Why Celebrate Holi?

[Praveen]

Holi or 'Phagwah' is the most colourful festival celebrated by
followers of the Vedic Religion. It is celebrated as harvest festival
as well as welcome-festival for the spring season in India.

Why Celebrate Holi?
The festival of Holi can be regarded as a celebration of the Colors of
Unity & Brotherhood - an opportunity to forget all differences and
indulge in unadulterated fun. It has traditionally been celebrated in
high spirit without any distinction of cast, creed, color, race,
status or sex. It is one occasion when sprinkling colored powder
('gulal') or colored water on each other breaks all barriers of
discrimination so that everyone looks the same and universal
brotherhood is reaffirmed. This is one simple reason to participate in
this colorful festival. Let's learn more about its history and
significance...

What is 'Phagwah'?
'Phagwah' is derived from the name of the Hindu month 'Phalgun',
because it is on the full moon in the month of Phalgun that Holi is
celebrated. The month of Phalgun ushers India in Spring when seeds
sprout, flowers bloom and the country rises from winter's slumber.

Meaning of 'Holi'
'Holi' comes from the word 'hola', meaning to offer oblation or prayer
to the Almighty as Thanksgiving for good harvest. Holi is celebrated
every year to remind people that those who love God shall be saved and
they who torture the devotee of God shall be reduced to ashes a la the
mythical character Holika.

The Legend of Holika
Holi is also associated with the Puranic story of Holika, the sister
of demon-king Hiranyakashipu. The demon-king punished his son, Prahlad
in a variety of ways to denounce Lord Narayana. He failed in all his
attempts. Finally, he asked his sister Holika to take Prahlad in her
lap and enter a blazing fire. Holika had a boon to remain unburned
even inside fire. Holika did her brother's bidding. However, Holika's
boon ended by this act of supreme sin against the Lord's devotee and
was burnt to ashes. But Prahlad came out unharmed.

The Krishna Connection
Holi is also associated with the Divine Dance known as Raaslila staged
by Lord Krishna for the benefit of his devotees of Vrindavan commonly
known as Gopis.