Holi: Several legends, one celebration

KANPUR: Holi, which is also known as the Festival of Colours, has several other names and reasons for celebrations as well. It is popularly known for the victory of gods over demons, while the divine love of Radha and Krishna is also associated with the Holi celebrations.
Talking to TOI, Atul Mishra, an astrologer and mythological expert, informs that Holi is not only associated with colours and 'Holika Dahen' but also has many interesting legends and rituals attached to it.The mythological origins of Holi vary in different parts of the country. But, every origin gives only reasons for celebrations.
"The first and most popular legend associated with Holi is the well known story of Vaishnava theology where Hiranyakashyap, who was the king of demons, had a Vishnu devotee son, Prahlad. When he failed to destroy his son's belief in the Lord despite placing him in near fatal situations, he ordered young Prahlad to sit on a pyre on his sister Holika's lap. Holika was blessed with a shawl that could prevent the fire from harming her," said Atul. Prahlad happily sat on his aunt's lap but as the flames grew, the shawl flew from Holika to Prahlad. From that day on, the burning of Holika is celebrated as Holi.
While, elaborating the second most important legend associated with Holi, mythological expert Manoj Chaturvedi says 'Barsana ki Holi', which is celebrated in memory of the divine love of Radha for Krishna, is also an important reason for Holi celebrations.
Lord Krishna was vary sad about his dark complexion and wondered why Radha was so fair. One day, his mother Yashoda playfully suggested that he could smear colour on Radha's face and change her complexion to any colour he wanted. Fascinated by the idea, Krishna proceeded to do so and thus, introduced the festival of colours.
"Lord Krishna is believed to have popularised the festival by playing pranks on the 'gopis'. Holi of Braj, Barsana, Mathura and Virandavan is famous all over the world for its intimate connection with the divine deities and their love plays," added Manoj.
Another Holi legend, which is popular in South India is the fable which revolves around Lord Shiva and Kaamadeva. Kaamdeva's was once cursed by Lord Shiva and turned into ashes by the force of an angry Shiva's third eye. On the tearful requests of Kama's wife Rati, the Lord restored him, but only as a mental image, representing true love rather than physical lust. The Holi bonfire is believed to be commemorating this event, where people worship the bonfire to keep evils away.
"An another popular story associated with Holi is of witch Dhundhi who was very ugly. She had eaten up several innocent children in the kingdom of Raghu. She was ultimately chased away by the children's pranks on Holi. This is the reason that young boys are allowed to indulge in rowdiness on Holi," informed Ganga Shukla, a senior citizen.
She further elaborated that "this is the reason why Holi has several traditions involved in a single festival." 'Holika Dahen' is associated with Prahlad's story, while playing with colours and 'Matki Phord' is associated with Krishna's life. While the rituals performed on 'Holika puja' are associated with Rati and Kama's story and taking out processions on 'Holi' is a mark of chasing Dhundi on Holi.