What is Holi and the story behind it?
Holi is a Hindu festival celebrated in India and other countries with significant Hindu populations. It is also known as the “festival of colors” or the “festival of love.” Holi is celebrated on the full moon day in the Hindu month of Phalguna, which falls in February or March.
The festival has various legends and beliefs behind it, but the most widely accepted one is the story of Holika and Prahlada. According to this legend, the demon king Hiranyakashipu was unable to kill his son Prahlada, who was a devotee of Lord Vishnu, through force or weapons. Hiranyakashipu’s sister Holika had a blessing that made her immune to fire, so she took Prahlada into a blazing fire, but she burned to death while Prahlada emerged unscathed. This is why Holi is celebrated with bonfires on the night before the main event.
Importance of the Holi festival
Holi is an important Hindu festival celebrated annually in India and other countries with a significant Hindu population. The festival marks the arrival of spring and is a celebration of good over evil. It is a time for people to come together, forget grudges, spread love and happiness, and enjoy feasting, dancing, and singing. Holi also signifies the victory of Lord Vishnu over the demon king Hiranyakashyap, as well as the triumph of Lord Krishna over the demoness Putana. The festival carries important cultural and spiritual significance and is a way for people to strengthen their bonds with family and friends.
Why is Holi celebrated?
Holi is celebrated for several reasons, including:
To mark the victory of good over evil: The festival is celebrated as a reminder of the victory of good over evil and the triumph of devotion to God. It is believed that by celebrating Holi, one can rid themselves of negative thoughts and actions and embrace a positive outlook.
To celebrate the arrival of spring: Holi falls in the Hindu month of Phalguna, which is associated with the arrival of spring and the end of winter. The festival is a celebration of the spring season and the new beginnings it brings.
To mark the beginning of the agricultural season: Holi is celebrated at the start of the agricultural season, and it is a time for farmers to pray for a good harvest and to celebrate the new crop.
To strengthen relationships: Holi is a time to strengthen relationships and forget past grudges. People visit friends and family, exchange sweets, and embrace each other in a show of love and unity.
To celebrate fertility and rejuvenation: Holi is seen as a festival of fertility and rejuvenation and is associated with the Hindu god Krishna and his consort Radha. It is believed that by celebrating Holi, one can attain renewal and a new lease on life.
Different Ways to Celebrate Holi
There are various ways to celebrate Holi, some of which include:
Throwing colored powder (gulal) and water on each other, symbolizes the coming together of people from different backgrounds and cultures.
Singing and dancing to traditional Holi songs and music, often accompanied by the playing of musical instruments like dhol and harmonium.
Preparing and sharing special Holi foods, such as gujiya, mathri, and dahi bhalla.
Participating in cultural events, such as Holi Mela, where people come together to enjoy performances, food stalls, and games.
Visiting temples and participating in prayers, offerings, and rituals, have a significant religious significance in Hinduism.
Spending time with friends and family, enjoying each other’s company, and forgetting any past grudges.
Participating in Holi-themed events, such as Holi run, Holi Hai, and Holi Cow, where people can enjoy sports and games while celebrating the festival.
Enjoying bonfires, known as Holika Dahan, signifies the burning of evil and represents the triumph of good over evil.
Important facts about Holi
Holi is a Hindu festival: Holi is one of the most important festivals in Hinduism and is celebrated by millions of Hindus worldwide.
Date of Holi: Holi is celebrated on the full moon day in the Hindu month of Phalguna, which falls in February or March.
Origin: Holi has a rich cultural and historical significance and is believed to have originated more than 2,000 years ago.
Celebration of spring: Holi is celebrated as a celebration of spring and the arrival of new beginnings. It is also associated with the victory of good over evil and the triumph of devotion to God.
Colors: Holi is known as the “festival of colors” and involves the throwing of colored powder and water on friends and family.
Holika Dahan: Holi begins with the lighting of bonfires on the night before the main event, known as Holika Dahan.
Music and dancing: Holi is a time for feasting, singing, and dancing, and is a celebration of life and joy.
A time for forgiveness: Holi is also a time for forgiveness and to let go of grudges and negative feelings.
Holi celebrated worldwide: Holi is celebrated not only in India, but also in other countries with significant Hindu populations, including Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Guyana.
Holi is also known as the “festival of love,” the “festival of colors,” and the “festival of spring.”
Holi 2023 Date in India
This year Holi is being celebrated on March 8, 2023. We celebrate Holi because according to its legend, there was a demon king named Hiranyakashyap in ancient times. He had started claiming himself to be God by being shattered in pride. Holika Dahan will be done 1 day before on March 7, which is also known as Chhoti Holi. There will be a holiday in all schools and government offices for Holi.
Holi 2023 Date and auspicious time
Falgun month full moon date will start: March 6, 2023 from 4.17 pm.
Falgun month full moon date will end: March 7 at 06:09.
Holika Dahan: On the evening of March 7, 2023, from 6:24 to 8:51
Holi of colors will be played on 8th March. This is the auspicious time, Holi 2023 Date in India has been fixed on March 8, 2023, and this year it will remain on March 8 only.