New Delhi: Holika Dahan, also known as Choti Holi marks the beginning of the Holi festival. Choti Holi symbolizes the victory of good over evil while serving as a reason to bring people together and enjoy the festival of colour.
The celebration signifies the triumph of virtue over malevolence.
According to Indian Mythology, prince Prahlad, who was the son of demon king Hiranyakashyap worshipped Lord Vishnu and was a firm believer of him. But Hiranyakashyap wanted his son to worship him and not Lord Vishnu. And so, Hiranyakashyap asked his sister Holika who was blessed with a boon of staying unharmed in fire, to kill his own son, Prahlad.
Holika then proceeded to sit with Prahlad in her lap. She then proceeded with the plan. She then set herself on fire. Prahlad was saved from the fire since he was a big devotee of Lord Vishnu but Holika burned to ashes as a form of punishment for misusing her power.
This is how the tradition of Holika dahan or Holika bonfire came to be. This festival marks the victory of evil over good and makes people believe that despite the negativity, positivity and good will always prevail.
Holi is celebrated with great pomp and show. It is celebrated in regions where Lord Krishna is worshipped with great fervour. Holi is celebrated with great pomp in the Braj regions – Mathura, Vrindavan, Gowardhan, Gokul, Nandagaon and Barsana. The Lathmar Holi – the traditional Holi festivity in Barsana – and Phoolwali Holi in Vrindavan are world famous.
Before Holi, Holika Dahan is celebrated. During Holika Dahan, people light a bonfire to celebrate the victory of good over evil. People dress up in traditional clothes, exchange sweets and even dance around the bonfire while singing folk songs.
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