Join Prospect Park Alliance and Indian dance arts educator Aeilushi Misty for a celebration inspired by the spring festival of Holi. Join a fun-filled family friendly event to learn the significance of Holi and Dhuleti traditions and take part in the celebration with music, dance, art and more. Learn about the ceremonial offerings of Holika Dahan, create Rangoli motifs with vibrant flower petals, and sprinkle natural colored powder in the air to mark the spring and harvest seasons and celebrate the victory of good over evil. This festival of art, music, dance and fun celebrates cultural diversity and togetherness.

Holika Dahan, or the “burning of Holika”, celebrates Prahlada, who is known as a saintly figure and devotee of Lord Vishnu. Prahlada’s father, a King, and his sister, Holika, who was believed to be safe from the dangers of fire, sought to kill Prahlada. The King put Prahlada on the lap of Holika as she sat on a fire and Prahlada prayed to Vishnu to keep him safe. Holika then burnt in the fire while Prahlada was left unhurt. Lord Vishnu then arrived in the form of a human-lion to rescue Prahlada, which is celebrated as the Hindu festival of Holi.