Bhopal, Mar 20: Wait for the Holi, festival of colour is about to end soon. How eager people, especially youths are for this festival can be measured by their fervour to collect wood for setting Holika afire.

City is currently busy in the preparation of Holi. Young members are busy in buying colours and sweets for guests. Meanwhile children are busy in preparing Holi and to bring pieces of wood to burn. Bhopal Today Team

discussed with the children how they are preparing for Holi.

Mythology

Long ago there was king Hiranyakashipu. He personified himself with God and asked his subjects to worship him instead of God. His son, Bhakta Pralahad was great devotee of Lord Vishnu. Hiranyakashipu warned his son not to worship Lord Vishnu. Pralhad did not give any heed to his father's warning and carried on his worship of Lord Vishnu. Hiranyakashipu decided to teach a lesson to his son Pralhad and his subjects too. So he called his sister Holika, who was blessed by the God that fire would not harm/burn her. Hiranyakashipu decided to kill Prahlad setting him on fire with his sister Holika. Holika entered the huge fire with Prahlad. Finally, with lord Vishnu's blessings, Prahlad came out of fire unhurt and Holika was burnt to ashes. From then onwards this festival is celebrated by the people.

What they said

My examinations are over and I am free to celebrate Holi. Initially we will burn the Holika then we will play with colours. Our preparation for Holi is in the final stage.

Nitish, XII Std student

We all are preparing for the Holi. We have purchased grocery and other material required for worship on Holi. Initially, we will burn Holila, then next day I will play the colours with my friends. We have been playing Holi in our street since long.

Hrushabh, VII Std student.

After setting fire to Holika, we will distribute Prasad to all the people in our street. We have bought ribbons of various colours to decorate our drums. We bought statute of Prahlad and Holika and pieces of wood for Holi. We will enjoy till late night after Holika Dahan.

Santosh Sharma, City Finance Employee

We are preparing for Holi in our street. For this purpose we have collected contribution for neighbours. Our preparations are almost complete. Now we are waiting for the special moment.

Badal, VI Std student