Colours Of Holi | The Legend of Radha-Krishna

Radha and Krishna are the two protagonists of the Hindu epic, the Mahabharata. They are said to have been lovers in a previous life, and their love is rekindled in this life.

However, due to a curse, they are unable to be together and must spend their lives apart.

As a result, they can only communicate through music and dance. Even though they are eternally separated, their love for each other burns as brightly as ever.

The legend of Radha-Krishna is a popular subject of Hindu mythology and has been told in many different ways over the centuries. It is a story of true love that transcends all obstacles and continues to endure through time.

Ever wondered where did the Holi Colours come from? The Legend of Radha Krishna has the answer.

The Legend of Radha-Krishna

Krishna is known for being playful and mischievous. The story says that Krishna was envious of Radha’s fair complexion as a child because he was very dark.

According to the Legend of Radha-Krishna, Krishna argued with Yashoda one day about nature’s injustice since Radha was so fair and Yashoda was so dark.

The doting mother that Yashoda was she asked Krishna to color Radha’s face in whatever color he wanted in order to calm her crying child.

Krishna, in a mischievous mood, followed mother Yashoda’s advice and painted Radha’s face, making her one with him.

Krishna’s dark complexion can also be explained by a legend. When Krishna was an infant, a demon poisoned his milk in an attempt to kill him.

This caused Krishna to turn blue. However, Krishna did not die, and the demon shrivelled up into ashes.

The legend also says that when the two were together, they would often steal butter from their parents’ homes. Krishna would then sneak away and eat all the butter himself, leaving Radha empty-handed.

Despite their differences, Krishna and Radha are said to have had an incredibly strong bond. Their love is celebrated to this day in the Hindu religion.

Depiction Of Radha And Krishna On Paintings And Murals

A number of paintings and murals depict Krishna’s prank in which he plays color with Radha and other gopis.

Some of these paintings are quite famous and show the love between Radha and Krishna in an intimate way.

One such painting is by M.F.Hussain, who was known for his erotic paintings of Hindu gods and goddesses.

This particular painting, which is called Radha Painting Krishna Playing Darbari Kanhaiya, shows a topless Radha with her sari pulled down, while Krishna colors her face with a paintbrush.

This painting was quite controversial when it was first shown in India, and it caused an uproar among Hindu groups who accused Hussain of being disrespectful to their religion.

painting is by M.F.Hussain — Painting by M.F.Hussain

The painting was later sold for nearly 2 million dollars, making it one of the most expensive paintings ever sold by an Indian artist.

Despite the controversy, Hussain defended his painting, saying that it was a portrayal of the love between Radha and Krishna and that there was nothing disrespectful about it.

The Celebrations

The lovable prank played by Krishna, where he used water jets to apply color to Radha and the other gopis, gained acceptance and popularity.

Eventually, it developed into a festival and a tradition. Holi has become synonymous with colors and pichkaris.

It is the desire of lovers to paint their beloved’s face with color and to express their affection for each other.

In Mathura, Vrindavan, Barsana, and Nandgaon-places associated with Krishna and Radha-this legend is brought vividly alive every year.

Holi is celebrated with fervor all over India, but it is most popular in Mathura and Vrindavan, the two towns where Krishna spent his childhood.

On the evening of Holi, huge bonfires are lit, and people gather around them to sing and dance.

The pyre is lit on the eve of Holi, often shortly before or after sunset, to signify Holika Dahan.

The ceremony symbolizes good overcoming evil. Historically, Holika was burned in order to celebrate Holi.

People gather wood and combustible goods for the bonfire in parks, community centers, near temples, and other open areas several days before the festival.

The top of the pyre has an effigy of Holika who lured Prahalad into the fire. People fill their homes with color inks, food, party beverages, and festive seasonal meals such as gujiya, mathri, malpuas, and other local specialties.

Holika’s death is attributed to a variety of reasons in various regions of India. These are some of them:

Lord Vishnu stepped in and hence Holika burnt.
She was given the power by Brahma in return for an agreement that it would never be used to cause injury. But as she had evil intentions, the power turned against her.

She was actually a good person and it was her brother Hiranyakashipu who was the evil one. When she tried to harm her nephew Prahlad, Holika was burnt instead.

The next morning, people start throwing colors at each other and spraying each other with water from pichkaris.

This continues all day until everyone is covered in color from head to toe. The festival of colours i.e. Holi is a time for people to let loose and have fun.

It is additionally a time for people to forget their differences and come together as one. The legend of Radha and Krishna reminds Hindus of the importance of love and unity.

Even though they are from different backgrounds, Krishna and Radha manage to overcome their differences and fall in love.

Their story teaches people that love is more important than anything else. Holi is a time when Hindus come together to celebrate this message of love and unity.

People forget their caste and personal differences and come together to enjoy the festivities. It is a time when people can let go of their inhibitions and have some fun.

During Holi, when Krishna and Radha celebrate their immortal love, the entire country is drenched in colored waters.

There is also a practice in some Indian states to carry the idols of Radha and Krishna in a decorated palanquin, followed by a procession through the streets of the city.

During this time, devotees chant Krishna’s name, sing devotional hymns, and dance in the name of the Lord.

So, what are you waiting for? Plan your trip to India and experience Holi firsthand! You won’t regret it!

Colours Of Holi | The Legend of Radha-Krishna