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Holi 2024: Date, Rituals and Why is Holi Celebrated?

Lifestyle Published on: 18 March, 2024, DesiBuzz
Holi: Festival of Colours
Holi: Festival of Colours

Holi, a lively and joyful festival cherished by Hindus worldwide, is approaching, bringing with it an explosion of colors, laughter, and unity. This year, Holi falls on March 25, signifying the onset of spring and the victory of good over evil. As we prepare to embrace the colorful spirit of Holi 2024, let's appreciate the essence of this beautiful festival while honoring its traditions and values. So mark your calendars, gather your loved ones, and prepare to immerse yourself in the joyous celebration of spring. Here's everything you need to know about Holi 2024, from its date to the puja timings.

Holi 2024: Date

Holi Celebration
Holi Celebration

Holi occurs on different dates each year, determined mainly by the Hindu lunisolar calendar. In 2024, this historic festival will be celebrated on Monday, March 25, while the preceding day, known as Holika Dahan or Choti Holi, falls on Sunday, March 24. It's a time to welcome spring, bid farewell to winter, and strengthen bonds of friendship and love by playing with colors.

Why is Holi Celebrated?

There are many answers to the question of why Holi is celebrated because Holi is associated with many different mythological stories. The first one is the story of devotee Prahlad.

Holika and Prahlada
Holika and Prahlada

According to mythological tales, devotee Prahlad was a great devotee of Lord Vishnu, although his father Hiranyakashyap did not like his son's devotion at all, and he became so negative about it that once he tried to kill Prahlad with the help of his sister Holika. But Holika had received a boon under which she had a garment, and if she wore it and sat on the fire, she would not be harmed by the fire. Wearing that same garment, she took Prahlad and sat in the fire. But Lord Vishnu performed a miracle in which nothing happened to Prahlad, and Holika burned to ashes in the fire. Based on this, it is believed that goodness triumphed over evil, and Holi is celebrated as a festival to celebrate this victory.

Story of Holi Related to Lord Shiva

Lord Shiva opened his third eye and turned Kamadeva to ashes
Lord Shiva opened his third eye and turned Kamadeva to ashes

According to religious tales, Mata Parvati was doing difficult penance to marry Lord Shiva. It is also said in the stories that the marriage of Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati's son was destined to kill the demon Tadkasur, so it was necessary for them to get married. During this time, Lord Indra and other deities entrusted Kamadeva to break Shiva's penance. And for this, they left flowers on them to break Shiva's penance, after which Shiva's penance was broken, and in anger, he opened his third eye and turned Kamadeva to ashes. After this, Kamadeva's wife Rati prayed to Lord Shiva to revive her husband, and Lord Shiva accepted her wish. After this, the marriage of Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati took place in which all the deities participated. It is said that it was the day of Falgun Purnima, and since then, we celebrate this day as Holi.

Story of Holi Related to Radha and Krishna

Radha and Shri Krishna Playing Holi
Radha and Shri Krishna Playing Holi

It is believed that in Braj, Uttar Pradesh, the festival of Holi is celebrated with great pomp and show in memory of the love of Lord Shri Krishna and Radha. Holi is so popular that people from all over the world travel to Mathura Vrindavan to watch it. According to a mythological story, Lord Krishna was unhappy with his blue color because Radha was very fair. In such a situation, Shri Krishna's mother had told him to color Radha's face with any color, so when Krishna colored Radha, they both became each other's and since then, people have started the tradition of playing with colors on Holi.

Holi 2024: Puja Timings and Rituals

The Holi festivities kick off with Holika Dahan, also known as Choti Holi, held on the evening of the full moon day in the Hindu month of Phalguna. During this ritual, bonfires are lit to symbolize the victory of good over evil and the removal of negative energies.

Holika Dahan
Holika Dahan

The following day is celebrated as Rangwali Holi or Dhulandi, where people come together to smear each other with vibrant colors, dance to traditional music, and indulge in festive treats. It's a time of joy and spreading happiness among friends, family, and communities.

Purnima Tithi Begins: 09:54 AM on March 24, 2024
Purnima Tithi Ends: 12:29 PM on March 25, 2024

Holi 2024: Safety Precautions

While Holi is a time for celebration, it's crucial to do so responsibly. Using natural and skin-friendly colors is recommended to prevent any adverse reactions. Additionally, respecting others' consent before applying colors and ensuring the safety and well-being of animals during the festivities are essential aspects of responsible celebration.

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