Prahlad and Holika

Prahlad was the young son of Hiranyakashipu, a demon king who declared himself god and forbade the worship of anyone else. But Prahlad loved Lord Vishnu with all his heart and chanted his name day and night. No punishment could change his mind — not being thrown off a cliff, not being trampled by elephants, not being bitten by snakes. Desperate, Hiranyakashipu turned to his sister Holika, who had a magical shawl that protected her from fire. She sat with Prahlad in a blazing bonfire, confident the boy would burn while she remained safe. But a divine wind blew the shawl off Holika and wrapped it around Prahlad. Holika burned, and Prahlad emerged unharmed, still chanting Vishnu's name. This event is celebrated as Holi, reminding us that faith and goodness triumph over evil.