BK Prof. ( Dr.) Jayadeba Sahoo
Faculty, Brahma Kumaris & Professor (Ex-Dean & Head), Dept of Eduaction, Rajiv Gandhi (Central) University, Itanagar
The burning of Holika is a beloved sight of Rama, auspicious, and brings destruction of all sins and blessings to all.
Prologue –
Bharat is one of the ancient countries of the world. It has a great heritage of glory and an elevated way of life. Even now it is very well known for being the land of deities with palaces and lifestyle of legendary beauty. Many people abroad also consider Bharat as a great pilgrimage place and hold the soil of Bharat in great respect. Bharat is well known for festivals and by tradition one festival or another is celebrated almost daily. The number of festivals celebrated here is hardly comparable to festivals celebrated by other countries. Twelve months in a year is filled with thirteen big festivals. ‘Holi’, is one of the greatest festivals in India.
As the vernal equinox ushers in the season of renewal, the festival of Holi unfolds as a vibrant tapestry of colors, love, and spiritual transcendence. This ancient Indian celebration, redolent with mythology, spirituality, and cultural heritage, is a testament to the country’s rich diversity and the indomitable spirit of its people. People celebrate this festival with a lot of enthusiasm and zeal. The auspicious festival of ‘Holi’ had been reduced to an annual ritual hardly reflecting its true significance. If ‘Holi’ is celebrated with the correct understanding of this esoteric Truth, then it will render immense benefit to humanity at large.
Genesis: The Mythopoeic Narrative of Holika and Prahlad
The genesis of Holi is rooted in the mythopoeic narrative of Holika and Prahlad, as narrated in the Narasimha Purana and the Bhagavata Purana. The tale revolves around the demon king Hiranyakashipu, who, having acquired a boon from Brahma, became invincible and began to torment the gods and his subjects. His son, Prahlad, a devout follower of Lord Vishnu, refused to worship his father, citing the supremacy of the divine.
Enraged, Hiranyakashipu ordered his sister, Holika, a demoness with a boon that made her immune to fire, to sit with Prahlad on a pyre. However, as they sat together, Prahlad’s devotion to Lord Vishnu proved to be the saving grace, and Holika was consumed by the flames, while Prahlad emerged unscathed. This mythological narrative symbolizes the victory of good over evil, as Lord Vishnu, in the form of Narasimha, ultimately vanquished Hiranyakashipu.
Spiritual Significance: The Awakening of the Soul for Universal Harmony and Brotherhood
Holi is not merely a celebration of colors; it is a spiritual awakening, a reminder of the eternal cycle of life, and the ultimate triumph of the human spirit. As the Bhagavad Gita (2.22) says, (vāsānsi jīrṇāni yathā vihāya, navāni gṛihṇāti naro ’parāṇi ) , meaning “As a person sheds old clothes and wears new ones, the soul discards old bodies and enters new ones.”
Holi marks the arrival of spring, symbolizing the renewal of life, and the colors represent the vibrancy and diversity of human emotions. The festival is an opportunity to shed the old, to forgive, and to reconcile, as we celebrate the love and unity that binds us.
When we become ‘soul’ or ‘being’ conscious, the horizon of our perception, outlook, mindset, character and conduct expands to become universal, holistic and harmonious. We go beyond the consideration of all limitedness, caste, creed, community, sex, race and religion and we embrace everyone and everything under the sun with equal love, affection, care and concern, as we would have done the same for our self, our near and dear one.
It stands to reason that no physical bonfire of dry sticks can ward off all evils or inauspiciousness. Rather, it is the dryness, hardness and harshness of human propensities which perpetrate pain unto the self and others need to be sublimated in the subtle fire divine knowledge and meditation on God. The practice and promotion of holy communion of self with the Supreme Soul, hold the key not only to wipe out innate evils, vices and negative traits but also to empower and enrich the self and others with positive qualities, character and conduct.
As per Brahma Puran, on the day of Holi if a person in rapt attention makes a prayerful darshan of Purushotham Srikrishna’s idol kept on a swing in the temple, then the person is assured of a place in Lord Krishna’s celestial kingdom, Vaikunth or Paradise.
Holi Signify Dissolution
Vabhishya Puran depicts the narration of Devarshi Narad who speaks highly of Holi to king Yudhistir: “Oh Emperor, on Phalguna Purnima (day of Holi), people of your kingdom should be allowed to have fun and frolic without any fear. Boys should go out and gather sticks for Holika burning in an atmosphere of loud laughter, ha-hola & hymn chanting to destroy the demon. Till date, the effigy of evil Holika is continued to be burnt, Oh King! to annihilate all enemical forces”.
Holi signify dissolution of old thoughts, worn out pattern of lifestyles and rejuvenating our life with the true life breath filled with renewed revitalised spiritual HEALTH, consciousness, virtue, religion, compassion, love, and above all awareness of the world around us, the world within us and the world beyond us.
Holi Burns Impurity
Bhavishya Purana depicts the narration of Devarshi Narad who speaks highly of Holi to king Yudhisthira: “Oh Emperor, on Phalguna Purnima (day of Holi), people of your kingdom should be allowed to have fun and frolic without any fear. Boys should go out and gather sticks for Holika burning in an atmosphere of loud laughter, ha-hola & hymn chanting to destroy the demon. Till date, the effigy of evil Holika is continued to be burnt, Oh King! to annihilate all enemical forces”.
Similarly, the chanting of Vedas’ holy hymns “Raskhohagam Balgaham” for destroying the devils during demoness ‘Holika’ burning and the mention of ‘Holi’ in scripture as Vish Todak (Vice-Demolition) and Punya Praydayak (Merit Giving) Parv or festival, enjoin on the observers to desist from demonic thoughts, desires, diets and dispositions.
This can be done when you light the inner fire of spiritual wisdom and rajyoga meditation on God and when you adopt universal values, satwik diet and healthy lifestyle, so that you can smear and decorate yourself and all others with divine colours of purity, positivity, balance and bliss in life.
Cultural Significance: A Festival of Love and Colors
Holi is a festival that transcends boundaries, bringing people together in a riot of colors and joy. The festival is an integral part of Indian culture, with its roots in ancient traditions and mythology. As Rabindranath Tagore said, “The world is a beautiful book, and those who travel are the readers” – Holi is a celebration of that journey, a journey of self-discovery, love, and spiritual growth.
Rituals and Traditions: A Kaleidoscope of Colors
Holi is celebrated over two days, with the first day, Holika Dahan, marking the burning of the pyre, and the second day, Rangwali Holi, celebrating the colors. People gather to play with colors, sing, and dance, as they welcome the arrival of spring.
– Holika Dahan: The burning of the pyre symbolizes the destruction of evil and the triumph of good.
– Rangwali Holi: The celebration of colors represents the joy, love, and unity of human emotions.
The Symbolism of Colors
The colors used in Holi have significant symbolism, representing various aspects of human life and nature:
– Red: Symbolizes love, passion, and the divine.
– Green: Represents nature, harmony, and growth.
– Yellow: Signifies knowledge, wisdom, and optimism.
– Blue: Embodies the infinite and the divine.
– Purple: Represents luxury, creativity, and spiritual growth.
Epilogue: A Legacy of Spiritual Transience
If we truly implement the scientific meaning of HOLI, then the VEDAS are rightfully correct that advocate cleansing our body, our homes, our minds, our consciousness, our hearts, our spirits, our sublime intellect and our subtle karma. HOLI entails all of these.
Holi is a festival that embodies the essence of Indian culture – diversity, inclusivity, and the celebration of life. As we immerse ourselves in the colors and joy of Holi, let us remember the spiritual significance of this festival, and strive to awaken the divine within ourselves.
Similarly, the chanting of Vedas’ holy hymns ‘Rakshahgam Balgaham’ for destroying the devils during demoness ‘Holika’ burning and the mention of ‘Holi’ in scripture as ‘Vish Todak’ (Vice-Demolition) and ‘Punya Praydayak’ (Merit Giving) Parv or festival, enjoin on the observers to desist from demonic thoughts, desires, diets and dispositions. This can be done when you light the inner fire of spiritual wisdom and RajaYoga Meditation (Supreme Communion) on God and when you adopt universal values, satwik diet and healthy lifestyle, so that you can smear and decorate yourself and all others with divine colours of Peace, Purity, Positivity, Balance and Bliss in LIFE. To encapsulate this spirit, Let’s invoke:
(“Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah, Sarve Santu Niraamayaah.
Sarve Bhadrani Pashyantu, Maa Kashchid Duhkha Bhaag Bhavet.” )
“May all be happy, may all be free from illness, may all see auspiciousness, and may no one suffer sorrow.”
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