Holi the festival of colours is celebrated in various forms and there are many stories behind the celebration.
Once upon a time a female demon named Dhundha or Dhoundha entered a village and harassed young children. She generated diseases. People tried their best to drive her away from the village; however she would not budge. Finally, people abused and cursed her; they lit a fire everywhere to frighten her. This made her run away from that village.
In North India, an effigy of the demoness Putna is made and burnt on the night of Holi festival. Three days before Holi festival, Bal-Krushna is kept in a cradle and His festival is celebrated. On the full moon night of the Hindu lunar month of Phalgun, an effigy of Putna is burnt.
. Once, Lord Shiva was engrossed in penance and was in a state of meditation. At that time, Madan (also known as Kamdev, a God instrumental in generating desire) entered His mind.
Shiva then opened His eyes to see who was distracting Him and in one glance burnt Madan to ashes.
The people of South Bharat celebrate this festival signifying the burning of Kamdev (Deity of Desire). On this day, an effigy of Madan is made and burnt. Holi festival has the ability to win over Madan; hence the festival of Holi.’
