On Monday 25 March many people across the world will begin their Holi celebrations, including some in Bracknell Forest.
Holi is a Hindu festival that celebrates spring, love, and new life. It marks the arrival of spring and the end of winter and is usually celebrated in March. It is a colourful ceremony that is also known as the ‘festival of colours’. Many will celebrate with dancing, singing and even throwing powder paint and coloured water.
The story of Holi
Holi celebrates the Hindu god Krishna and the legend of Holika and Prahlad.
It is said that Hiranyakashipu was an evil king. He had special powers that made him nearly invincible and he demanded worship from his village.
When his son, Prahlad, disobeyed his father and worshipped Vishnu instead, Hiranyakashipu planned to kill his son. He ordered his sister, Holika, to carry out the act.
Holika had a special coat that protected her from fire. So, she planned to trick Prahlad by taking him into a fire. However, as she was using her powers for evil, the cloak flew from her and covered Prahlad. Vishnu would then go on to defeat Hiranyakashipu.
That’s why today, Hindus across the world light bonfires to symbolise good over evil.
How it is celebrated
After lighting bonfires, people will throw roasting grains, popcorn, coconut and chickpeas onto them. The following day, the paint throwing begins.
Hindus have fun by smearing each other with paint and throwing coloured water. It is said that this represents the mischievous side of Krishna.
We’d like to wish all residents celebrating a happy and joyful Holi.
