Holi is the festival of colour, celebrated with the playing of coloured powder. It falls on the full moon day (Purnima) in the month of Faagan, marking the end of winter and the arrival of spring.
The festival commemorates the victory of good over evil, particularly the story of Prahlad and Hiranyakashipu. Prahlad was a devoted follower of Lord Vishnu, and despite his father Hiranyakashipu’s repeated attempts to kill him, the Lord always protected Prahlad. The demon king’s sister Holika, who had a boon of being fireproof, attempted to burn Prahlad in her lap – but instead she herself perished and Prahlad emerged unharmed. This event is celebrated as Holika Dahan, the bonfire on the eve of Holi.
In the Swaminarayan tradition, Holi is also connected to the divine pastimes of Lord Krishna and Radha. The coloured powder play (gulal) symbolises the joy and love in divine devotion. Temples celebrate with special puja, kirtan, and the sprinkling of coloured water and powder among devotees.