Last updated on March 8th, 2025 at 09:11 pm
Holi 2025: Holi is a major festival of India, known as the festival of colors. It is not just a religious event but also a symbol of happiness, love, and the victory of good over evil. But have you ever wondered why Holi is celebrated and what are the historical and mythological stories behind it? Let’s know the real significance of this colorful festival.
Mythological stories behind celebrating Holi
The story of Bhakt Prahlad and Holika Dahan
The most famous and ancient reason for Holi is the story of Holika Dahan. This story tells us that devotion and goodness always triumph, no matter how many difficulties come.
There was an Asura king named Hiranyakashyap, who was proud of his strength. He banned the worship of Lord Vishnu in his kingdom.
But his son Prahlad was an ardent devotee of Vishnu and refused to obey his father’s command.
Hiranyakashyap made several attempts to kill his son, but each time Lord Vishnu protected Prahlad.
Finally, he called his sister Holika, who was blessed with the boon of not getting burnt in fire. She decided to sit in the fire with Prahlad in her lap.
But by the grace of God, Holika was burnt to ashes, and Prahlad survived safely.
This is why Holika Dahan is performed a day before Holi, which symbolizes the end of evil and the victory of devotion.
Radha-Krishna and Braj’s Holi
Another important reason for Holi is linked to the love story of Lord Krishna and Radha.
It is believed that Krishna had a dark complexion and he was jealous of the fair complexion of Radha and other gopis.
Mother Yashoda suggested him that he could put color on Radha, so that he too looks like him.
Krishna along with his friends started putting colours on Radha and other gopis, due to which this festival became a festival of colours.
Even today, Holi of Mathura and Vrindavan is famous all over the world, where people celebrate the love of Krishna and Radha through colours.
Cultural and social importance of Holi
Holi is not only a religious festival, but it is also a medium to increase brotherhood and love in the society.
On this day people forget all the old grievances and apply colours to each other and hug each other with love.
This festival gives the message of equality and unity by eradicating social discrimination.
Apart from India, Holi is also celebrated with great pomp in many countries like Nepal, Bangladesh, Mauritius, America, and England.
Traditions and customs of celebrating Holi
Holika Dahan
A day before Holi, a huge fire pit is prepared with wood and cow dung cakes.
In this, fire is lit, which symbolizes the end of evil and the victory of good.
Holi 2025: Holi of colors
From the next morning, people put colors of gulal, abir and water on each other.
Traditional Holi songs are sung to the tune of drums.
In many places, Holi of flowers is also played, which is a very captivating sight.
Special dishes of Holi
Delicious dishes like Gujhiya, Malpua, Thandai, Dahi Bhalle and Papdi Chaat are made on Holi.
The tradition of drinking Thandai mixed with bhang is also seen in many places.
Modern form of Holi and environmental protection
Nowadays, many chemicals are being mixed in the colors of Holi, which are harmful for the skin and the environment. Therefore, natural and herbal colors should be used.
Playing dry Holi is also a good option to save water.
We can make this festival even more beautiful by playing Holi with flowers and natural colours like turmeric and sandalwood.
Read this also: MahaKumbh 2025: महाकुम्भ मेला का पौराणिक महत्व
FAQ
What is the real date of Holi?
The astrologer of Kashi further said that on March 13, the full moon date will start at 10:02 am and Bhadra will also start, which will end at 10:37 pm. Since Holika Dahan is prohibited in Bhadra, Holika Dahan will be done only after 1
What do people do on Holi?
On Holi, people celebrate by throwing colored powder (gulal) at each other, playing with water guns, dancing, singing, and eating sweets, all while marking the triumph of good over evil; the night before Holi, people light bonfires in a ceremony called Holika Dahan, signifying the end of winter and the beginning of spring.