Year 5 have been learning about Hinduism and the festival of Holi.
Holi is a colourful Hindu festival which celebrates the coming of spring. One story connected to Holi is the legend of Prahlad and Holika.
Prahlad was the son of King Hiranyakashyapu. The king wanted everyone to worship him but his son, Prahlad, refused and worshipped Lord Vishnu instead.
The king was very angry and decided he would destroy Prahlad. He was helped by his sister Holika, who had magical powers and would not be harmed by fire.
Holika tricked her nephew Prahlad into sitting on her lap in a bonfire. She thought the bonfire would kill him, leaving her safe and sound .She was wrong. Because Holika was using her powers for evil and so the plan failed. Prahlad escaped from the fire unharmed, while his aunt was consumed by the flames.
For Hindus this story symbolises good overcoming evil. Bonfires are often lit at Holi to remember the story of Prahlad and Holika. In some parts of