Holi-Festival of Colors

The word Holi originated from the name of one mythological demon named Holika. According ancient Hindu mythology King of the Demons obtained a boon which made him deathless. With the boon he became arrogant and wanted to be worshipped. His son Prahlada didn’t want to listen to him, and continued to worship Lord Vishnu. Out of rage the king wanted to destroy his own son. In order to help the king in his mission, king’s sister Holika lit up a pyre, and sit on it. She took Prahlada on the pyre. She was sitting on the pyre wrapping herself with a cloak which was going to protect her from fire. However, Prahlada had nothing. Lord Vishnu came to help Prahlada. The cloak suddenly flew away from Holika, and landed on Prahlada. By this way Lord Vishnu saved Prahlada, and Holika burned to death. 

So, Holi is celebrated as the victory of good over evil. Holi starts with lighting up  a bonfire , Holika Dahan (buring of Holika) symbolizing the death of evil on the full moon day of spring. The following day is celebrated with colors. This is also known as festival of colors or festivals spring. Apart from mythological story this also specifies the end of winter and onset of spring.

People celebrate the day by smearing different vibrant color on each other, and eating sweets. 

Living far from home country I rarely get the vibes of those festivals. However, I can at least cook few of the related food items at home.

One of the prime beverage of the festival is Thandai, chilled almond and milk drink. Gujiya, a crisp flaky pastry is one of the popular sweets of the festival. I made Gujiya along with few other sweets. This was a small way of mine to celebrate the day.