Nashik: Holi festival, symbolising victory of good over evil was celebrated in Nashik city amidst much enthusiasm and gaiety on Monday. Bonfires were lit up in various parts of the city in the evening. Women offered puranpolis and other sweet items and worshipped the bonfires.
Children as well as elders were busy in preparations for the festival since morning. Citizens rushed to main market areas like Ravivar Karanja, Godaghat, Gauri ground and Bhadrakali to buy cow dung, firewood and other related items.
Atrractive rangolis were drawn around the bonfires. Bonfires were mainly lit up at Makhmalabad Naka, Kapaleshwar temple area, Tiwandha Chowk, Amurtdham, Makhmalabad Naka, Old Nashik and others areas in Panchavati. After rituals, bonfires were lit up in the evening.
The festival is celebrated as victory of good over evil and a triumph of a true devotee. There are many legends associated with this festival. One of the most significant legends is the story of Prahlad and his aunt, Holika.
The legend associated with the festival involves an evil king called Hiranyakashipu.
He forbade his son from worshipping Vishnu. However, Radhu proceeded offering prayers to the gods. Hiranyakashipu challenged Prahlad to sit on a pyre with his aunt Holika who was to be immune to fire. When the fire started, Holika was burnt to death, whereas Prahlad survived without a scar. Burning Holika is celebrated as Holi.
