Holika

Holika is a demoness in Hindu mythology associated with the festival of Holi. In many versions of the legend she is described as the sister of the evil king Hiranyakashipu and therefore an aunt to Prahlad, the devout follower of Vishnu. The figure of Holika appears in various Puranic and folk retellings, and details can differ between sources.

The core story centers on the tyrannical Hiranyakashipu, who seeks to suppress his son Prahlad’s devotion to Vishnu. Holika is said to have received a boon granting immunity to fire. She invites Prahlad to sit with her in a blazing bonfire, expecting him to perish. However, Prahlad’s unwavering devotion and Vishnu’s protection cause Holika to burn instead, while Prahlad emerges unharmed. Holika’s destruction is interpreted as the triumph of devotion and righteousness over evil.

Cultural significance and festival observance are tied to the tale. Holika Dahan, the ceremonial bonfire held on the eve of Holi, symbolizes the destruction of Holika and the victory of good over evil. The following day, Holi is celebrated with the throwing of colored powders and water, music, and communal festivity. The myth also reinforces themes of faith, humility, and the protective power of the divine.

Notes on variant tellings emphasize differences in kinship, details of the boon, and the exact sequence of events. Nevertheless, Holika remains a central figure in the Holi tradition and its associated rituals.