Holi is one of the oldest Hindu festivals. Its
reference can be found in religious scriptures and sculptures on walls
of old temples. There are paintings, which show royal couple sitting on
grand swing and maidens playing music and spraying colors on them.
Whatever the scene and the theme, colors and mythology have always been
an important part of these Holi depictions. However the most important
myths and stories that have been associated with Holi are given below:
Story Of Radha and Krishna:
Lord Krishna was dark while his spiritual love-mate Radha had
fair-complexion. So child Krishna often used to complain about the
injustice of nature towards him to his mother Yashoda and would ask her
the reason. One day, Yashoda suggested Krishna to apply color on Radha's
face and changeher complexion in any color he desired. The naughty
Krisha immediately set off to his mission and one can often see
paintings and murals depicting Krishna throwing colors on Radha and
other 'gopis'. This lovable prank of throwing colored powder and water
jets called 'pichkaris' soon gained favor with the people and it evolved
into the tradition of Holi. This is the reason that people often carry
images of Krishna and Radha through the streets. The Holi of Mathura
region, where Krishna was born, has a special fervor.
Story of Dhundhi:
It was there was an ogress called Dhundi who used to scare and trouble
children in the kingdom of Prithu. She has many boons, which made her
almost invincible but due to a curse from Lord Shiva, she was
susceptible to the shots, abuses and pranks of village boys. It is
believed that on Holi day, these children united and made combined
efforts to chase away Dhundi by shouting at her, abusing her and playing
pranks on her and finally succeeded in their mission. This is the reason
that young boys are allowed to use rude words on this day without
anybody taking offence.
Story Of Holika and Prahlad:
There was a demon-king named Hiranyakashipu who won over the kingdom of
earth and ordered everybody to worship him and not the God. However, his
little son Prahlad refused to do so and continued to worship the
almighty Lord Vishnu, the Hindu God. He tried many times to kill him but
Lord Vishnu saved him every time. One of the sisters of the king named
Holika had powers to walk through fire unharmed. Thus he ordered her to
kill Prahlad by walking through the fire with him. However, Lord Vishnu
came to his help and Prahlad was saved while Holika perished. Somehow,
she didn't knew that her powers were only effective if she entered the
fire alone. Even today, bonfires are lit on the night of Holi in memory
of the event and burning of the wicked aunt Holika.
Story Of Kamadeva:
After the death of his consort Sati, Lord Shiva was so shocked and hurt
that he went into a deep meditation and stopped looking after his
worldly responsibilities. This led to many complications in the world's
affairs. Thus, gods conspired to bring him out of his trance with the
help of Goddess Parvati, who wished to marry the great lord and
Kamadeva, the God of love, passion and lust. Though, mindful of the
consequences, Kamadeva undertook the task for the world's good and shot
one of his love arrows on the great Lord who had mastered all the
worldly temptations. As Shiva's eyes opened, he was furious by the trick
of Kamdeva and directed the wrath of his third eye on him and burned him
on the spot. However, later he did give him an immortal life. It is
believed that Lord Shiva burned Kamadeva on the day of Holi and thus,
many people worship him for his sacrifice and offer him a mango blossoms
that he loved and sandalwood paste to cool off the pain of his fatal
burns.
