The celebration of Holi involves an evil king named Hiranyakaship. He had prohibited his son Prahlad from worshipping Lord Vishnu, but he continued to do offering prayers to the god. Hiranyakaship became angry with his son, Pralhad and challenged him to sit on a pyre with his wicked aunt Holika who was believed to be immune to fire. On the order of brother Hiranyakaship, Holika put herself and Prahlad on the fire. Prahlad accepted the challenge and prayed to Vishnu to keep him safe. When the fire started, everyone was stunned as they watched Holika burnt to death, while Prahlad survived without any scar. The burning of Holika is celebrated as Holi. It is said that Holika begged Prahlad for forgiveness before her death, and he announced that she would be remembered every year at Holi. .
Today, the first day of Holi is celebrated with a public bonfire in the evening remembering the burning of Holika. Traditionally, boys in the community spend the weeks prior to Holi collecting dried leaves and branches they can find for the bonfire. Usually, the bonfire is lit between 10 PM and midnight (at the rising of the moon), not generally in an orderly fashion. Everyone gathers in the street for the event, and the air rings with shouts, catcalls, curses and general mayhem
