As Hindus prepare to celebrate Holika Dahan tomorrow and Holi on Tuesday, people are being reminded of the teaching of the festival which is resolving conflicts, mending relationships, and fostering harmony and goodwill.
Shree Sanatan Dharm Pratinidhi Sabha of Fiji National Secretary Krishneel Tiwari is Holi is also a time for forgiveness and reconciliation and it's considered an opportunity to let go of past grievances and start anew.
He says the tradition of applying colours and sharing sweets signifies letting go of past grudges, forgiving others, and starting anew.
Tiwari says holding onto resentment only weighs us down and hinders our personal growth and by practising forgiveness, we free ourselves from negativity and cultivate inner peace.
Tiwari says Holi also serves as a reminder of the rich cultural heritage of the Indian diaspora and its contribution to the multicultural tapestry of Fiji.
He is urging everyone to come together to celebrate the vibrant colours of life and the triumph of good over evil.
Tiwari adds lets us embrace diversity, spread kindness, and cherish the bonds of friendship and community.
Holika Dahan or Choti Holi begin on the evening before the main day of Holi with the lighting of bonfires which symbolizes the victory of good over evil.
People gather around the bonfires, perform prayers, and offer offerings to Agni, the fire god.
The festival is associated with the legend of Prahlada and Holika, the sister of Hiranyakashipu, who wanted to kill his son, Prahlada, a devoted worshipper of Vishnu.
Holika had been given a boon by the deities that made her immune to fire.
She tricked Prahlada into sitting on a pyre with her, hoping that he would perish in the flames.
However, Prahlada prayed to Lord Vishnu to protect him, summoning a wind that transferred the shawl to Prahlad.
Holika burned in the flames, while Prahlada emerged unscathed.
Holika's end signifies the victory of good over evil.
Shortly afterwards, Vishnu killed King Hiranyakashyap and Prahad ruled as a wise king in his father's place.
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