Why are there bonfires the eve before Holi?

Holi is a special colorful day.  To read more about Holi, read this post.  The night before Holi day is also special.  It is called, “Chhoti Holi” or translated, “Small Holi.”  Bonfires are lit to burn away the evil; the bonfires may be referred to as “Holika Dahan.”

Holika, where the actual name of Holi comes from, was Prahlad’s sister. While Prahlad was praying to Lord Vishnu for protection from his father, Holika was also using her shawl to protect her brother.  In the end, the shawl only protected Prahlad and not Holika–she burned to death in a bonfire.  On the eve before Holi, these bonfires are burned to ward off evil.  Often times the bonfires are built up and an evil effigy is placed at top.  The bonfire is decorated with rings of plants and marigolds.  Before being lit, they are quite intricate and while lit very impressive.  Bonfires on the eve of Holi may be found in cities, towns, and villages throughout India.  To learn more about Holi, this site is very useful: http://www.holifestival.org/.