During the month of March, Kharwas will be observed. This period begins with Holika Dahan on the Poornima and ends on the day before the Amawas or new moon when the auspicious period of Nav Ratam will begin.
Holika Dahan commemorates the burning of Holika, the sister of the Rakshas King Hiranyakashipu, who sought immortality from the Gods. Bestowed with a combination of conditions that rendered him virtually indestructible, he began a reign of terror and dominion over all of creation. He established himself as God and maligned the true Gods.
Hiranyakashipu had a son by the name of Prahalad. While in his mother’s womb he would listen to the recitation of the glories of Lord Vishnu from the lips of Narad Muni and so he was socialized into the path of devotion even before birth.
As he grew up, he would constantly worship Shri Hari and sing the glories of God, his mind ever absorbed in devotions. When his father, the Rakshas King heard this, he became very agitated and concerned as his own son was glorifying his enemy. Hiranyakashipu made many attempts to influence the mind of Prahalad and failed. Eventually he resorted to the worst imaginable act, the killing of his own son.
Many attempts were made to destroy Prahalad, including throwing him over a cliff, into a snake pit and placing him in the path of rogue elephants. Each time the attempts on the life of Prahalad failed as the young Bhakta would be constantly absorbed in devotions and would be oblivious to the danger to his life.
In frustration, Hiranyakashipu turned to his sister, Holika who had a special gift. Holika was given an orhni which, when placed over the head prevented her from the burning effects of fire. Holika sat upon a pyre and called Prahalad over to sit on her lap. In a trusting manner, Prahalad went to his phua and sat on her lap. The Rakshas army lit the fire and immediately the entire pyre was engulfed in a large tower of fire. A shrill bloodcurdling scream was heard emanating from the burning inferno and all believed that Prahalad was now destroyed. When the fire was put out, lo and behold! Holika was nowhere to be seen and the child Prahalad was playing in the ashes and lost in devotions to Shri Hari.
From that day onwards, Holi or Phagwa is celebrated with a proliferation of colours used to symbolize the destruction of the evil Holika.
What are the lessons that can be learned from this episode? Firstly, all of us are endowed with gifts and while it may not be a fire proof orhni, we may possess education, strength, wealth, qualifications, talents and skills. We are all unique and possess some element of value. We therefore must ask the question, how do I use my gifts? Do I use them for my personal gratification? Do I use them for the destruction and oppression of others? While we should use our gifts for our own gratification, we must also use them for the benefit of humanity and never use them for hurting others in any way. Once used for the benefit of society and the uplifting of humanity, that gift becomes even more powerful and the satisfaction that we can derive from its use is multiplied manifold.
Therefore the call is made to all; use your qualifications, talents and skills for the benefit of all. Through SWAHA, many opportunities are presented for all to engage in positive and progressive actions and to step forward and serve humanity. We encourage all to answer the call and let’s all work together to make this world a better place.
