Holi Basics
What two things do people spray and throw on each other during Holi?
Colored water and rainbow-colored powder
Who was Prahlad's father?
Hiranyakashipu
Where was Bhagatji Maharaj born?
Mahuva
In what year were the Bhagwan Swaminarayan Bicentennial Celebrations held?
1981
Which Vachanamrut says Shriji Maharaj will protect those who keep firm faith in Him?
Vachanamrut Jetalpur 5
What does Holi symbolize?
The victory of good over evil
Which Bhagwan did Prahlad devotedly worship?
Vishnu Bhagwan
What were his parents' names?
Father: Govindbhai Darji Mother: Malubai Darji
What was happening in Gujarat during the Bicentennial Celebrations?
Student riots / fighting and looting in the city
In Vachanamrut Jetalpur 5, what extreme hardships does Shriji Maharaj say He will protect us through?
Extreme hardships, seven really bad problems happening one after another, and miseries from which there seems to be no way out
What is the Indian calendar name for the day Holi is celebrated?
Fagan Sud Chaudas
Why did Hiranyakashipu want to stop Prahlad from worshipping Vishnu Bhagwan?
Because of his ego — he wanted Prahlad to worship him instead
Why does he wear white?
Because he married already and you can't become a sadhu if you marry.
What was Pramukh Swami Maharaj's response when asked what he was doing to stop the riots?
"We have prayed for peace" / "We have faith that our prayers will work"
Which second Vachanamrut also talks about the importance of faith?
Vachanamrut Gadhada III-14
Besides being the first day of spring, whose birthday does BAPS also celebrate on Holi?
Brahmaswarup Bhagatji Maharaj
What was Holika's plan, and what was she supposed to wear?
She was supposed to sit in fire with Prahlad in her lap while wearing a mystical sari that would not burn
When did Bhagat Maharaj pass away?
Bhagatji Maharaj passed away on 7 November 1897.
What happened the very next day after Pramukh Swami Maharaj called for a mass prayer?
The months of tension ended — students and politicians reached a compromise and peace was reinstated
In Vachanamrut Gadhada III-14, whose quote from the Ramayan does Shriji Maharaj reference?
Ramchandraji
What do people burn on Holi, and what does it represent?
Statues of Holika — representing the maya in our lives, being burned away
Why did the plan against Prahlad fail, and what happened to Holika?
Holika wore the wrong garment due to Vishnu Bhagwan's wish and was burnt instead — Prahlad was saved because of his immense faith
When was Bhagatji Maharaj born?
March 20, 1829
On August 3, 2018, what did Mahant Swami Maharaj tell a haribhakta to do to solve his problem, and what key condition did he add?
Do 11 malas — with faith — then it will be resolved/cured
What does Ramchandraji compare his protection of the faithful to, as quoted in Vachanamrut Gadhada III-14?
A mother protecting her child