In ancient times, there lived a powerful demon king, Hiranyakashipu, who demanded that everyone worship him as a god.
His own son, Prahlada, however, was a staunch devotee of Lord Vishnu and refused to bow to his father's tyranny.
This infuriated Hiranyakashipu, who subjected Prahlada to numerous cruel punishments, all of which the boy miraculously survived due to his unwavering faith.
Desperate to kill his son, Hiranyakashipu turned to his sister, Holika, who possessed a magical boon that made her immune to fire.
Holika devised a plan: she would sit in a blazing pyre, holding Prahlada on her lap, believing the fire would consume the boy while she remained unharmed.
However, the boon was only effective if she entered the fire alone.
As the flames erupted, Prahlada continued chanting Vishnu’s name.
By divine grace, Holika's shawl, which shielded her from the fire, flew off and covered Prahlada instead.
Holika was burned to ashes, while Prahlada emerged unscathed.
Holika Dahan, celebrated the night before the festival of Holi, marks this symbolic victory of good over evil, and the ultimate protection granted by true devotion.
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