An Analysis of Holi in Hindus

Hindus celebrate Holi in the Spring during the months of February and March. They celebrate Holi because it is a festival to the God Krishna who is the eighth incarnation of Vishnu. Before the festival Hindus may fast.

The festival lasts 5 days but the first two are the most important. On the first night of the festival a bonfire is lit and Hindus stop fasting. Harvested crops and popcorn are offered to the bonfire, this is seen as an offering to God. Mothers may carry small babies around the fire in the hope that God will bless them. Lights from the bonfire can be taken home to light a fire or so that the ashes can bring good luck. Families pray for happiness within the family during this festival.

The story connected with Holi is that of Prahlad and Holika. The themes of this story are that god will protect you if you stay faithful. During the story Prahlad worships the God Vishnu. Prahlad’s father does not like this and tells Prahlad that he must worship him but Prahlad does not listen and continues to worship Vishnu. [email protected] father then tries to kill Prahlad firstly by sending an elephant to trample him. But the elephant just knelt down next to Prahlad. Then he tries to throw Prahlad into a fast flowing river but again he is saved. Finally the kings sister,Holika says she will take Prahlad into a bonfire as she believes God has given her powers that will protect her. Holika burnt to death and Prahlad was saved.

People als throw coloured dye at each other during Holi which symbolises the fun Krishna had with the Gopi girls. this festival is similar to April Folls Day!