Popularly known as ‘Phagwah’ in Assam, ‘Dol jatra’ in West Bengal and ‘Fagu’ in Nepal, Holi is celebrated with different names and traditions across India. But the spirit of this festival remains the same across the length and breadth of the country.
There are two legends associated with Holi. Originally, Indians celebrate this festival to commemorate the departure of winter and the beginning of the new season of spring, which brings good harvest.
The other legend according to Hindu mythology is that of the death of Holika, the sister of Hiranyakashipu – the King of Demons.
According to this legend, Hiranyakashipu was granted a unique boon by Brahma after a long penance. The boon made the King of Demons invincible, specifying that he cannot 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.
The king soon compelled people of his kingdom to worship him alone. It was his own son Prahlada- a devotee of Lord Vishnu- who rebelled against him.
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