The ancient Hindu festival of Fagu Purnima or Holi falls in late February or in early March. Legends of Holi revolve around Lord Krishna and Radha, Prahlad, the child-devotee of Lord Vishnu, Kamdeva, the Cupid-God and Dhundhi, the immortal ogress.

The romantic fervour of Holi festival is derived from the love pranks of Radha and Krishna while the story of Kamdeva gives a clue to celebrate this festival to

welcome the Spring. The story of Prahlad encompasses the religious nature of the festival and the origin of Holi while the tale of Dhundhi gives a reason to use rude words and play pranks to the young boys of the village.

Pralhad:There was a mighty demon king named Hirnakashyipu who had won all the three worlds of heaven, earth and hell, and had thus become very proud. He assumed that he could defeat even Lord Vishnu with his valour. He went to the extent that he had enforced a law that everybody would worship him instead of gods and deities.

However, his little son Prahlad refused to accept his commands and continued to worship Lord Vishnu with complete devotion. Infuriated by this defiance of his son, he ordered his soldiers to throw him down a hill. Praying fervently and having full faith in Lord Vishnu, Prahlad did not retract from his word.

True to his faith, Lord Vishnu rescued him at the last moment. Invincible Dhundhi: During the reign of Prithu, there was a terrible ogress called Dhundhi, who loved to devour innocent children.