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In a re-enactment of the fable of Holika Dahan, priests in Mathura walked through a fireball, as a mark of respect and devotion for Lord Vishnu's grace on His devotees.

A group of priests observe a one-month abstention from family life and put up at the temple in Phalen Village here. They perform a month long Yajna for the purity of souls and at the end of worship re-enact the Holika Dahan by walking through the fireball remembering the Lord Vishnu.

Legend has it once the demon King Hiranyakashyap, who was known for his hatred for Lord Vishnu, forbade his son Prahlad from worshipping Vishnu. But he refused to comply with his father's order against the love of Lord Vishnu and continued praying Him.

Furious over his son's disobedience, Hiranyakashyap challenged prince Prahalad to sit on a burning pyre with his wicked aunt Holika, who was believed to be immune to fire. He asked Prahalad to call his Lord to save him from burning.

Prahlad accepted the challenge and prayed to Vishnu to keep him safe. When the fire started, everyone looked with disbelief as it was Holika got burnt instead of the little boy. Prahlad survived without a scar to show for it.

Since that time the day is marked as "Holika Dahan" (or, the burning of Holika) and the following day is commemorated as Holi, the festival of colours.

The scene is re-enacted by priests at a function close to Prahlad Kund (pond) at Phalen Village about 16 kilometres from Kosi.

"We stay at Lord Prahlad's temple for a whole month, do not go back home, worshipping constantly through the period. We bathe in the same lake everyday. While performing the act we can see the image of a small child, Lord Prahlad, leading us through the flames. Without his guidance we cannot do it," said Balram Panda, a priest.

While a bonfire was lit on Saturday evening, people engaged in a riot of colours on Sunday morning. Devotees and pilgrims applauded the daredevil feat by priests.

"I think it is a mixture...of an unforgettable religious experience and a joy of being very much like people celebrate Holi in Vrindavan... I saw many people showing a lot of devotion and, on the other hand many, especially young people, children, enjoying the occasion to be naughty," said Sean, a foreign tourist.

Celebrated in the month of Phagun (February-March) according to the Hindu calendar, Holi is associated with the uninhibited expression of love and affection.

The festival of Holi brings together people from all classes and age groups who put colours on each other, distribute sweets and take out processions, dancing to tunes of drums in a mélange of colours. (ANI)

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