The most popular legend associated with the celebration of Holi is the cautionary tale of Hiranyakashipu – the demon king, his sister, Holika and his son, Prahalad.
Hyderabad, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad
Legend has it that there was once a demon king, Hiranyakashipu, who ruled over the earth.
Hyderabad, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad
In his arrogance and greed, he dictated all his subjects to preach to him and no other god. Yet his own son defied him and offered patronage to Lord Vishnu and prayed only to him.
Hyderabad, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad
Angered, Hiranyakashipu decided to kill his son and hatched a plan with his sister, Holika.
Hyderabad, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad
Holika had a boon; she was immune to fire. So, Holika and her brother decided that Holika would hold Prahalad and sit on the funeral pyre while Holika would remain unscathed, Prahalad would meet his ultimate demise.
Hyderabad, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad
When the two sat on the funeral pyre, Holika began to burn while her nephew remained unharmed because of his profound devotion and faith in Lord Vishnu even in the hardest times.
Hyderabad, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad
This burning of Holika and is called Holika Dahan; marks the victory of good over evil. Every year, across India, on the eve of Holi, people lit fires to ward off evil.
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