To put it simply, it’s more than just a visual spectacle. Holi, often called the ‘Festival of Colours’, is a time when everyday life takes on a vibrant hue. People of all ages, often dressed in white kurtas, gather in the streets. These clothes become the canvas as handfuls of gulal (coloured powder) are thrown in a playful exchange, colouring everyone and everything around them. If you’ve ever participated in Holi, you know it’s a lot of fun – and incredibly messy.
But the vibrant colours are only part of the story. Beyond the fun and games, Holi has a rich history. While there are many layers to it, the heart of Holi is about welcoming the arrival of spring. Seventeenth-century literature described Holi as a tribute to agriculture, celebrating fertile land and bountiful harvests that spring brings.
What is the real story behind Holi?
Mythologically, Holi is associated with the legend of the demon King Hiranyakashyap, his son Prahlad, and his sister Holika. This story, found in the Bhagavata Purana, tells of King Hiranyakashyap who, consumed by pride, declared himself a god. A special boon had given him five incredible protections, making him practically invincible.
Yet, Prahlad was devoted to Lord Vishnu and refused to worship his father, a decision which infuriated the king. He subjected Prahlad to various punishments, but none of them had any effect on the young devotee or his resolve to uphold his moral convictions. The conflict between father and son intensified with the intervention of Holika, Hiranyakashyap’s sister.
Holika tricked Prahlad onto a burning pyre, relying on a cloak she believed would protect her. However, miraculously, the cloak flew from Holika to Prahlad, offering him protection. Consequently, Holika perished in the flames, while Prahlad remained unharmed. Continuing this tradition, the Holika bonfire, lit on the eve of Holi, serves as a symbolic representation of the destruction of evil.
Why all the colours?
While the story of Holika and Prahlad explains one aspect of Holi, there’s another beautiful story behind it: the love story of Radha and Krishna. The Puranic text Garga Samhita, written by Sage Garga, refers to the romantic depiction of Radha and Krishna playing Holi. Krishna is a major Hindu god, considered an avatar (incarnation) of Vishnu, the preserver. He is known for his wisdom, compassion, and playful nature. Radha is a gopi (milkmaid) who is utterly devoted to Krishna, and their love is seen as the highest form of spiritual devotion.
The legend speaks of a young Krishna, concerned that his blue complexion would make him undesirable to the fair-skinned Radha. His mother, Yashoda, playfully suggested that he colour Radha’s face to make her look like him. This playful suggestion sparked the tradition of applying gulal (coloured powder), which is still joyfully practised today. Every year, Holi brings a vibrant spirit of fun and togetherness, as people of all ages engage in playful activities, honouring the story of Radha and Krishna.
Where to celebrate Holi in Malaysia?
SDS Holi 2025 – Colours of KL
SDS Youth KL presents ‘Colours of KL,’ a high-octane Holi celebration bringing a fusion of Bhangra, Tamil mashups, techno, and Bollywood beats to Kuala Lumpur. Featuring Slick Vick and a lineup of exciting artists, this Indo Warehouse experience promises a night of non-stop rhythm and vibrant colours.
Date & Time: 15 March 2025, 3pm
Venue: Shree Lakshmi Narayan Mandir, Jalan Kasipillay, Kuala Lumpur
Price: Starts from RM15
Tickets are currently on sale here.
Music Festival of Colours – HoliFest 2025
HoliFest MY’s ‘A Musical Festival of Colours’ brings a large-scale Holi celebration to Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur. The dynamic programme promises energetic DJ sets, vibrant and immersive colour play, continuous dance opportunities, and the added excitement of surprise stages and acts.
Date & Time: 3 May 2025, 3pm
Venue: Car Park B, National Stadium Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur
Price: Starts from RM25
Tickets are currently on sale here.
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