Holika Dahan: A Fiery Start to the Festival of Colors
Holi, the vibrant festival of colors, wouldn't be the same without Holika Dahan, also called Chhoti Holi (Little Holi). Celebrated the night before Holi, Holika Dahan is a fiery event that marks the beginning of the festivities. The Legend of the Bonfire Holika Dahan has a fascinating story behind it. According to legend, there once lived a brave boy named Prahlad, a devotee of Lord Vishnu. Prahlad's father, the cruel king Hiranyakashipu, hated his son's devotion and wanted him dead. Hiranyakashipu's sister Holika, who had a special cloak that made her immune to fire, tricked Prahlad into sitting on a burning pyre with her. But in a twist of fate, the cloak flew onto Holika instead, burning her to death, while Prahlad remained unharmed. Celebrating Victory with Fire Holika Dahan celebrates Prahlad's miraculous escape and the triumph of good over evil. In the evening, people gather around bonfires built with wood and other combustibles. The crackling flames symbolize...