The festival of Holi is celebrated with great enthusiasm every year in the month of Phalguna. The festival of Holi begins with the burning of Holika, followed by playing with colors and gulal the next day.
The story of Holi is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology. According to a popular legend, Devi Parvati wanted to marry Lord Shiva, but his deep meditation didn't turn towards her. Seeing Parvati's efforts, the god of love, Kamadeva, stepped forward and shot a love arrow at Shiva, breaking his meditation. This angered Shiva, who opened his third eye and turned Kamadeva to ashes.
After this incident, Shiva realized Parvati's devotion and accepted her as his wife. However, after Kamadeva's demise, his wife Rati had to endure untimely widowhood. She pleaded to Shiva for mercy, and he restored Kamadeva, understanding his innocence.
Meanwhile, recalling Parvati's previous life and Shiva's past, it became evident that Kamadeva's action was instrumental in their union. Despite this, Shiva held Kamadeva responsible, as his arrow aimed at Shiva's heart symbolized limiting love to physical desires. Shiva then revived Kamadeva, renaming him Manasija, making him incorporeal. It was the night of the full moon in Phalguna when people had already celebrated Holika's burning. By morning, the impurity of desire had burned in the fire, manifesting as love. Kamadeva, now incorporeal, inspired celebrations of new creations. This day became known as Holi.
Even today, in many places, Rati's lament is depicted through folk songs and music.
Holi is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Hinduism. Its history is intertwined with various ancient scriptures and legends. According to a famous tale, the origin of Holi is linked to the life of Prahlad, the son of Lord Vishnu's incarnation, Narasimha. Prahlad devoted his life to the worship of God, but his father, Hiranyakashipu, did not even take the name of God for worship.
One day, Hiranyakashipu attempted to kill Prahlad with the help of his sister, Holika. Due to Holika's boon, she sat in the fire, as she had obtained the boon of being unaffected by fire. However, by God's grace, Prahlad survived, while Holika burned to death.
This tradition became the early reason for celebrating the colors of Holi. In this holy festival of Holi, the grace of God, victory of truth, and destruction of evil are celebrated.