All You Need To Know About The Festival Of Colours

Holi is the festival of colours that celebrates goodness and spring's Arrival. This 2 day Holi celebration also marks the victory of good over evil. It signals the end of winter and welcomes the onset of spring, along with a promising harvest season. Celebrations start off on the evening of Purnima with Holika Dahan, which falls in the Hindu calendar month of Phalguna.
Here is all that you must know about this vibrant Festival of Colours.

Festival of Colours – Holi Celebrations 2024

The Indian festival of Holi, widely known as the Festival of Colors, is celebrated with great pomp and splendor every year. According to the Hindu calendar, Holi 2024 falls on Monday, March 25, 2024. People throughout the country commemorate this vibrant festival with immense fervour and excitement annually. Additionally, Holi is known by various names such as Dol Purnima, Rangwali Holi, Dhulandi, Dhuleti, Manjal Kuli, Yaosang, Ukuli, Jajiri, Shigmo, or Phagwah.

Holi 2024 Date in India

 To answer the famous question -  होली कब हैं? that is, when is Holi? In India, Holi 2024 is scheduled to be celebrated on Monday, March 25, 2024. Following the Hindu calendar, Holi is observed annually on the full moon day of the Falgun month. Specifically for 2024, the Festival of Colors, Holi, falls on Monday, March 25. Holika Dahan, a ritual performed before Holi, will take place one day prior on Sunday, March 24, 2024, also referred to as Chhoti Holi.

Holi 2024 falls on Monday, March 25. The preceding day, March 24, is dedicated to Holika Dahan. The auspicious time for Holika Dahan in 2024 is from 07:19 PM to 09:38 PM on March 24th. March 25th marks the celebration of Rangwali Holi.

Holi celebrations in India

On March 25, 2024, Holi, the vibrant and joyous festival of colours, will be celebrated with great enthusiasm. This two-day celebration signifies the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil. People from all walks of life come together to partake in the festivities, throwing coloured powders, singing, dancing, and indulging in delicious foods.

Holi holds significant religious importance for Hindus and is one of their most revered festivals. Celebrated over two days, the first day, known as Choti Holi, involves lighting bonfires and worshiping Holika. People perform rituals such as circumambulating the bonfire seven times before the ceremonial Holika Dahan at night.

The second day, called Dulhendi or Rang wali Holi, is when the real fun begins. People play with colors and water, visiting each other's homes to smear colored powders or Gulaal on each other's faces. They exchange sweets, snacks, and joyful music fills the air as they revel in the colorful festivities with their loved ones.

Holi 2024 – What is History and Significance

Holi, celebrated in the spring season, typically in March, is one of India's most vibrant and joyous festivals. Known as the "Festival of Love" and the "Festival of Colors," it brings people together to celebrate life's joys, transcending differences.

Its roots lie in ancient Hindu mythology, specifically the legend of Holika and Prahlad. Prahlad, a devout follower of Lord Vishnu, was saved from his father Hiranyakashyap's evil intentions by divine intervention. Holika, the sister of Hiranyakashyap, had a boon rendering her immune to fire. She attempted to kill Prahlad by sitting with him in a burning fire. However, Prahlad emerged unscathed while Holika perished, symbolising the victory of good over evil.

This triumph is commemorated on the first day of Holi, known as Holika Dahan, where bonfires are lit to signify the vanquishing of darkness by light. Holi is a time for rejoicing, where people unite, forgetting their differences, and revel in the spirit of love and camaraderie.

Holi is the festival of colours – Reasons why

Holi earns its title as the "Festival of Colors" due to a cherished tradition where people joyously throw brightly colored powder, known as "gulal," at each other. This spirited activity, known as "playing Holi," is a central ritual of the festival. The colors used during Holi are typically derived from natural materials like flowers and herbs, each imbued with symbolic meanings.

For instance, red symbolises love and fertility, while green signifies new beginnings and growth. These colors are believed to mirror the diverse emotions and moods expressed by people during the festival. Overall, Holi's vibrant and jubilant atmosphere, characterised by the playful exchange of colors, has rightfully earned it the moniker of the "Festival of Colors."

What is Lathmar holi?

The festival is rooted in a renowned Hindu legend, which recounts the playful antics of Lord Krishna, who hailed from Nandgaon village, visiting his beloved Radha's hometown of Barsana. According to the tale, Krishna teased Radha and her companions, prompting them to playfully retaliate by driving him out of Barsana.

In keeping with this legend, men from Nandgaon annually journey to Barsana, where they are met with a unique tradition. Women from Barsana playfully wield sticks, known as lathi, to fend off the advances of the men. While the men attempt to shield themselves, some may find themselves captured by the enthusiastic women. These captured men are then adorned in female attire and encouraged to dance in public.

These colorful festivities unfold at the expansive grounds of the Radha Rani temple in Barsana, believed to be the sole temple in the country dedicated to Radha.

The Lathmar Holi festivities span over a week, during which participants engage in joyful activities such as dancing, singing, and drenching each other in vibrant colors. Amidst the celebrations, there's also occasional indulgence in thandai, a traditional drink closely associated with the Holi festival.

Conclusion

Holi is much more than just a festival of colors; it's a celebration of love, unity, and the triumph of good over evil. From the playful throwing of colors to the rich cultural traditions and legends, Holi brings people together in a joyous spirit of camaraderie and festivity. As we immerse ourselves in the vibrant hues of Holi, let us also embrace its deeper significance of spreading happiness, forgiveness, and togetherness. May the spirit of Holi continue to inspire us to cherish life's joys and cultivate bonds of love and friendship with one another.