As many Hindus prepare to celebrate Holi later this month, the Assistant Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran, says let this year's Holi be the turning point where we truly forgive others in efforts to create new pathways to fostering better relationships.
While officiating at the Western Faag Sammelan at the Gandhi Bhawan Primary School, Kiran says from childhood, we were told that as we burn the effigy of Holika, we should let go of our anger and forgive anyone we have conflict with, colouring each other in same colours.
She says we have many differences, which causes divisions within our communities.
Kiran says if we truly do not forgive others then we keep transferring the pain and anger to the future generations, the choice of gifting them peace and healing is ours to make.
She says as we heal, she hopes everyone will actively participate in the Government's process of reconciliation and peace-building.
The Assistant Minister says during this festive period, may everyone bless households with prayers for bliss and peace.
Kiran says let's pray for this solidarity to grow throughout the year and may always wish and bless each other with healing, peace and bliss.
The Assistant Minister further says it is encouraging to see that many children and youth are participating, which gives hope that the message of Holi will continue through generations.
Kiran highlighted that in Hindu mythology, Holika had received a boon that she would never be harmed by fire, however, she perished in fire when she tried to use her boon to harm Bhakt Prahalad, a devoted child.
She says God has blessed each of us with many capabilities to do good, but when we use those blessings to harm others, we also risk being burnt by the fire of our ego.
Kiran says to mark Holi, bonfires are lit by burning Holika effigies, which symbolizes the cleansing of evil, while the second part of festivities sees devotees playing with coloured powder and water.
She says these rituals remind everyone of the valuable lesson of faith’s triumphant victory over evil.
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