Although the festival of Holi is best known today for its party atmosphere, it also has ancient Origin & a religious significance. Holi is referenced in the Vedas, Puranas, and even in stone inscription from 300 BC found at Ramgarh. There are also representations of the celebration is sculptures and murals on old temple walls in different part of India. For example, a temple at Hampi has a 16th century panel depicting a prince and princess about to be drenched in colored water. This is just one of several examples of royalty taking part in Holi celebrations during the medieval period. Various traditional painting of India have clear depiction of Holi festival in their art work since its inception.
Religious History
There is a legend to explain why Holi is celebrated as a festival of triumph of good over evil in the honor of Hindu god Vishnu and his devotee Prahalad. King Hiranyakashipu father of Prahalad, according to a legend found in chapter 7 of Bhagavata Purana, was the king of demonic Asuras, and had earned a boon that gave him five special powers. As per that he could not be killed by human or animal, neither indoors nor outdoors, neither at day nor at night, neither Tribal Art by astra (projectile weapons) nor by any shastra (handheld weapons), and neither on land nor in water or air. With this Hiranyakashipu grew arrogant, thought he was God, and demanded that everyone worship only him. Hiranyakashipu’s own son, Prahalad, however, disagreed. He was and remained devoted to Vishnu. This infuriated Hiranyakashipu. He subjected Prahalad to cruel punishments, none of which affected the boy or his resolve to do what he thought was right. Finally, Holika, Prahalad’s evil aunt, tricked him into sitting on a pyre with her. Holika was wearing a cloak that made her immune to injury from fire, while Prahlada was not. As the fire roared, the cloak flew from Holika and encased Prahalad, who survived while Holika burned. Seeing this Hiranyakashipu himself charged towards Prahalad to kill him.
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