In Hinduism, fire, or Agni, holds immense importance as a purifier, divine witness, and a medium for connecting with the divine, playing a crucial role in rituals, ceremonies, and symbolizing transformation and spiritual connection. While the Indian were celebrating the festival of colours "Holi" which begins after Holika dahan. Again the fire plats an important role in Holika dahan. During Holika Dahan, a bonfire is lit to commemorate the burning of the demoness Holika and the victory of good over evil, as depicted in the legend of Prahlad and Hiranyakashipu.
But this time around, we have no holi celebration. While peoole were settung up bonfire for holika dahan, we were busy in setting up funeral pyre for our deceased family member. The bitter truth in our culture.
Fire is revered as a divine witness and a powerful purifier, capable of cleansing both physical and spiritual impurities. Funeral pyres represents the soul's release and transition to the afterlife, often symbolizing purification and the cycle of life and death. Burning the body on a pyre is seen as a way to release the soul from its physical form, allowing it to embark on its spiritual journey. Fire represents transformation, both physical and spiritual, as it is believed to transform offerings into something sacred and to guide the soul towards liberation.
The upward movement of fire is seen as a symbol of ascension and the pursuit of knowledge and enlightenment. The presence of fire in rituals represents the divine light and energy that transforms and purifies. I took this pictures when other people were celebrating the holika dahan. There is no holi for us this year.
In good faith - Peace!!
