Group celebrates Holi this year to bring joy to those affected by COVID-19 and TC Yasa and Ana

As Hindus celebrate the Festival of Colours, Holi, the Prem Sagar Ramayan Bhajan Faag Mandali from Nausori will be going to more than 15 homes to sing folk songs, play with colours and spread the joy and happiness of the festival.

Group leader, Sunil Kumar says a lot of people have been impacted by COVID-19 and Tropical Cyclones Yasa and Ana so their aim this year is to spread a bit of joy.

Kumar says they will be praying for those who cannot celebrate the festival because of financial constraints or because of death in their family.

He says the group was established in 1953 in Vuci, Nausori and since then, they have been celebrating Holi almost every year.

8 Miles, Nasinu based Prem Shakti Faag Kirtan Ramayan Mandali Treasurer, Anand Sagar says the group will be visiting about 7 families today.

He says they will be going to Navua and Wailoku today and rain has not dampened their spirits.

Sagar adds that Holi has given the brief opportunity to forget the challenges brought in by COVID-19 so people must celebrate the festival but also keep those struggling in their thoughts and prayers and help them in which ever way they can.

According to legend, the arrogant demonic King Hiranyakashyap who could neither be killed by a man or an animal had demanded that everybody worship him as god.

The king's son, Prahlada, disagreed and chose to remain devoted to Lord Vishnu so the king's sister, tricked him into sitting on a pyre with her. While Holika protected herself with a cloak, Prahlada remained exposed. As the fire blazed, the cloak flew from Holika's body and encased Prahlada, thus saving his life.

Later, Lord Vishnu appeared in the avatar of Narsimha, half man and half lion, and killed the king. This is why Holi begins with the Holika bonfire, which marks the end of evil.

Holi celebrations start on the night before Holi, where people perform rituals in front of a bonfire, praying for their inner evil to be destroyed and play with colours the next day.

Meanwhile, the Radio Sargam and Navtarang Rang Barse Holi Celebration will be held from midday to 8pm this Sunday at Rups Mega Complex Nakasi.

You can play with colours with your favourite radio personalities, watch them dance and also get the opportunity to win prizes.