By: Ali Imran Chattha
Holi, the vibrant and colorful festival of India, has a rich history that spans thousands of years. The festival is believed to have originated in ancient India, specifically in the Indus Valley Civilization, around 3000 BCE. The festival was initially celebrated as a harvest festival, marking the arrival of spring and the end of winter.
According to Hindu mythology, Holi is associated with the legend of Hiranyakashyap, a demon king who forbade his son Prahlad from worshiping Lord Vishnu. Prahlad’s devotion to Vishnu was unwavering, and he continued to worship him despite his father’s warnings.
Hiranyakashyap, enraged by his son’s defiance, ordered his sister Holika to burn Prahlad alive. Holika, who was immune to fire, took Prahlad onto her lap and sat in a pyre. However, due to Prahlad’s devotion to Vishnu, he was saved, and Holika was burned to ashes instead.
The first recorded celebration of Holi was in Multan, Pakistan, where Bhagwan Krishna is said to have celebrated the festival at the Parlad Temple, also known as the Prahlad Temple. This ancient temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna, is still present in Multan and is a significant pilgrimage site for Hindus.
In Pakistan, Holi is celebrated with great enthusiasm, particularly in the cities of Karachi, Umerkot, and Tharparkar. In Lahore, the festival is officially celebrated at the Krishna Mandir, Ravi Road, with the help of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) and the Hindu Mandir Management Committee.
The ETPB, a government agency responsible for managing evacuee properties in Pakistan, provides support and assistance to the Hindu community in celebrating Holi and other Hindu festivals. The festival becomes a symbol of interfaith harmony, as Christians and Muslims join Hindus in celebrating the festival.
In Umerkot, thousands of people celebrate Holi, particularly at night, with a different atmosphere and customs. People offer prayers in temples, throw colored powders at each other, and engage in other festivities. The celebration in Umerkot is one of the biggest and most vibrant in Pakistan.
Overall, Holi is a significant festival in Pakistan, promoting interfaith harmony and celebrating the arrival of spring.
Note: The “Qalam Club” does not necessarily agree with the personal views of the authors
