Happy Holi!

If your like me and can not travel to India for various reasons to fully experience Holi, and do not have an Indian or South Asian group close by.  Well I'm here to share some Holi-ness with you.  Holi is the festival of colours. It's based on the story where Hiranyakashipu the great king of demons, and was granted a boon (prayer)  by Brahma (Hindu God of creation)  which made it impossible for history be killed.  The boon was granted after his long penance,  after which he demanded not to be killed "during day or night, inside the home or outside, nor on earth or in the sky; neither by man nor by animal; neither by astray (supernatural weapon) nor by Shastra (scripture)". Over time he became arrogant and attacked the heaves and earth.  He demanded people to stop worshiping gods and start praising him. Over time his son Prahlada, a devotee of Vishnu, killed him with Vishnu's help by fire.  The salvation of Prahlada and burning of Holika is celebrated as Holi. 

In Mathura,  where Krishna grew up,  the festival is celebrated for 16 days until Rangpanchmi in commemoration of the divine love of Radha for Krishna. The festival ushers in spring,  the celebrated season of love.  A little back story of Holi,  hope you enjoy the pictures and maybe go out and have your own private Holi with friends and family.  As always rate, comment and share.