Legends of Holi

Legends are always associated with celebrations of any festival and on the similar lines Holi also has several legends connected with it that inspire people to celebrate Holi.

Legend Of Holika And Prahlad

He is considered to be the main legend that is associated with Holi. It is said that there was a devil king named Hiranyakashyap who became very proud of himself and wanted all the people of his kingdom to worship him. Prahlad, the son of Hiranyakashyap refused to worship him, as he was a true devotee of Lord Vishnu. The king planned to kill his own son for not worshipping him and every time he made an attempt to kill his son somehow he was saved because of his true devotion towards Lord Vishnu.

Hiranyakashyap then asked his sister Holika to take Prahlad in her lap and sit in the fire, as Hoilka was blessed by God that she would not burn into ashes even if she comes in contact with fire. When Holika took Prahlad and sat in the fire it is said that she was burned into ashes and Prahlad was saved because he was a true devotee of Lord Vishnu. The first day of Holi therefore involves burning of a bonfire that symbolizes victory good over evil and thereby the festival gets it name from this story.

Legend Of Dhundhi
It is said that was an ogress named Dhundi who use to petrify kids of Prithu kingdom. She was unconquerable because she was blessed by God but Lord Shiva had cursed her and so she was vulnerable to the pranks and comments made by the boys of the village. On the Holy day kids used to follow her and tease her thereby children are allowed to play tricks during Holika Dahan.