maa, about his skin color being different from other children’s. His mother, Yashoda Maa, said he looks great in his color and must not feel bad about it.

She suggested he color Radharani in whatever color he imagines her. So Krishna colored her as per his skin color. To his surprise, Radha Rani was touched by his love and charm towards her. This is how Shri Krishna confessed his pure love for Radha. Since then, the fight with color has been celebrated to show the divine love of Radha Krishna.

Thus, Holi is a festival to spread love and happiness. To forget all the worries and show gratitude to the divine form. This also marks the thanksgiving for cultivating a good harvest.

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