The Significance of Holi: Stories and Traditions

Last updated on March 1st, 2025 at 05:02 pm

The Significance of Holi: Holi, the vibrant festival of colours, has its roots in ancient Indian scriptures and legends. While most people associate Holi with the story of Prahlad and Holika, several other mythological references highlight the deeper meaning behind this celebration.

The Significance of Holi: The Story of Lord Shiva and Parvati

According to the Shiva Purana, Goddess Parvati performed intense penance to marry Lord Shiva, who was deeply engrossed in meditation. To ensure the marriage for divine purposes—primarily the destruction of the demon Tarakasura—Lord Indra sent Kamadeva (the god of love) to disrupt Shiva’s meditation. Kamadeva succeeded but was reduced to ashes by Lord Shiva’s wrath. After realizing the significance of the event, the gods persuaded Shiva to marry Parvati. This story symbolizes the burning of desires and the victory of true love, which is commemorated through Holika Dahan.

The Legend of Krishna and Putana

Another story associated with Holi revolves around Lord Krishna’s childhood. When the evil King Kansa learned that his nemesis would be born as Devaki’s eighth son, he imprisoned Devaki and Vasudeva. Kansa killed their first six sons, but their seventh child, Balram, was transferred to Rohini’s womb. The eighth child, Krishna, was safely taken to Gokul.

Kansa sent the demoness Putana to kill newborns in Gokul by breastfeeding them with poisoned milk. However, Krishna recognized her true form and ended her life on Phalguna Purnima. This day marks the celebration of Holi in remembrance of Krishna’s victory over evil forces.

Holi and the Love of Radha-Krishna

Holi is also linked to the divine love of Radha and Krishna. It is said that Krishna, known for his playful nature, celebrated Holi with Radha and the gopis by applying colors on each other. This playful act of love and joy is the essence of Holi in regions like Mathura, Vrindavan, Barsana, and Nandgaon, where the famous Lathmar Holi takes place.

The Story of Prahlad and Holika

One of the most popular legends is from the Vishnu Purana. King Hiranyakashipu, blessed with a boon that made him nearly invincible, sought to be worshiped as a god. However, his son Prahlad remained a devoted follower of Lord Vishnu.

To punish Prahlad, Hiranyakashipu sought the help of his sister Holika, who had a boon that made her immune to fire. Holika sat with Prahlad in a blazing fire, intending to burn him alive. However, her boon failed, and she was consumed by the flames while Prahlad remained unharmed. This event symbolizes the triumph of devotion and good over evil, celebrated as Holika Dahan.

The Legend of the Demoness Who Attacked Children

Another lesser-known legend tells the story of a demoness who attacked newborn children. She was immune to all weapons and unaffected by extreme weather. A royal priest advised villagers to light a sacred fire and recite mantras around it on Phalguna Purnima. As the children circled the fire, the demoness approached but was destroyed by the power of the rituals. This is another reason why Holi is celebrated with a bonfire.

Read this also: Holi 2025: When is Holi and why is it celebrated? Know from the scriptures

FAQ