The Story of India: Pakistan and North India

Holi

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• Holi
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• Holi has become one of India's best-loved festivals.
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• 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 The throwing of powder has a hidden significance as the colours were originally made of 'neem' and 'haldi' (tumeric), which are believed to contain properties that help stave off illnesses that come with the changing weather.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.