The history of Holi can be traced back to ancient Hindu scriptures and mythology. According to Hindu mythology, Holi is associated with the legend of the demon king Hiranyakashyap and his son Prahlad. Hiranyakashyap was a powerful king who had been granted a boon by Lord Brahma that made him invincible. He became arrogant and ordered his subjects to worship him as a god.
However, Prahlad, his son, was a devoted follower of Lord Vishnu and refused to worship his father. This angered Hiranyakashyap, who tried to kill Prahlad. He tried to kill his son in many ways, including poisoning him and throwing him off a cliff. But every time, Prahlad was saved by Lord Vishnu.
Finally, Hiranyakashyap's sister Holika, who was immune to fire, agreed to help him kill Prahlad. Holika took Prahlad into her lap and sat in a bonfire, hoping to burn him alive. But due to his devotion to Lord Vishnu, Prahlad was saved while Holika perished in the fire.
This story symbolizes the victory of good over evil, and the burning of Holika is celebrated as the Holika Dahan, a ritual that is performed on the night before Holi.
The next day, people play with colors and throw colored powder and water on each other. This is known as Rangwali Holi or Dhulandi. This tradition is believed to have originated from the love story of Lord Krishna and Radha, who used to play with colors in the forests of Vrindavan.
Over the years, Holi has become a symbol of unity and brotherhood, bringing people of all religions and communities together. It is celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm across India and in many parts of the world.
In conclusion, the history of Holi is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology and has evolved into a festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil and promotes unity and brotherhood among people. The festival of colors is a vibrant and colorful celebration that brings joy and happiness to millions of people around the world
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