Holi is one of the important festivals of the Hindus. It is called the ‘Festival of Colour’. It celebrated all over the country with great pomp and show.
This festival marks the advent of spring and the end of winter. People rejoic on this occasion. We can wintess the blooming gardens where flowers can be seen in their thousands. There is greenery everywhere and it looks as if were in its full bloom.
There are number of legends on account of which this festival is celebrated. Prahlada was a God-fearing son of Hirnayakashyap, the ruler, who was tyrant. In his rule the subjects were terror-stricken due to his cruelities. Hiranayakashyap did not allow the people to worship god. He said that they should worship him instead of God, as he could bestow all the blessings upon the people.
He had imprisoned many saints. His sons Prahlada did not like his attitude. He used to worship Lord Vishnu. He revolted against his father’s orders and he continued worshipping Lord Vishnu. Thus his father ordered that he should be trampled under the feet of the elephants. The order was carried out but he was saved. He was thrown down the hills, but he was saved. Then he was asked to clasp the burning pillar, which he did, but he was safe. At this Hirnayakashyap wanted to kill him with sword. When he pounced upon Prahlada Lord Vishnu (incarnated a Narsimha), the God appeared and tore Hirnayakashyap to pieces with his sharp nails and thus ending evil.
The people celebrated this festival with great joy as a token of the victory of gods over the devils. They besmear their bodies with colour and parade the streets. Some of the people carry buckets full of coloured water and they tease the passers by. These people sprinkle water on them through syringes.
