The Hindu community in Pakistan and the rest of the world is celebrating the main event of their religious festival Holi today.
The Sindh government has declared a two-day holiday (Thursday and Friday) for Hindu employees in celebration of Holi.
According to an official notification, Hindu employees across Sindh will get leave to observe the religious festival, which is widely celebrated by the community. The holiday allows them to participate in festivities without work commitments.
Holi, marking the arrival of spring, was celebrated with enthusiasm. Community members sprayed colors on each other. In Sukkur, colourful events were held in various localities and temples, where women and children actively participated with devotion.
History of the festival:
Holi is a lively and joyous festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil and the divine love between Lord Krishna and Radha. It also marks the arrival of spring and the end of winter, making it an important harvest festival.
According to Hindu mythology, Lord Krishna, who had a dark complexion, often worried whether Radha, who was fair-skinned, would accept him. When he shared his concerns with his mother, Yashoda, she playfully suggested he color Radha’s face with gulal (colored powder) to eliminate their differences. Krishna followed her advice, and this playful act became the inspiration for Holi’s colorful celebrations.
Another well-known legend associated with Holi involves King Hiranyakashipu, his devout son Prahlad, and his sister Holika. The king, granted a boon that made him nearly invincible, demanded to be worshipped. However, Prahlad remained a steadfast devotee of Lord Vishnu. Enraged, Hiranyakashipu ordered Holika to sit on a burning pyre with Prahlad, using a magical cloth to protect herself from the flames. But divine intervention caused the cloth to shift to Prahlad, saving him while Holika was consumed by the fire. This event symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and is commemorated through Holika Dahan, observed the night before Holi.
Holi 2025 significance:
Holi holds deep cultural and mythological significance, symbolizing the victory of good over evil, as seen in the legend of Prahlad and Holika, where devotion triumphed over tyranny. It also celebrates the divine love of Radha and Krishna, marking the playful tradition of applying colours.
As a festival of unity, Holi breaks social barriers, bringing people together regardless of caste, creed, or status. It also signifies the arrival of spring, spreading positivity and renewal. The festival fosters joy, togetherness, and the spirit of forgiveness, making it a time for new beginnings and strengthening relationships.
How is Holi celebrated?
Holi is celebrated with great enthusiasm in many parts of the world. The festivities begin with Holika Dahan (Choti Holi) on the night before Holi, where people light bonfires to symbolize the victory of good over evil. On the main day, known as Rangwali Holi, people gather to play with vibrant colours, water balloons, and pichkaris (water guns), smearing each other with gulal and celebrating with joy.
Traditional sweets like gujiya, malpua, and thandai are enjoyed, and music, dance, and festivities fill the air. Many people visit friends and family, exchanging sweets and warm wishes. In some regions, unique traditions like Lathmar Holi in Barsana and Nandgaon, and Basant Utsav in West Bengal, add to the cultural richness of the celebration.
