Falgun Purnima (Holi Purnima) is also observed as the Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu Jayanthi in Orissa, Bengal and some other regions in India. Generally, Holi means burning. Several legends describe the meaning of the word Holi. One of the most popular of all the stories is of the demon king Hiranyakashyap. Holi 2012 date is March 8, 2012.
The Story of Demon King Hiranyakashyapa:
Asura King Hiranyakashyap forced the people of his kingdom to worship only him. He had son called Prahlad, who was a great devotee of Lord Vishnu (Narayana). Hiaranyakashyapa asked his sister Holika to take away Prahlad into fire. Hiranyakashaps sister, Holika had a boon that enter the fire and come out safely. But, when Holika went into the fire with Prahlad she was not aware that the boon works only when she goes into the fire alone.
Holika paid her price for wishing Lord Narayanas devotee, Prahlad. But, Prahlad was protected by the grace of Lord Narayana and his utmost devotion. Hence Holi is considered as the festival to celebrate the triumph of good over evil forces.
The Legend of Lord Sri Krishna:
The legend of Lord Sri Krishna explains that Krishna started the tradition of playing with colours. The story also tells that Lord played by applying colours on his lover Radha and other gopikas. After that the playing with colours became a tradition.
Other Stories related to Holi:
Some other stories related to the festival describe the tradition and history – the legend of Lord Shiva and Kaamadeva (the God of Love) and the legend of Ogress Dhundhi and Pootana. Every legend associated to the festival depicts the victory of good over the evil forces.