Holipoda and Mendhapodi are two unique rituals that are associated with the Holi festival in Orissa. Holi festival in Orissa is more popularly known as Dola Purnima and starts on the Fagu Dasami day in the month of Phalguna (February – March). Holipoda and Mendhapodi are observed on the fourteenth day of the waxing phase of the moon in Phalgun month. ‘Holi Poda’ celebrates the burning of demon Holika. Mendhapodi celebrates the victory of Lord Krishna over Mesha. In Holipoda, a straw hut is set on fire symbolizing the victory of good over evil. Legend has it that Holika or Holi, the sister of demon King Hiranyakashipu, had got a boon that from Lord Shiva that she will not die by burning of drowning. Hiranyakashipu wanted all the people to worship him and he had failed in his attempts to kill his son, Prahlad, who was a devotee of Vishnu and only worshipped Vishnu and not Hiranya. Hiranyakashipu, who was aware of the power possessed by Holika, asked her to enter bla