The Roots of Holi: Mythology and Legend
Holi’s origins are deeply embedded in Hindu mythology, enriched with various stories and legends. One famous tale revolves around the legend of an arrogant and powerful demon king, Hiranyakashipu, and his son Prahlad, who defied his father’s wishes by worshipping the deity Vishnu. In a bid to kill Prahlad, Hiranyakashipu conspired with his sister, Holika, to burn him alive. Through divine intervention, Prahlad was unharmed, while Holika perished in the flames. The legend symbolizes the victory of good over evil, a theme central to Holi celebrations.
Also connected to Holi festivities is the love story of Radha and Krishna. According to Hindu mythology, the deity Krishna, whose skin was turned blue by a demon, was enamored by Radha, the epitome of love and devotion.
“Worried that Radha would be turned off by his unnatural appearance, Krishna vented to his mother, who playfully suggested that he smear colored powder on Radha’s face,” CNN reports. “Upon doing so, Radha fell in love with Krishna.”
Holi Rituals and Traditions
In India, where Holi is a national holiday, festivities traditionally begin with Holika Dahan the night before the main event. People light bonfires to honor the triumph of righteousness then sing and dance around them. They might also throw wood, leaves, grains or chickpeas into the flames as a symbolic gesture of letting go of negativity and welcoming the new season with positivity.
The following day, known as Rangwali Holi, streets burst with color as scores of revelers playfully toss gulal (colored powders) and water at each other, an homage to Radha and Krishna’s love.
Colors play a significant role in Holi, representing various emotions and elements of nature. Red symbolizes love and fertility, yellow signifies prosperity and new beginnings, blue is associated with the divine Krishna, and green embodies the rejuvenation of life and the onset of spring. The throwing of these colors isn’t just fun—it’s a way to celebrate the changing seasons and create a communal sense of unity.
Vernal Equinox
During the vernal equinox, the length of day and night is nearly the same. In the Northern Hemisphere, it signals the start of spring.
During the vernal equinox, the length of day and night is nearly the same. In the Northern Hemisphere, it signals the start of spring.
Transitioning from Winter to Spring
Holi also marks the shift from winter to spring, and celebrations with family and friends include sweet treats and drinks. Gujiya, a sweet dumpling-like pastry filled with dried fruits, nuts and other ingredients, symbolizes abundance. The traditional Indian milk drink thandai, infused with sugar, spices, nuts and saffron, and the yogurt drink lassi, usually flavored with fruits, spices or herbs, are also popular. According to the Hindustan Times, thandai brings “feelings of relief from the scorching heat of summers.”
The Hindu American Foundation notes that Holi is sometimes compared to Thanksgiving in the United States, as spring is the time of harvest in the region. Decorations fill Hindu temples, and there’s a focus on harmony and fresh starts. As Pittsburgh State University describes, “Holi encourages people to forgive and forget—to pay off old debts, renew broken relationships and make new friends.”
