Why the insults and the red-coloured powder at Holi?
Today is the occasion of Holi. You should understand what this thing is. Prahlad’s aunt, that is to say, Hiranayakashyapu’s sister, her name was Doondha (she is also known as Holika). She had done tapasya (penance, austerity) and from this she had gained a boon, that by sitting in her lap one will be burned in fire. When Hiranyakashyapu became wearied of giving hardship to Prahlad and could not give any more trouble to Prahlad. He threw him from hills, but when Prahlad was laughing he ducked him in water, then also Prahlad emerged cheerful, so he cast him into fire but still he was not burned. When Hiranyakashyapu was defeated this way in everything and Prahlad did not desist from chanting to Bhagwan then Dhoondha said that; ‘Bring! We will turn him to ashes.’ Dhoondha sat down with Prahlad in her lap. From all four directions fire came. But the effect of Prahlad’s devotion was that Dhoondha became burnt and Prahlad came out of the fire laughing. On the occasion of Holi people jabber a
