UP: Temples of Prayagraj celebrate "Phoolwali Holi" on Narasimha Jayanti

The Holi of Flowers was played by the devotees with great pomp and joy on the premises of the Narasimha Temple and Redi Madhav Temple.

Speaking to ANI on the significance of the festival, Priest, Sudarshancharya Ji said, "Holika Dehan has been celebrated from the Vedic period, from the time of Satyug when the power of demonic power was attacking our land and our Vedic wealth."

"The Asuric Shakti, Mahasura Hiranyakashyap had a son called Prahlad, who worshipped Lord Vishnu. This made him furious so Hiranyakashyap and his sister Holika devised a plan to kill Prahlad," said the priest.

"Holika who was blessed by Brahma ji had received a cloak that could protect her even through fire so it was decided that Holika would sit in a bonfire with Prahlad, she would be saved but Prahlad would get burned. As soon as Holika jumped into the fire with Prahlad, the cloak that was covering Holika flew and landed on Prahlad. Hence, Holika was burned alive while Prahlad was saved by the grace of Lord Vishnu," he added.

According to the Bhagavata Purana, Narasimha, the half-man, half-lion incarnation of Vishnu, kills the demon king Hiranyakaship on the threshold of his palace using his sharp nails as weapons.

Devotees believe that worshipping Lord Narasimha on Narsimha Jayanti can grant protection, prosperity, and blessings.

The festival involves fasting and prayer, and devotees observe it to seek the blessings of Lord Narasimha, seeking his protection and grace.

The night before Holi, bonfires are lit in a ceremony known as Holika Dahan (burning of Holika) or Little Holi.

People gather near fires, sing and dance. The next day, Holi, also known as Dhuli in Sanskrit is celebrated.

The day before Holi marks the celebration of Holika Dahan, also known as Choti Holi. This significant ceremony falls on the auspicious occasion of Chopti Holi, symbolising the victory of good over evil.

Holika Dahan is observed on the Purnima Tithi in the month of Phalgun, signifying the removal of darkness and the ushering in of light into the world.

Meanwhile, people thronged markets in Uttar Pradesh's Moradabad on Sunday, ahead of Holi, making last-minute purchases of colours or gulals, trendy water guns, and colourful wigs.

People across the country flocked to nearby markets to purchase sweets and colours. The streets were dotted with make-shift shops selling gulal, colours, toys, and other decor.

Not just enthusiastic countrymen but overseas tourists as well could be seen breaking into unbridled celebrations ahead of Holi.

Holi, a festival celebrated with as much fervour in the country as it is overseas, will be marked on March 25, Monday, this year.

The festival is preceded by a ritual of lighting bonfires called Holika Dahan, signifying the burning of the demon Holika.

Some of the country's oldest and most popular pilgrimage sites, such as Vrindavan, Mathura, and Barsana, draw revellers on this day, smearing themselves with the colours of Holi. (ANI)