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Holi is an ancient Hindu Festival of India. Holi also known as Holika-Utsav has mentions in stone incriptions, on ancient temple walls, ancient Indian scriptures and dramas. Old edition of Oxford Dictionary also has a mention regarding Holi with varying phonetically derived spellings like Houly, Hooly, Huli, Hohlee and Hoolee.

Mention in Ancient Indian Scriptures

The information regarding Holi is mentioned in Puranas, Dasakumara Charita, Jaimini's Purvamimamsa Sutras and Kathaka Grhya Sutras. Information regarding Holi celebration is also mentioned in Ratnavali, an Sanskrit Drama of 7th Century and was also mentioned by the great poet Kalidasa during 4th century. Some says that celebration of Holi Festival also existed several centuries before Jesus Christ and some historian also says that Aryans also used to celebrate Holi. Information regarding Holi Festival can be found in Narad Purana and Bhavishya Purana also.

Mention in ancient Sculpture and Paintings

A stone incription found at Ramgarh in Vindhya provience has mention about Holika Utsav (Holi Festival). This stone incription belongs to 300 BC. Temple of Hampi in the capital of Vijay Nagar which was constructed in 16th century also has sculpture on its wall which shows peoples enjoying the festival of Holi. Certain ancient paintings also have reference regarding Holi and Dhuleti.

Mention in Mythological Stories

Many mythological stories related to Holi are also well known. Of which the most famous is the story of Prahlada and his Demon Father Hiranyakashipu. Stories regarding Rang Mahotsav of Vraj (Vrindawan) of Lord Shri Krishna and Radhika are also famous.

Holika Dahan, a ritual according to Hindu Religion which is on the first day of the Holi Festival. On one side are many mythological stories behind the ritual of Holika Dahan and on the other side there are cultural, social, biological, and environmental significance of the bonfire ritual.

Preparing a Pyre for bonfire of Holika Dahan

Many days before the Holika Dahan or the bonfire day, peoples starts collecting the woods and the combustibles for creating bonfire pyre. Generaly a flag or an effigy is placed on top of this bonfire to signify the devil Holika who set on the fire with Prahalada for burying and killing him. In certain locations in India people also place an earthen pot in center, below the bonfire pyre containing wheat, red gram, green gram and water, which is distributed amongst the people the next morning as Prasada. In India this bonfire pyre is generally placed at the crossroad or in open compounds where people can gather and follow the rituals related to Holika Dahan.

Lit up the bonfire on eve of Holika Dahan

On the evening of Holika Dahan people gather around the bonfire pyre and set to to fire by or after sunset. All people circumambulate around the bonfire with joined hands. In certain region of India people also circumambulate by carrying a small round copper pot with water in it and placing a cocont on the opening of the pot and while circumambulating they keep dropping certain amount of water from the pot. After that the coconut is thrown on the bonfire. After certain time this coconut is taken back from the bonfire and is distributed as Prasada.

People around pray to destroy their inner evil with the burning Holika. On this day people forget and forgive all old conflicts and begin with a refreshed relationship. People pay ond forgive debts, forgive mistakes and forget misunderstandings, embress every one with love and warmth.

On the next day to Holika Dahan, people cheer up and enjoy playing Dhuleti with colors and flowers also and saying 'Bura na maano Holi Hai'.