Historically Holi was a festival to celebrate Holika, a woman who was sent to the pyre with her nephew, Prahlad, by Prahlad's father, an evil king (no shit!) Hiranyakashipu as he (Prahlad) was forbidden by his father (the evil king, remember?) to worship Vishnu.
Holika was believed to be immune to fire....so as they sat on the fire Prahlad prayed to Vishnu to keep him safe....Holika was burnt to death, and Prahlad survived without a scar.....
To celebrate Holika, on the first night of Holi bonfires are held, the next day is the famous paint smearing, mainly celebrated by the young people and children, and also mainly celebrated in North India, so we had to create our own bit of fun, on the roof of KesoTes....
Such fun! Completely ridiculous, and yet hilarious too!
Just when I had spent HOURS in the shower, scrubbing myself and then the bathroom, I walk home only to be 'attacked' by some friends - the people who work at the wonderful Anokhi Garden....so I also got a taste of real 'Holi' celebrations
Like.the ramayana bits.
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