Overview
Demon king Hiranyakashipu wanted everyone to worship him, but his son Prahlad was devoted to Vishnu. Hiranyakashipu’s sister Holika had immunity to fire and sat in a bonfire with Prahlad to kill him. Holika burned but Prahlad survived. Holika Dahan bonfires the night before Holi mark this. Young Krishna worried Radha wouldn’t accept him due to his dark skin. His mother Yashoda told him to colour Radha’s face. That playful act became Holi. End of winter, arrival of spring, fertility, renewal. Dissolves caste/class differences – everyone plays together.
Top Highlights
- Holika Dahan bonfire
- Only Indian festival where social barriers drop and everyone drenches each other in gulal & water.
- Celebrates arrival of spring
- In Barsana, women playfully beat men with sticks while men shield themselves. Unique to Krishna’s region.
