Holika Dahan is observed by burning Holika, the devil of the past year,said DGP(Railways)AK Sinha.
Sinha,who was speaking on the occasion of Holi Milan Samaraoh organized by Brahma Kumaris in Ranchi today,said,in in Hinduism, Holi is celebrated to mark the death of Holika in order to save Prahlad, and thus Holi gets its name.”In olden days, people use to contribute a piece of wood or two for Holika bonfire”,he said.
In fact,the night before Holi pyres are burnt in keeping with this tradition. The youth playfully steal all sorts of things and put them in Holika pyre.It should also be noted that in some parts of India the day is actually called Holika.
There are other activities associated with the story of Prahlad, but the burning of Holika is the one that can most directly associate with Holi.
“Fire burnt on the eve of Holi (Holika Dahan) symbolizes the burning of Holika. The story as a whole is testament to the power of devotion (bhakta) over the evil represented byKing Hiranyakashyapu, as Prahlad never lost his faith”,he said.
On the eve of Holi festival,sisters of Brahma Kumaris staged a dance inside the premise of Brahma Kumaris in Ranchi.
