The festival of Holi is celebrated because of a story in the old Hindu religion. In Vaishnavism, Hiranyakashipu is the great king of demons, and he had been granted a boon by Brahma, which made it almost impossible for him to be killed. The boon was due to his long penance, after which he had demanded that he not be killed "during day or night; inside the home or outside, not on earth or in the sky; neither by a man nor an animal; neither by astra nor by shastra". Consequently, he grew arrogant and attacked the Heavens and the Earth. He demanded that people stop worshipping Gods and start praising respectfully to him. Hiranyakashipu, on the lap, being killed by Narasimha, an incarnation of Vishnu. According to this belief, Hiranyakashipu's own son, Prahlada, was a devotee of Lord Vishnu. In spite of several threats from Hiranyakashipu, Prahlada continued offering prayers to Lord Vishnu. He was poisoned by Hiranyakashipu, but the poison turned to nectar in his mouth. He was ordered to be trampled by elephants yet remained unharmed. He was put in a room with hungry, poisonous snakes and survived. All of Hiranyakashipu's attempts to kill his son failed. Finally, he ordered young Prahlada to sit on a pyre in the lap of Holika, Hiranyakashipu's demoness sister, who also could not die because she had a boon preventing her from being burned by fire. Prahlada readily accepted his father's orders, and prayed to Lord Vishnu to keep him safe. When the fire started, everyone watched in amazement as Holika burnt to death, while Prahlada survived unharmed. The salvation of Prahlada and burning of Holika is celebrated as Holi.
SPIRIT GUIDE IN BARSANA
"Barsana becomes a Heaven of Colors. Everywhere you look, there is color. The Sun doesn't set, unless all colors have been spent." Master Photographer Akshay Mehra plans an exclusive photo-outing in Barsana and Nandgaon. View Event Info
SPIRIT GUIDE IN NARNAUL
Resort Village Owner Samrat Narula plans to make the spiritual locales of Narnaul, a vibrant destination for self-development and relaxation. He welcomes organizations, tourist groups, and families to his beautiful village resort. Contact Samrat Narula
SPIRIT GUIDE IN SALZBURG
Anne Weth used to be a tour-leader travelling around the world with groups from Austria, whence she found her visits to India extremely fulfilling. This Holi, she's plans to be at Samrat Narula's Village Resort. Here's more information on the event
