HINDU FESTIVALS >> HOLI - PHAGWAH

"The Festival of Colours" by Shri Prakash Gossai

Holi or Phagwah as it is known in some parts of the world, is the most colourful Hindu festival. It falls on the day after full moon in the month of Phalgun (February-March). Hindus prepare for several weeks cleaning and decorating their homes and singing Chowtal throughout this period. This festival of joy encourages people from all walks of life to participate in the celebrations. Holi is a symbolic commemoration of love and devotion to the Lord and the triumph of good over evil.

Holika Dahan (Burning of Holika)

On the fifth day of the bright fortnight of the month of Maagh-January/February, a log of wood is laid with an image of Holika (which is made of combustible material) holding an image of child Prahlad (made of non-combustible material) in a public place such as a temple or place of worship, forty days before the Holi festival. Throughout the forty days, people throw twigs and branches from trees onto the log, which gradually builds to a sizable heap. On the eve of Holi, which is observed on the night of Phalgun Purnima (full moon in March), coconuts, ghee, honey, fresh fruits and vegetables etc, are added to the pile. Special Puja (Satnarayan) is performed and it is set ablaze with chanting of Vedic mantras. The next morning the sacred ashes from the bonfire are collected and smeared on the forehead and all over the body by everyone. This symbolizes the destruction of the wicked Holika, for which the festival was named and victory of good deeds over evil forces, of devotion surpassing ambition. Holi reminds us to burn all the impurities of the mind such as greed, lust, anger, egoism, jealousy and vanity, through the fire of devotion and knowledge and ignite love, kindness, selflessness and goodness.

The Story of Prahlad

Hiranyakashipu was king of the asuras (demons). He wanted the same powers as Lord Vishnu, so he performed severe penance and puja for several years. Lord Brahma acknowledged his sacrifice and he was told to ask for any wish and it will be granted. Hiranyakashipu said: “I wish that my death not be caused by man or beast, with a weapon or without a weapon, during day or night, indoors or outdoors, on earth or in the sky”. His wish was granted and with his stupendous ego, he enforced a law that everyone would worship him instead of God. His son Prahlad defied his fathers’ orders and continued to worship Lord Vishnu with undying love and devotion.

King Hiranyakashipu was infuriated by his son’s defiance and after several attempts failed to convince his son to worship him as God; he ordered his son killed. Prahlad continue to pray and meditate on Lord Vishnu. King Hiranyakashipu’s soldiers tried various methods to kill Prahlad but each failed, as Prahlad continued his meditation to Lord Vishnu. The king was desperate to kill Prahlad and extinguish the name of Lord Vishnu. King Hiranyakashipu sent his sister Holika, who possessed a boon of never being burnt by fire, to destroy Prahlad. A fire was prepared and Holika sat with Prahlad in her lap in the burning fire with full conviction that the fire would never touch her. However, the evil King forgot that his Holika could only enter the fire alone or she would perish. The flames devoured Holika and Prahlad remained unharmed. Holi commemorates this event with huge bonfires on the eve of Holi as a symbolic representation of this event. Certainly it is an opportunity to celebrate how man can obtain freedom through kismat -faith, bhakti- devotion and prathna- prayers.

Prahlad relentlessly continue to worship Lord Vishnu, he reminded his father that Bhagwan Vishnu is present everywhere since he is the soul of all created beings. Hiranyakashipu threatened to behead Prahlad and began his attack, challenging Lord Vishnu to come and protect Prahlad. As Hiranyakashipu was striking with his sword, Lord Vishnu appeared in the form of Nara-simha (Nara is man and simha is lion), which was half man and half beast. Narasimha took Hiranyakashipu during the twilight hour and carried him to the threshold of the courtroom, which was neither indoors or outdoors and while holding him in his lap, killed him. Prahlad was crowned king and ruled for many years, his people enjoyed peace and love. The significance of Holi is to mark the victory of righteous forces over evil forces.

Lord Vishnu is the protector and preserver of the world and restorer of Dharma (moral order). He is known mainly through his avatars (incarnations) particularly Rama and Krishna. His consort Lakshmi is the Goddess of wealth and prosperity.

SHAANTAA KAARAM BHUJAG SHAYANAM, PADM-NAABHAM SURESHAM
VISHVAA DHAARAM GAGAN SADRISHAM, MEGH-VARNAM BHUBHAAGAM
LAKSHMI KAANTAM KAMAL NAYANAM, YOGI-BHIR-DHYAAN GAMYAM
VANDE VISHNUM BHAVA HARAM, SARVA LOKAI-KA-NAATHAM

I meditate upon the master of the universe, who is ever peaceful, who lies on the great serpent-bed and from whose navel springs the lotus, who is the controller of Gods, who supports the entire Universe, who is all pervading like the sky, of the hue of the cloud, of fascinating beauty, the Lord of Lakshmi, the lotus-eyed; He who can be perceived by Yogis through meditation, he who is the destroyer of fear of the world.

Holi-The Festival of Colours is celebrated throughout the world with prayers, songs, cultural dances, drama and music and of course coloured waters and powders are thrown on each other. Today, Holi provides an opportunity for people from all walks of life to shed their inhibitions and cast aside differences for a day of fun and joy. Holi also marks the arrival of Spring- the season of hope and new beginnings and the rekindling of the spirit of life.

HOLI HAI