When it comes to burning off evil and getting victory over them, few 'specific' people comes to my mind immediately. They've been quite evil ~ intenionally so, and I'd love to throw them in the bonfire prepared during 'choti holi' or night before Holi - the festival of colours and coming of spring. Oh...how I'd love it! I went around my neighbourhood to see the preparations for the same. Its similar to the 'meji' we burn during Maagh Bihu/Lohri; however, the purpose is different. Here, we are burning evil demoness 'Holika' who wanted to kill Prahlad in the fire, but, met her end instead. This festival also has connection to Shiva killing 'Kama' as well as beautiful story of Krishna and Radha enjoying the same with colours to welcome spring. So, there are many different stories attached. Whatever they may be, the bonfire ritual is done the night before and next day is devoted to playing with colours and also, getting intoxicated with 'bhang' - the popular holi drink.
wood, sticks, card boards, hay/straw, dried leaves...all arranged in a pyramid shape, decorated with flowers...
some more preparations...prayers are offered and all negatives thrown into the bonfire to burn them off eventually...
while communities arrange bigger bonfire, small families prepare their own little 'holika effigies'...
this one was prepared under my building...
demoness ko jalane ke baad muh mitha toh banta hai - typical holi sweets - mouthwatering gheeyars and gujiyas...
for some, the party has already started, a random homeless chap dancing to the loud music being played near the bonfire...
and fnally, burning madam 'Holika', bye bye evil 'daayan' witch!
Holika Dahan, rendered Holika Dahanam in Sanskrit or Chotti Holi, is a Hindu festival in which a bonfire is lit to celebrate the burning of the demoness, Holika. This ritual is symbolic of victory of good over evil. It precedes Holi, the festival of colours, which celebrates the spring season. Holi, is a popular and significant Hindu festival celebrated as the Festival of Colours, Love, and Spring. It celebrates the eternal and divine love of the deities Radha and Krishna. ( wiki ).
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