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Holi 2024: Date, History, Rituals, Puja Timings and Significance – Celebrate the Festival of Colors

Holi is one of the most popular and major religious festivals of Hindu religion but it is ceremonialize by the Jain, Budhhist and other religions as well. It is celebrated as the festival of Colours, Love and victory of good over evil. Holi commemorates the victory of Lord Vishnu in Narasimha Avatara over a demon named Hiranyakashipu. The origins of Holi celebrations are found in The Indian subcontinent and it is predominantly celebrated here after it was spread all around the world by the Indian people.  

Holi comes when the spring arrives and the winter finally ends. Everywhere in nature we can see beautiful blossoming flowers of different colours like nature is also celebrating the festival of colours. In some cultures Holi celebrations also signifies the Spring Harvest Season. It is celebrated for 2 days. On the Purnima (full moon) of the Hindu month Phalguna the celebration starts with the Holika Dahan or Chhoti Holi and the next day on Dhulandi, Holi is played with colours with full enthusiasm and fun. 

Holi 2024: Date and Puja Timings/ Muhurt

Holi is celebrated on the next day of  Purnima of Phalgun month when people play Holi with Gulaal (dry colours), flowers and water. While on the Purnima (the full moon day) bonfires are lit in every crossroad, colony, society and ground after the sunset. This year Holi will be played on Monday 25th March 2024, while Holika Dahan will be celebrated on Sunday 24th March 2024.  The Holika Dahan remarks the victory of good over evil, and it is said that it brings prosperity and happiness and destroys all negativity and diseases. 

Date: Holi on Monday, March 25, 2024

Holika Dahan on Sunday, March 24, 2024

Timings: Purnima Tithi Begins – 09:54 AM on Mar 24, 2024

Purnima Tithi Ends – 12:29 PM on Mar 25, 2024

The auspicious timing or Shubh Muhurt of Holika Dahan 2024 is from 11:13 pm to 12:27 am. 

Holi 2024: How to Play Rango Ki Holi or Dhulandi?

The next day of Purnima Dhulandi or khelne wali Holi is celebrated. On rango ki Holi people get ready to play the most fun festival of Hindu religion. People start the day with getting ready and all geared up with the precautions for the celebration. People make best Holi cousins at their homes like Gujia, Malpua, Dahi Bade Thandai, Puran Poli, Lassi, Papri Chat, Lassi, Kachori and what not. They put oil and moisturiser on their hair and skin so that the colour doesn’t harm them too much. After that they wear traditional or western white clothes so that the colours of Holi properly show on them. Now people go to each other’s houses to greet and exchange gifts. People smear colour on each other’s faces. They play Holi with water using buckets, water balloons and pichkaris. They go to temples, restaurants and other public places together to play holi and spread joy. Everywhere people can be seen with colourful faces and clothes. People drink special Holi drinks and some people take bhang too. They sing and dance in fun and enthusiasm. Everywhere laughter can be seen. Holi is a festival of unity and brotherhood. It gives the message to forget the hate and spread love. Holi is celebrated as a symbol of victory of goodness over evil and it celebrates the arrival of spring and newness in nature. Holi welcomes the rejuvenation of nature and its different colours. Nature also celebrates Holi in its way. Everywhere new leaves and flowers can be seen. Holi is a proper blend of spiritual, social, cultural and emotional growth and advancement. 

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Holi 2024: History and Legends

Indian culture is very ancient and rich in terms of festivals, events and rituals. It is believed that Holi was celebrated much before the Gupta Period. The festival of colours Holi is mentioned in the many scriptures of Sanatan Dharma like Kathaka-Grhya-Sutras, Jaimini’s Purva Mimamsa Sutra, Narada Purana and Bhavishya Purana. In the famous drama Ratnavali by King Harsha of 7th century Holikotsav is mentioned. There are many descriptions about Holi written in Dandin’s Dasakumara Charita and in the works of Adikavi Kalidasa of the 4th century. In the 17th century European traders and British colonial staff also mentioned about the cheerful and fun festival of Indians, Holi in various creations. Here some legends of Holi are mentioned:

Story of Holika Dahan 

Once there was a King Hiranyakashipu. He worshipped Lord Shiva and got the boon that he cannot be killed. Lord Shiva grants him the wish that he cannot be killed by any deity, God or Human, he cannot be killed inside or out the house, he cannot be killed at night or in day time. After getting this boon, Hiranyakashipu thought it was inevitable and he was filled with pride. He told everyone to worship only him, not Lord Vishnu or any other deity. His son Prahlad was a great devotee of lord Vishnu. His father asked him to not worship Lord Vishnu but he continued. Now Hiranyakashipu became so furious that he started to torture his own son Prahlad. He tried many times to kill Prahlad but he failed. One day he invited his sister Holika  to do something about it. Holika had a fireproof body. She sat in the pyre and took Prahalad in her lap. Prahlad kept chanting and soon Holika was burnt in the fire and Prahlad was saved. Later Lord Vishnu took Narsimha Avatara and killed Hiranyakashipu. That’s why Holi is celebrated as a triumph of good over evil. 

The Eternal Love of Radha-Krishna

This is a story of the love of Lord Krishna and Radha Rani. When Krishna used to live in Vrindavan he loved Radha. Krishna was insecure about his black-blue complexion while Radha’s skin was fair. His mother told him to colour radha in whichever colour he likes. Lord Krishna coloured Radha of his own colour to show his love. Radha already loved Krishna. Ever Since their love is celebrated on Holi with colours and happiness every year.

Symbolism of Colors in Indian Culture

• Red: The colour of love, passion and fertility.
• Orange: The colour of a new beginning and forgiveness
• Yellow: Represents happiness, peace, joy, meditation, knowledge and learning.
• Pink: Signifies kindness and compassion and positivity.
• Green: Represents nature, life and harvest.
• Blue: The colour of Lord Krishna’s complexion symbolises strength and spiritual growth.

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Holi 2024: Rituals and Procedures 

All festivals are associated with some rituals and ways to celebrate along with worshipping the Gods. Holi is a festival of colours, fun and enthusiasm. It also signifies removal of negativity and evil. During Holi we worship Lord Vishnu as he escaped his Devotee Prahlad from the atrocities of his demon father. Holi is not only about playing with colours and water there are so many rituals and ceremonies that are associated with the Holi celebrations. 

People start preparing for the Holi celebrations days before Holi. They collect wood for the bonfire. They make Holika and Prahlad Idol out of cow dung. They make necklaces for Holika Pyre with Upla (cow-dung cake). On the Holika Dahan day or Chhoti Holi people create Holika Pyre with the wood they collected on each crossroad of every city. They put their idols and other combustible material in the pyre. Here is a list of the items needed in the Holika Dahan Puja and some details about the Holika Sthapana and Puja procedure.

Holi Puja Items/Samagri

Every ritual and tradition has its unique way to perform. It is important to perform every ritual in the actual way otherwise Worship is not counted as complete successfully. To perform every ritual in its own way we should have everything that is needed. On Holika Dahan there are many things that need to be arranged. Here is a list of every important thing for Holika Dahan:

• A whole brown coconut 
• Akshat (unbroken rice)
• A Kalash full of water
• Agarbatti and Dhoop (Incense sticks)
• Deep (oil lamp – sesame/mustard oil, cotton wick, and brass or earthen lamp)
• Turmeric (Haldi)
• Cotton thread (Kalava)
• Cow dung cakes and toys, idols of Holika and Prahlad made of cow dung (Badkula)
• Kumkum (Vermillion)
• Flowers
• Logs of wood
• Moong daal
• Batasha or any other sweet
• Gulal
• Gangajal
• Dhoop
• Karpoor 
• Bell
• Homemade sweets and fruits
• Tulsi leaves and Sandalwood paste Chandan 

Holika Sthapana and Puja Vidhi

On the Purnima or full moon day of the month Phalguna a huge pyre is lit. It is said that it cleanses the environment and takes away all the negativity. People choose an appropriate location like a crossroad or a ground where usually the bone fire is lit. People clean the whole place with broomsticks and water. 

The crossroad where the Holi pyre is going to be set up is washed up with the Holi Ganga water. People set up a wooden pole in the middle and around it all garlands made up of cow dung and all idols are placed. Now on the top of the heap Prahlad and Holika idols are placed and all the heap is decorated with the shields, swords, moon, sun and Stars and other toys made of cow dung. 

When the pyre is lit the idol of Prahlad is removed from it and kept safe for worship.  Now one person lights the pyre and everyone gathers around the pyre to take the blessings and worship the lord. Everyone brings Puja Thali and ears of wheat which they ripe in the pyre. In the end people take the 7 time Parikrama of the Holika Pyre. They greet friends and family and eat sweets and dance with drums singing songs of Holi. 

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Holi 2024: Significance and Science Behind it

Every festival contains its own cultural, spiritual and social importance in the society. Holi as the festival of fun and liveliness encompasses its significance in Indian culture. Holi has its unique vibes which can melt down negative energies and bad feelings among people. People forget the bad things that happened in the past and enjoy this festival together. Holi helps to increase the strength of the relationships and security of society. 

It is believed that Pyre lit on Holi cleanses the surroundings and purifies the environment. It kills negative vibes and enhances joy and happiness. It is scientifically proven that Holi pyre kills the microscopic organisms present in the surroundings and in our bodies. When people do Parikrama around the pyre it purifies their bodies too. The enthusiasm and enjoyment of the Holi aids our minds and relaxes our boys’ systems. Holi played with natural colours leaves a good impact on the skin. Exfoliation after the Holi also leads to removal of dead skin cells and rejuvenates skin. That’s how Holi is not only a festival of plunder and fun but also holds great religious, social and spiritual significance along with scientific importance. 

Holi has its unique ways to celebrate in different regions. For example the famous Lathmar Holi of Barsana, and Flower Holi of Mathura, Vrindavan and Gokul are known worldwide for their uniqueness. Apart from it Holi also encourages good health and fortune as it ends the laziness of winter and rejuvenates the enthusiasm of spring. 

FAQs:-

1. When is Holi 2024 being celebrated?
   • Holi will be celebrated on Monday, March 25, 2024, with Holika Dahan on Sunday, March 24, 2024.
2. What is the significance of Holi in Hindu culture?
   • Holi celebrates the victory of good over evil and the arrival of spring, fostering unity and joy among people.
3. What is the legend behind Holika Dahan?
   • Holika Dahan commemorates the tale of Prahlad’s protection by Lord Vishnu, symbolizing the triumph of righteousness.
4. Who was King Hiranyakashipu in Holi mythology?
   • King Hiranyakashipu was a demon king who sought to be immortal but was ultimately defeated by Lord Vishnu in the form of Narasimha.
5. What is the significance of playing with colors during Holi?
   • Playing with colors during Holi represents the joyful spirit of spring and fosters camaraderie among people, breaking down social barriers.
6. Why is the bonfire lit during Holika Dahan?
   • The bonfire lit during Holika Dahan symbolizes the burning of evil and negativity, marking the victory of good over evil.
7. How is Holi celebrated in different regions of India?
   • Holi is celebrated uniquely across India, with traditions like Lathmar Holi in Barsana and Flower Holi in Mathura, Vrindavan, and Gokul.
8. What are the essential items needed for Holi puja?
   • Essential items for Holi puja include coconut, unbroken rice, water-filled kalash, incense sticks, oil lamp, turmeric, cow dung cakes, flowers, sweets, and fruits.
9. What is the procedure for Holika Sthapana and Puja Vidhi?
   • During Holika Sthapana, idols of Holika and Prahlad are placed on a decorated wooden pole, and a pyre is lit, followed by prayers, rituals, and circumambulation.
10. Why is Holi known as the festival of colors?
    • Holi is called the festival of colors because it involves playful splashing of vibrant colored powders and water, symbolizing joy and happiness.
11. Is Holi celebrated only by Hindus?
    • While Holi has Hindu origins, it is celebrated by people of various religions and cultures, emphasizing unity and festive spirit.
12. What is the spiritual significance of Holi?
    • Holi fosters spiritual renewal, encouraging people to let go of past grievances and embrace love, forgiveness, and positivity.
13. How does Holi mark the transition from winter to spring?
    • Holi signals the arrival of spring, celebrating the renewal of nature with blooming flowers and vibrant colors, signifying rejuvenation and growth.
14. Are there any specific foods associated with Holi celebrations?
    • Traditional Holi foods include gujiya, mathri, puran poli, thandai, and various sweets prepared with love and shared joyously among friends and family.
15. What is the scientific significance of Holi?
    • Holi marks the end of winter lethargy, encouraging outdoor activities and social interactions, promoting physical and mental well-being.
16. Are there any safety precautions to follow during Holi celebrations?
    • It’s essential to use natural, eco-friendly colors, stay hydrated, protect the eyes, and respect personal boundaries while playing Holi.
17. What role do community gatherings play in Holi festivities?
    • Community gatherings during Holi foster a sense of unity, solidarity, and shared joy, strengthening social bonds and cultural harmony.
18. Can people of all ages participate in Holi celebrations?
    • Yes, Holi is a festival for people of all ages, encouraging everyone to join in the colorful festivities and spread happiness.
19. How do people express affection and goodwill during Holi?
    • During Holi, people exchange greetings, gifts, and sweets, embrace each other with warmth, and engage in joyful singing and dancing.
20. What does Holi symbolize in terms of cultural heritage and tradition?
    • Holi symbolizes India’s rich cultural heritage, promoting inclusivity, diversity, and the timeless values of love, unity, and harmony.

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