Holika dahan with Dad...

My father used to take me out to watch Holika burning, which used to be an exciting event for me each year during childhood.

Remembered a conversation with him, probably 20-22 years back!

I: Why is that woman sitting there in the fire? Why doesn't she run away?

Dad: She wants to kill the small kid Prahlad, can you see him on her lap?

I: Where? That one, that doll there?

Dad: Yes.

I: Why does she want to kill him?

Dad: Because he prays to Vishnu and not his own father.

I: Who was his father?

Dad: The demon Hiranyakashyap.

I: Why would anyone pray to a demon?

Dad: Umm...

I: But she will also get burnt, isn't it?

Dad: No she has a power that she would not get burnt.

I: So she kills the kid?

Dad: No she gets burnt herself and the kid is saved since he prays to Vishnu.

I: But if the woman had powers why did she get burnt?

Dad: Ummm...because she was a bad woman.

I: Mom also prays everyday, will she not get burnt in fire?

Dad: (Laughing to himself) Ask her to try!