Holi - The Bonfire Night (Holika Dahan)

Holi celebrations are linked to an ancient story from Indian mythology, that most children have grown up listening to as a bedtime lore. According to the lore, there once was an Asura (demigod figure with superhuman abilities) king named Hiranyakashyap. He had a son named Prahlada, a staunch devotee of Lord Vishnu. Hiranyakashyap’s brother Hiranyaksha had been slain by Vishnu, because of which Hiranyakashyap loathed Vishnu. In one of the many attempts to kill Prahlad, Hiranyakashyap sought the help of his sister, Holika. Holika had been granted a boon by Lord Brahma, of being immune to fire. In the guise of conducting a ritual to please Lord Vishnu, Holika convinced Prahlad to sit on a bonfire and pray with her. Being unaware of her true intention, Prahlad dutifully agreed. Soon, Holika and Prahlad were engulfed in flames.But to both Holika and Hiranyakashyap’s shock, the fire did not even touch Prahlad and started burning Holika instead. Prahlad’s devotion to Vishnu protected him from the fire, Holika, with her sinister intention, was burnt to ashes.

A ritual arose from this legend called ‘Holika Dahan’, in which people would light a bonfire on the full moon night of Phalgun. As fire is believed to be a symbol of purification, the igniting the bonfire signifies the act of ridding oneself of evil thoughts and intentions. For Hindus, it represents the purification of the spirit. After the night of the bonfire, people embark on a new beginning with colors and laughter the next day.