Holi is unique in its secular character as all irrespective of caste, age and gender celebrates it. Holi however, has a long history dating back to the legends of India. Some of the popular legends related to Holi are:

Legend of Kamadeva: The legend relates to Kamadeva, the Lord of Love who was reduced to ashes and then brought back to life by Shiva angered at being disturbed while meditating. But when his wife, Goddess Rati, implored Shiva for mercy, Shiva relented and gave him back his life.

Legend of Prahlad: Another legend revolves around Prahlad, a devotee of Lord Vishnu. Prahlad’s father who disapproved this worship tried to kill him by various means. When all else failed he told his sister, Holika (who was supposed to be immune to fire) to take Prahlad in her lap and sit in the fire. The fire reduced Holika to ashes, while Prahlad remained unharmed. Thus the ritual of lighting a bonfire on the eve of Holi.

Legend of Krishna: Many legends revolve around Lord Krishna, the eternal prankster among the Hindu Gods. When Putna, the she-demon, was sent by the cruel king Kamsa and Krishna's uncle to kill the child Krishna under the guise of feeding him, he sucked her to death instead, and her death is celebrated as Holi. Those who attribute the origin of festivals to seasonal cycles maintain that Putna represents winter, and her death signifies the end of winter. Legends also associate Holi with the later years of Krishna's amorous life. Holi also finds expression in miniature paintings as a festival popular amongst Krishna and his gopis (milkmaids).



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