The colorful festival of Holi has various legends associated with it. Faith of Hindus in these legends is clearly depicted as they dutifully observe the customs associated with these legends while celebrating Holi every year.

Legend of Hiranyakashyap and Prahlad
This is the most popular legend of Holi. It says once a demon King Hiranyakashyap demanded everybody in his kingdom to worship him. But, to his great disappointment his pious son Prahlad became a devotee of Lord Vishnu. The cruel Hiranyakashyap wanted his son to be killed. He asked his sister Holika to enter a blazing fire with Prahlad in her lap. For, Holika had a boon that made her immune to fire. Legend says, Prahlad was saved by the grace of Lord while evil-minded Holika was burnt to ashes, as she was not aware that her boon worked only when she entered the fire alone.

Since that time, people light a bonfire, called Holika on the eve of Holi Festival to celebrate the victory of good over evil and also the triumph of devotion to god.

Legend of Dhundhi
Tradition of Holika Dahan has another legend attached to it. It says that there was once an ogress Dhundhi used to trouble children in the kingdom of Prithu. Dhundhi was chased away by children on the day of Holi. Therefore, children are allowed to play pranks at the time of 'Holika Dahan'.

Legend of Pootana
At some places, people celebrate Holi to mark the death of evil-minded ogress by the name of Pootana. It is said that Pootana tried to kill Lord Krishna as an infant by feeding it poisonous milk while executing the plan of Kansa, Krishna's devil uncle. However, Krishna sucked her blood and brought her end. Some who view the origin of festivals from seasonal cycles believe that Pootana represents winter and her death the cessation and end of winter.

Legend of Kaamadeva
In South India, people worship Kaamadeva- the God of Love and Passion for his extreme sacrifice. According to a legend, Kaamadeva shot his powerful love arrow on Lord Shiva to revoke his interest in the worldly affairs in the interest of the earth. However, Lord Shiva was enraged as he was in deep mediation. Furious Lord Shiva opened his third eye and reduced Kaamadeva to ashes. Though, later on the request of Rati, Kaamadeva's wife, Shiva was pleased to restore him back.

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