Holi is regarded as one of the most important and oldest Hindu
festivals. The depictions of the festival are visible in numerous Hindu
religious scriptures and sculpture on walls of old temples and caves.
There are paintings, showcasing the Holi celebration of Lord Krishna and
Radha. Whatever the scene and the theme, colors and mythology have
always been an important part of these Holi depictions. There are
various legends and stories associated with the celebration of holi here
are some of the most popular legends.
Story Of Holika and Prahlad
There was a demon-king named Hiranyakashipu who was very cruel and
ordered everybody to worship him and not God. He was against Lord
Vishnu. However, his little son Prahlad refused to do so and continued
to worship the almighty Lord Vishnu, the Hindu God. He tried hard to
kill him but every time Lord Vishnu saved him. One of the sisters of the
king named Holika had a boon to remain unscathed by fire, so she
followed her brother's wishes. However, with this sinful act against
Lord Narayana's devotee, Holika's boon ended and she was burnt to ashes,
while Prahlad came out safe. From that day onwards Holi is celebrated as
the festival of the victory of good over evil. Even today, bonfires are
lit on the night before Holi in memory of the event and burning of the
evil Holika. It symbolizes the victory of Good over evil.
Story Of Radha and Krishna
Another legend, which tells us the use of colors in Holi is that of
Lord Krishna and Radha. Lord Krishna use to play with colors with Radha
and Gopis.This lovable prank of throwing colored powder and watercolors
called 'pichkaris' soon gained favor with the people and it evolved into
the tradition of Holi. This is the reason that people play with colors
in Holi and at the same time they worship Lord Krishna and Radha. The
Holi of Mathura and Vrindavan region, are very famous because it the
place where Krishna was born and spend his childhood days.
