If winter comes, can spring be far behind! No, never. The wheel of time moves and trees that shivered and stood bare don new clothes of foliage and the ornaments of flowers...

Holi is a great celebration in India and in many countries across the globe like Nepal, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Fiji, Surinam, Malaysia, Singapore, UK and USA. Whatever its mythological origin may be, in essence, it is a festival of colours. In Orissa and Bengal it is Dolajatra. It is heavily celebrated in Brindavan, Mathura and other Braja regions where Krishna was the central figure to play colours with Radha. However, the holi spirit is sky high in every state of India. The beauty of this spring festival is that the nature wears a new look, people in general rise above the old enmity, old differences and misunderstandings. It is celebrated across all the faiths! Who wouldn't like to be colourful...
 
As in most of the cases, festivals in India heralds victory of good over evil. Here too, Hiranyakashyapu, a demon king empowered by Brahma wished to be immortal and live above Lord Vishnu. However, his lovely son Prahlad was a devotee of the Vishnu, Hiranyakashyapu's arch rival. Infuriated by his son's behaviour, the demon king wished to eliminate the little boy. He sent his sister Holika to burn Prahlad. But in the process Holika was reduced to ashes and the little boy came out unhurt.
 
On the full moon day Holika wanted to burn Prahlad, but was herself burnt. On this day people therefore to express their love for Prahlad year after year burn the effigy of Holika, and celebrate with colours the next day. This is in essence to get rid of evil thoughts.
 
Boloji on this lovely full moon day when moon is nearest to the earth wishes the patrons, the writers, readers and every body Happy Holi. May the full moon make every body's heart bigger, paths brighter and bring each one's orbit closer to his/her friends... Happy Holi! 

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