The Story of India: Pakistan and North India
By Michael Wood
Last updated 2011-02-17
Holi
- Ìý
- Holi
- Ìý
- Holi has become one of India's best-loved festivals.
- Ìý
- Traditionally associated with the coming of spring, friends gather during the day for 'holi parties' where they douse each other with coloured powder and water. The throwing of powder has a hidden significance as the colours were originally made of 'neem' and 'haldi' (tumeric), which are believed to contain properties that help stave off illnesses that come with the changing weather.
There are several myths associated with the origin of Holi. One involves Prahlad, son of demon king Hiranyakaship, who angered his father by worshipping Lord Vishnu. Hiranyakaship ordered Prahlad to sit on a pyre on the lap of his sister Holika. Holika was protected by a magic shawl and would not burn, but when Prahlad sat on her lap the shawl left Holika and wrapped itself around him instead. Bonfires are still lit the night before 'holi' to mark the occasion.
Hands on History: Ancient Britain
Hands on History: Roman Britain
Â鶹Éç iD
Â鶹Éç navigation
Â鶹Éç links
Â鶹Éç © 2014 The Â鶹Éç is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read more.
This page is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with style sheets (CSS) enabled. While you will be able to view the content of this page in your current browser, you will not be able to get the full visual experience. Please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets (CSS) if you are able to do so.
