Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh, Banwari Lal Purohit extended his greetings to he people of Punjab and Chandigarh on the joyous occasion of festival of Holi.
In his message to the people, he said “The festival of Holi marks the arrival of spring and symbolises the victory of good over evil. As the onset of spring fills the environment with mystic charm and fragrance, may this vibrant festival of colour transcend all social barriers and strengthen social harmony, bringing joy, delight, hope and happiness to the lives of the people of Punjab and Chandigarh.”
The festival of colors will be marked on March 25 this year. The festival involves wishing everyone by putting colors on each other. The night preceding Holi is known as Holika Dahan – signifying burning of the demon Holika.
What is the Legend of Holika Dahan?
According to the Puranas, Holika was sister of asura Hiranyakashyap. As most asuras in Indian scriptures, he wished to be immortal. To please Lord Brahma, he did all the tapas. Brahma gtanted him 5 wishes. He won’t die at the hands of any being created by Brahma, that he would not perish inside or outside, by day or night, by any weapon, on the earth or in the sky, by men or beasts, devas or asuras, that he be unequalled, that he possess undiminishing power, and that he be the one ruler of all creation.
After being granted his wishes, he felt invincible. He conqueured the three Lokas. He dethroned Indra and took his place. He gre arrogant, punishing everyone and anyone who didn’t accept his rule or follwed him as a deity. His son, Prahlada, refused to worship him as a God. Prahlada continued to worship Lord Vishnu which he didn’t like. He decided to do something about it and get his son killed.
His sister, Holika, offered to help. She had granted a wish that made her immune from fire. Fire could not hurt her. She devised a plan in which she offered to let Prahlada sit in her lap while she’s in fire. When Prahlada goes and sits in her lap while she’s in fire, Prahlada remains immune to fire but Holika gets burnt as Prahlada was chanting the name of Lor Vishnu all along. Holika Dahan is symbolised as the triumph of truth over evil.
Significance of Holi
Teh festival of Holis dedicated to Lord Krishna. He’s believed to spent a considerable time in Braj in Uttar Paradesh. The festival of Holi commemorates the timeless love of Radha and Krishna.
