Historical Mythology Of Holi Your Child Should Know

Holi needs no introduction. It has been our favorite festival since childhood. And now, it is time for us to instill the same joy and enthusiasm in our little ones. This vibrant festival of colors is celebrated on Purnima (full moon) of Phalgun month. It marks the beginning of the harvest season where people rejoice, dance, share delicacies and bestow love and blessings on younger ones. [Explore: How is Holi Celebrated in Different Parts of India?]

In this blog, find out the mythological tale behind the celebration of Holi. Don’t forget to share the story with your child!

Educate Why Do We Celebrate Holi to Your Child?

The gorgeous Utsav of Holi has a wonderful story that you should tell your child. Holi comes from Holika. Holika was the sister of demon King Hiranyakashyap. Fables state, this demon King had received a boon from Lord Vishnu that no man or animal can kill him, he will not die at day or night, inside or outside his house and above or below the ground. Now, you may wonder, how will this demon King die then?

Arrogantly enough, Hiranyakashyap declared that he is so powerful and protected from death that everyone should start worshipping him and not God. However, his own son, Prahlad always continues to worship Lord Vishnu. This made the demon King very angry! To express his anger, he asked Prahlad to jump from a mountaintop. But guess what happened? Prahlad didn’t even get a scratch on his body!

Hiranyakashyap was shocked! So, this time, he made his son jump into a well but once again, Prahlad remained completely unhurt. Now, the devil father tried to poison the poor son. But as soon as Prahlad drank the poison it turned into nectar!

By now, Hiranyakashyap was furious! He could not understand how Prahlad was still alive and untouched by any harm. This time the demon King got wild elephants to crush his son. But as before, Prahlad was not injured.

Lastly, the poor son was locked in a room with venomous snakes but nothing happened to him. Finally, Holika (Hiranyakashyap’s sister) made Prahlad sit on a pyre with her. Holika had a boon that she will remain unscathed by fire. She shielded her body with a shawl to stay protected from the fire but as destiny would have it – the shawl flew from her to the young boy! Holika burned with the fire but Prahlad remained safe and sound.

In the end, Lord Vishnu emerged as half-man and half-lion. Lord Vishnu ultimately killed the demon King at dusk, on his porch steps. [Explore: What If Celebrating First Holi With Your Baby?]

What Is The Significance Of Holi?

Every year we light up a Holika bonfire, which reminds us of the triumph of good over evil. And the next day is celebrated with colors, laughter, cheer, blessings and good food. This symbolizes that fact that love and devotion are way bigger than petty emotions like jealousy, anger, and ego.

Did you enjoy the good-old tale of Holi? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below and do not forget to share the story with your child and fellow parents!