Holi, the Festival of Colors, celebrates the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil. The night before is Holika Dahan.
Celebrates the divine love of Radha and Krishna and commemorates the salvation of Prahlad.
Fasting is observed on Holika Dahan (the night before Holi). Eat only once during the day (fruits or simple meal). Avoid grains and lentils. On the day of Holi, no fasting is required — feast and celebrate with colors.
Holika Dahan: Light a bonfire in the evening. Circumambulate the fire with raw coconut, grains, and flowers. Apply tilak and seek blessings of elders. On Holi day: Wake early, apply natural colors (gulal) to family and friends. Visit temples. Offer colored rice and flowers to deities. Sing bhajans and dance. Prepare and share festive sweets like gujiya and thandai.
The story of Holi begins with the demon king Hiranyakashipu, who wanted everyone to worship him. His own son Prahlad refused and remained devoted to Lord Vishnu. Hiranyakashipu's sister Holika had a boon that fire could not burn her. She sat in a fire with Prahlad in her lap, intending to kill him. But the boon reversed — Holika burned to ashes while Prahlad emerged unharmed. The burning of Holika symbolizes the triumph of devotion over evil. The next day, colors celebrate this victory.
Ph.D. in Vedic Studies from Banaras Hindu University with 15 years of experience in Hindu astrology and festival research.
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