"Holi" is a vibrant and colorful Hindu spring festival celebrated in India and other parts of the world. It usually observed place in March and marks the arrival of spring. The festival is known for its lively atmosphere, where people engage in playful activities, throw colored powders (Gulal) at each other, and celebrate the victory of good over evil. During Holi, people come together to enjoy music, dance, and festive foods. It's a time when social barriers are temporarily forgotten, and people from all social categories join in the joyous celebrations. The festival is also associated with various myths and legends, such as the story of Holika and Prahlad, which symbolizes the triumph of good over evil. Holi is not only celebrated in India but has gained popularity in many other parts of the world, where communities come together to embrace the spirit of unity and joy that the festival represents.
Holi Festival Date and Time (2024):
| Topic | Information |
| Festival Name | Holi |
Holi Dahan
| 24 March, Sunday (7:19 PM to 09:38 PM)
|
| Date | 25 March, Monday |
| Purnima Tithi Muhurat Starts | 9:55 AM on 24th March |
| Purnima Tithi Muhurat Ends | 12:30 PM on 25th March
|
| Meaning of Holi | Festival of colors , Love & Spring |
| Significance | Celebrates the internal love between Radha and Lord Krishna |
| Observance | Festival of colors |
| Duration | 2 Days |
| Rituals | Praying around a burnfire after subset, singing, dancing |
| Cultural Significance | It is the festival day to end and rid onself of past errors to end conflicts by meeting other, a day to forget and forgive |
| Moon Phase | Full Moon |
What is Holi?
Holi is one of the most popular festival of india. Holi is called the festival of colours. This festival is celebrated on full moon day in the month of Phalgun according to Hindu calendar. Holi is a two day ancient Hindu religious festival. The first day is known as Holika Dahan or Choti Holi. On this day Lord Vishnu saved his great devotee Prahlad from Holika and Hiranyakashyap. People burn the effigy of Holika or their old belongings in the fire and celebrate. Holi by singing and dancing around it on this day. The next day is called rangwali, holi, Dhulandi, Phagwah, Dhuleti etc. on this happy day people play with colours, meet and greet one another and create new beginnings. Children are very happy and they run around splashing water colours using water guns. Holi gives us a message of love, unity and togetherness. It brings harmony and happiness in the country.
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When is Holi Festival Celebrated
Holi Festival is celebrated on the last full moon day of the lunar month of (Phalgun), Which is generally around the end of March. The exact date of Holi may vary from Year to year.
Significance of Holi Festival:
- Colors and Symbolism: The vibrant colors used during Holi are said to represent the various views of spring and the joy of life.It also symbolizes the unity in diversity, as people of all backgrounds come together to celebrate.
- Traditions and Rituals: Before the festival begins, people clean their homes and surroundings, and on the day of Holi, they wear old clothes to avoid staining their regular attire.
- Water Balloons and Pichkaries: Along with colored powders, water balloons and water guns (pichkaris) are commonly used during Holi, making the celebration even more playful and wet.
- Folk Songs and Dance: Traditional folk songs, known as "Holi songs" or "Holi geet," are sung during the festivities.
- Social Harmony: Holi is a time when social norms are relaxed, and people from all backgrounds come together, transcending caste, creed, and social status.
- Community Celebrations: Many communities organize public events and parades, bringing people together for larger celebrations.
Overall, Holi is a festival celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy in India. It holds immense cultural and social significance. The festival marks the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil. People come together to play with colours, dance, sing, and enjoy delicious food. Holi is also a time to mend broken relationships, forgive and forget and start anew. It promotes unity, happiness, and spreading love and positivity. It’s a time to let go of inhibitions and celebrate the beauty of life. Holi truly brings people closer and fills their hearts with joy.
The Story of Holi
Similar to Diwali, Holi celebrates a Hindu god. There are different stories of Holi, its history and how it began. One revolves around Holika and Prince Prahlad, and the other around Krishna.
Holi gets its name from Holika, the sister of the demon king Hiranyakashyap. The ancient story of Holi states that Lord Vishnu, a Hindu god, killed the demon king's younger brother. Hiranyakashyap wanted to avenge his brother's death but also take Vishnu’s power over heaven and the underworld. And, believing he’d become invincible he convinced the people to abandon their gods and pray to him. But Hiranyakashyap’s son Prahlad stayed true to Vishnu Furious, Hiranyakashyap planned to kill Prahlad with the help of Holika who was too immune to fire. So, Holika started a fire and held Prahlad whilst sitting on the fire. However, Prahlad survived and Holika burned and died, and the demon king was defeated by Vishnu.
So, originates in being a celebration of good triumphing over evil. People still re-enact this story on Holi festival beings to keep away evil spirits.
Another story of Holi is about Krishna and his love for Radha as a young boy, Krishna’s skin became dark blue after being poisoned by the demoness, Putana. He was worried that because of this, Radha wouldn’t love him. Krishna’s mother suggested he playfully smear brightly coloured powder on Radha’s face. Radha fell in love with Krishna and the two were married. Krishna was playful and mischievous, continuing to throw coloured water on people. And this is why the Holi festival is known as the festival of colours.
Best Way to Organic Holi 2024:
Some Common organic Holi color and their natural sources:
- Red: Obtained from hibiscus flowers, beetroot, or pomegranate.
- Yellow: Derived from turmeric powder or marigold flowers.
- Green: Made from henna (mehndi) or spinach leaves.
- Blue: Indigo powder or blue hibiscus petals can be used.
- Purple: A mix of beetroot and blueberry extracts.
- Orange: Created from saffron or orange peel .
Using organic Holi colors is not only gentle on the skin but also helps in promoting a more sustainable and eco-friendly celebration. It reduces the environmental impact associated with the disposal of synthetic colors, which often contain harmful chemicals. Additionally, organic colors are less likely to cause skin allergies or irritation, making them a healthier choice for everyone participating in the festivities.
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Best Places to Celebrate Holi in India
Holi, one of the most joyous festivals in India, brings a smile to a lot of faces. The festival of colour is also celebrated as a win of goodness over evil. It is the time to enjoy the experience of youthful flirtations and celebrate life with colours. Holi is undoubtedly a boisterous affair celebrated across India with great fervor and vivacity. However, if you want to experience the traditional Holi, then you must not miss the Holi in Vrindavan, Mathura or the Braj Bhumi.
Holi in Vrindavan, Mathura, Barsana and Delhi is witnessed every year by a number of people from all over the world. After all, it is an epic celebration. Although there is a fixed date for Holi, the celebration starts from Basant Panchami and continues beyond the day of Holi (Phalgun Purnima). To experience the best of Holi, we recommend you to arrive a few days before the actual Holi and stay beyond that date. And of course, it will be a field day for the photographers during Holi. There will be red, yellow, orange, pink etc colours all over.
Mathura
Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna, has significance because it is believed to be the place where the divine love between Radha and Krishna blossomed. The festival in Mathura lasts for several days, creating a lively and colorful atmosphere. Special features of Holi in Mathura are the events and rituals that take place in the days leading up to the main festival. A popular tradition is "Lathmar Holi", in which women playfully beat men with sticks, symbolizing the playful banter between Radha and Krishna. This event takes place in the cities of Barsana and Nandgaon, where gaming between men and women becomes a form of entertainment.The main day of Holi in Mathura is celebrated as 'Phoolon Wali Holi' or 'Holi with flowers' where participants throw beautiful flowers at each other. The fragrance of flowers filled the air, creating a beautiful and happy image. Pedestrians and tourists gather on the streets to join in the festivities which include singing, dancing with the traditional 'dhol' (drum). Another important event is "Holika Dahan", during which bonfires are lit to symbolize the victory of good over evil. People gather around the fire to pray and ask for blessings for the coming year. The atmosphere during Holi in Mathura is filled with laughter, music and the joy of unity and love.
Overall, the Holi celebration in Mathura is a unique and a rich cultural experience, combining religious traditions with the colorful colors of joy and fun. It welcomes guests from all over the world who come to immerse themselves in the culture of the old city during the colorful season.
Vrindavan
Vrindavan, the holy city in India associated with Lord Krishna, is known for its celebrity and joy. Holi, known as the Festival of Colors, symbolizes the victory of good over evil and the coming of spring. In Vrindavan, Holi is celebrated with extraordinary grace and fervor. Usually the celebration starts a few days before the main day of Holi. Pilgrims and tourists from all over the world gather in this holy city to experience a unique and beautiful festival.
One of the highlights of Vrindavan Holi is the use of organic colors made from flowers and herbs. The air creates a riot of color as people happily throw this dust at each other. The whole city turns into a kaleidoscope of shadows, creating a beautiful and lively atmosphere. The festival in Vrindavan also includes special prayers, performances and musical rituals. Temples, especially the Banke Bihari Temple and the ISKCON Temple, organize major events and ceremonies that enhance the mood of the festival. Devotees and guests relax to enjoy the atmosphere, dance to traditional Holi songs and enjoy local food. It is important to remember that celebrating Holi in Vrindavan is not only a visual experience but also a spiritual experience. The association of Lord Krishna and Radha adds a divine touch to the festival. Pilgrims frequently visit temples and participate in rituals that are an important part of Vrindavan's Holi celebrations.
Overall, experiencing Holi in Vrindavan is a unique and memorable journey into the heart of Indian culture.
Barsana:
Barsana is a town in Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh, India, famous for its unique and interesting Holi called "Lathmar Holi". This tradition is unique in its colorful and delicious traditions that attracts visitors from different parts of the country and all over the world.
During the Barsana Holi celebration, local women, dressed in traditional attire, gather in large numbers at the Radha Rani Temple. Men from the nearby village of Nandgaon, where Lord Krishna grew up, visit Barsana to play Holi with women. What makes this festival special is the use of lathis by the women of Barsana.The women playfully grabbed the men and men run to protect themselves. The entire event is filled with laughter, music and vibrant colors of Holi. The interaction between men and women makes huge fun, creating a unique and memorable experience for all participants and spectators.This ancient tradition is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology, especially in the stories of Lord Krishna and Radha. Lathmar Holi in Barsana is a cultural event that showcases the rich heritage and culture of the region, a must-attend event for those who love to experience the diversity of Indian festivals.
Delhi:
Holi, the festival of colors, is celebrated with great gaiety and joy in Delhi, India. The vibrant city embraces the spirit of Holi, bringing people of all ages and places to celebrate a colorful and lively festival.
The celebration in Delhi usually begins with Holika Dahan, a bonfire lit on the eve of Holi to signify the victory of good over evil. On Holi, people go to public places, streets and parks to play with colored powder and water balloons. The air fills with laughter, music and loud "Holi Hai" (It's Holi ) as friends and family come together to celebrate. Various cultural events and Holi parties are organized in Delhi, including live music, dance and traditional programs. Some communities even organize community events, encouraging everyone to participate in the celebration. It is common to see people bathed in vibrant colors, exchange sweets and spread messages of love and unity. Holi in Delhi is not only a festival of colors but also an opportunity to strengthen relationships, heal relationships and celebrate the arrival of spring with joy and enthusiasm.
In conclusion, Holi festival is a vibrant and exuberant festival celebrated across India, signifies the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil. It is a time when people from all walks of life come together to play with colors, enjoy traditional sweets, and dance to the rhythm of festive music. The festival transcends social boundaries, promoting unity and reconciliation among friends and family. The colorful powder and water symbolize the breaking down of barriers, while the warmth of bonfires represents the victory of light over darkness. Ultimately, Holi is a joyous occasion that not only brings color to our lives but also strengthens the bonds of community and reminds us of the enduring power of love and togetherness.