Why doesn’t the new daughter-in-law celebrate her first Holi at her in-laws’ house? Know the story and reasons behind the old tradition

The festival of Holi is full of colours, joy and happiness. On this occasion, children and old people shower colors on each other and get immersed in the colors of Holi. But after marriage, the new daughter-in-law is not allowed to play Holi in her in-laws’ house, rather she is asked to celebrate her first Holi by going to her maternal home. This old tradition is still followed in many homes. Have you ever wondered what is the reason behind this? Let us know the roots, mythology and social beliefs of this custom.

This tradition is not just a superstition, but is considered to be related to keeping family relationships strong and maintaining respect. There is an old story behind this ritual that has been going on for centuries, which still influences people.

Old story related to Holika Dahan

According to mythological beliefs, Holika sat in the fire wearing divine clothes to burn Prahlad. But as soon as the fire broke out, Prahlad started chanting the name of Hari. Due to the influence of this devotion, that cloth moved from Holika and came to Prahlad and Holika got burnt to ashes in it. Her marriage was fixed for the next day after Holika was burnt. The groom brought Iloji and mother-in-law with the wedding procession. The mother-in-law who came with the wedding procession saw the burning pyre of her daughter-in-law and could not bear the shock of her son’s world being destroyed. Mother-in-law sacrificed her life there. Since then, this belief has been going on that the new daughter-in-law should not see the first Holi burning of her in-laws house along with her mother-in-law.

Avoidance of sourness in mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationship

It is said that if the daughter-in-law celebrates her first Holi with her mother-in-law at her in-laws’ house, their relationship may turn sour. There is discord from the very beginning and fights start happening without any reason. That is why according to tradition, the daughter-in-law should celebrate her first Holi at her maternal home only, so that the relationship between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law remains harmonious.

Reason to avoid honor and embarrassment

Daughter-in-law’s first Holi is also associated with respect and honor. If the new daughter-in-law plays colors and mingles with her husband, other elders in the house may feel embarrassed. Therefore, the daughter-in-law is sent to her maternal home for Holi and the son-in-law is also asked to celebrate Holi at the in-laws’ house. In some places it is also believed that if Holi is the first major festival after marriage, then the daughter-in-law misses her maternal home a lot. In such a situation, sending him to his maternal home is a sensitive way. Even pregnant women celebrate their first Holi at their parents’ home.

Disclaimer: This is based on the beliefs of general society, JBT does not confirm it.