Holi Resource Centre

How Holi Got it's name

Here's the story behind how Holi got its name

Holi: The story of Holika and Prahad

Children's activities below

Once upon a time, there was a demon king called Hiranyakashap who ruled over earth

But to his disappointment, his own son Prahlad became a devotee of lord Vishnu!

This made Hiranakashyap furious.

He tried to kill Prahlad by crushing him under an elephant's foot and even throwing him off a cliff.

But Vishnu protected the boy from all of his father's attempts

Frustrated, Hiranyakashyap finally turned to his sister Holika

Holika was blessed with a boon that allowed her to enter fire and come out unharmed

So she asked little Prahlad to sit on a pyre with her. But for the boon to work, Holika needed to enter the fire alone

Holika was burnt to ashes, while Prahlad - who had been chanting Vishnu's name - emerged unhurt!

Thus, Holi marks the victory of good over evil, deriving its name from Holika.

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