The traditions that we regard as being naturally associated with Holi have a long history behind them. Some of the more popular ones are,
Legends Behind Holi Bonfire – Holika Dahan
Most of us would have read or heard of the association of the legend of Holika with Holi. This is particularly true of the tradition of the Holi bonfire which takes place the evening before the play of colours. Holika Dahan or Holikotsav has a direct relationship with this very famous legend.
Once upon a time, there was a demon king named Hiranyakashyap who had won all the three worlds of heaven, earth and hell and had thus, become very proud. He had beome overconfident and vain because of his powers so much so that he believed that he could defeat even Lord Vishnu. This evil king had ordered everyone in his kingdom to worship him above any god. He could not though influence his own son, Prahlad, who was a worshipper of Lord Vishnu. Hiranyakashyap tried to get his son killed and was unsuccessful every time. Finally, he asked his sister Holika to help him. Holika had a very special power. She was immune to fire. The king ordered that his son be made to sit with Holika in a bonfire. In the end though, Prahlad who by then was known as Bhakt Prahlad (Devotee Prahlad) came away unhurt whereas Holika was consumed by the fire.
Legend Behind Holi Colours
As with Holika Dahan, the story behind Holi colours is connected to another of Lord Vishnu's avatars, Krishna. Legend has it that Lord Krishna was not too happy with the fact that whereas Radha was fair complexioned, he himself was very dark. Krishna questioned his mother about this injustice. To make her son happy, Yashoda suggested that Krishna apply colour on Radha's face and change her complexion. Krishna was also understood to have played with milkmaids (gopis) by throwing colour and water on them. It was thus that the game of applying colours gained popularity and became a part of Holi traditions. Even now, the application of colours is also an expression of love.
