|
❝ Legend has it that King Hiranyakashyap schemed with his wicked sister, Holika, to murder his son Prahlad for choosing to worship Vishnu instead of him. Holika invited her nephew Prahlad to sit with her in a fire, protecting herself with a magic cloak. Lord Vishnu intervened and Holika perished while Prahlad, the good son, escaped.❞
✹ The night before Holi:- is Holika Dahan, when Hindus light bonfires to celebrate good triumphing over evil. Chote-walle (little ones) can often be seen collecting twigs and leaves to feed the flames in the run up to this evening.
✹ On Holi morning:- hair is oiled and skin moisturised (for protection from the gulal powders) before one and all flood into the streets to feverishly pelt friends, family and strangers with water balloons and a riot of colour. Music blares from loudspeakers and joyful shouts of 'Holi hai!' (It's Holi!) can be heard across the city. Bhang (cannabis-laced lassis or thandais) add to the joviality. After all the merriment, the slate is wiped clean and everyone gets a fresh start.
| 