Holi 2024: The Story Of Holika Dahan

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Holi, India's most colourful and vibrant festival, symbolizing happiness, new beginnings and hope is here

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A day before Holi is celebrated as Holika Dahan, also known as Choti Holi

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This traditional ritual involves the burning of an effigy of a mythical demoness named Holika, which marks the triumph of good over evil

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As per belief, Holika was the sister of demon king named Hiranyakashyap, who wished to be worshipped as God

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However, Hiranyakashyap's son, Prahlad, refused to worship him and remained faithful to Lord Vishnu

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Hiranyakaship grew angry with his son's disobedience and attempted to kill Prahlad in various ways. However, he failed

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He then sought help from his demoness sister Holika who was immune to fire

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Holika, blessed with a boon of a flame-shielding cloth from Lord Brahma, wore it and sat on a pyre with Prahlad

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However, Prahlad prayed to Lord Vishnu to protect him, summoning a wind that transferred the shawl to Prahlad

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Prahlad remained unharmed while Holika burnt in the flames, despite her fire-immunity boon

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Following this, Lord Vishnu killed Hiranyakashipu after assuming the form of Narasimha

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