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work on him. All the efforts to harm or kill him by his father also failed<br />
as 'God' always stood by his side.<br />
Incidentally it may be mentioned that Harnakhsh had a sister,<br />
Holika by name. She also by virtue ofher Bhagti, Tapsaya or worship<br />
of God Almighty, had a boon that she could not be burnt in any fire.<br />
Whenever she was caught orjumped into fire, she came out unscathed.<br />
Harnakash decided to use her as another tool. The plan was made out<br />
that she being the aunt ofchild Prehlad would take him in her lap and<br />
take her position in a particular place. Then she would be put ablaze.<br />
Prehlad, the devout of God, shall be burnt alive and Holika would<br />
come out quite unhurt.<br />
The plan was put to action. But the result was quite just the<br />
opposite. Holika was burnt but Prehlad came out quite safe. Some say<br />
that the boon was there, but it was to work and worked only when she<br />
was quite alone. Ifand when she was there with anyone else, the boon<br />
would not work. Some hold the opinion that there was a head - gear or<br />
a particular piece of cloth (Dupatta) that was to be worn by her<br />
invariably to save herself from the fire. She was wearing the cloth at<br />
the given time. But it so happened that with the will ofGod, the piece<br />
ofcloth with the current ofair just changed its position. It deprived the<br />
protection to Holika, but it came over the head of PrehIad, who was<br />
saved. When people came to know about the wicked trick, they came<br />
out openly in favour ofPrehiad and took away the ashes ofHolika and<br />
spread the same as dust in the area.<br />
From that day onwards people are celebrating Holi in the said way<br />
in a joyous mood. It is often taken as a victory ofgood deeds over bad<br />
ones or those of Ram Bhagats - God-fearing people over atheists or<br />
self-egoistic persons. But the way it was or even now, is being<br />
celebrated at several places brought in some evil practices too.<br />
Throwing ofmud and paint, soil or ash, water colours ofdifferent types<br />
upon one another, when being drunk to the full, generate different<br />
types of crimes in society. There is no observance of sense of sex<br />
discipline. There are abuses all around. Sometimes even brutal and<br />
murderous attacks are made to settle scores with anyone on the pretext<br />
or under the funs and guise ofHoli.<br />
Guru Gobind Singh Sahib, the great visionary, when observed the<br />
ill practices all around and wastage of human energy in meaningless<br />
10 / The <strong>Sikhism</strong> - <strong>Culture</strong>, History & Religion
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