2024 Holi Date and Timings: Holi, also known as the ‘Festival of Colours,’ is Hindu’s one of the most vibrant and jubilant festivals, celebrated across India. Here is everything you need to know, from date, history, significance, and more.

Holi 2024 Date and Timings: One of the most vibrant and jubilant Hindu festivals, Holi, also widely known as the “Festival of Colours,” or Dol jatra” or “Basanta Utsav” in West Bengal, Assam, and Tripura, is a festival celebrated across the nation and Indians worldwide with great enthusiasm and joy.

Aligning with the full moon or Purnima in the evening of the Phalguna month in the Hindu calendar, Holi usually corresponds to late February or March in the Gregorian calendar, thereby marking the arrival of spring and the end of winter.

It’s a time for people to come together, forget grievances, and enjoy life’s colourful moments. As everyone awaits to celebrate Holi in 2024 with much zeal and enthusiasm, read on to discover the date, time, rituals, and the significance it holds in India.

Holi 2024 Date and Time: When is Holi?

According to the Hindu calendar, Holi is celebrated every year on the full moon day of the month of Falgun. This year, the momentous festival of Holi will be observed on Monday, March 25, 2024. While a day before Holi, which is celebrated as Holika Dahan or Choti Holi, will be marked on Sunday, March 24. According to Drik Panchang, the auspicious timings are as follows:

Holi 2024 History:

Hindu mythology serves as the inspiration for the vibrant and colourful festival of Holi. It is thought to derive from the story of Hiranyakashipu and Prahlad. It is said that Lord Vishnu saved his devoted disciple Prahlad from the nefarious plans of his father Hiranyakashyap. Holika, the sister of Hiranyakashyap, was given a boon that made her fireproof. She intended to use this power to murder Prahlad by tricking him into sitting on her lap while she sat in a raging fire.

Much to everyone’s surprise, the fire did not harm Prahlad, but devoured Holika, symbolising the triumph of good over evil celebrated on Holika Dahan, the first day of Holi. In certain regions, such as Mathura and Vrindavan, Holi is also observed as a celebration of the heavenly love shared by Lord Krishna and Radha.

How is Holi celebrated: Significance and Puja Vidhi

Holi is celebrated to mark the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil. The festival begins with Holika Dahan, a ritual bonfire on the eve of Holi. Signifying the burning away of evil spirits. The following day, in Holi, people engage in playing with colours, singing, and dancing, embodying the spirit of forgiveness, love, and joy.

The Puja Vidhi (ritual procedure) for Holi involves a few key practices. On the first day, individuals prepare for Holika Dahan by gathering wood and combustible materials to create a bonfire.

One needs to wrap the pyre of wood with a white thread, or Mauli (Kaccha Sut). Three or seven times around it and then worship it by sprinkling holy water, kumkum, and flowers onto it. Once the puja is complete, the pyre is lit symbolising the burning of ego, negativity, and evil from one’s life and invoking blessings for protection against evil and misfortune.

The next day, known as Dhuleti, is celebrated by smearing coloured powder (gulal) on each other using. Water guns and balloons filled with coloured water, symbolising the spreading of love and happiness.

During the Holi festival, people celebrate by enjoying traditional sweets such as gujiya and beverages like thandai. These delicious treats add to the festive atmosphere and bring the community together. Friends and family come together to celebrate and enjoy the playful spirit of the festival while indulging in sumptuous food. The occasion is marked by the use of colourful powders and water. And everyone has a great time revelling in the festive spirit.

Significance of Holi:

Holi has immense religious significance for Hindus. It is one of the most important events in the Hindu religion. During the Holi festival, Hindus rejoice with great joy and enthusiasm. This festival spans two consecutive days, beginning with Choti Holi followed by Dulhendi. Also known as Badi Holi or Rang wali Holi. On the eve of Choti Holi, Holika Dahan, a symbolic bonfire, is ceremoniously lit.

People build bonfires, worship the Holika and circle it seven times. Water and colours are used as payment on Dulhendi Day. They visit each other’s homes and put gulaal. Or bright colours, on their faces as they joyfully celebrate this vibrant festival. Along with sharing snacks and sweets, they also play music and enjoy the festivities with their loved ones.

Also Read: Holi Images

summary

Holi, also known as the Festival of Colors, is a vibrant Hindu festival celebrated across India. In 2024, Holi falls on Monday, March 25th, with Holika Dahan, the eve of Holi, on Sunday, March 24th. Holika Dahan rituals include lighting bonfires to symbolize the victory of good over evil. On Holi, people play with colors, sing, dance, and enjoy sweets like gujiya and beverages like thandai. The festival signifies the arrival of spring and fosters forgiveness, love, and joy. It has deep religious significance for Hindus, commemorating legends such as Prahlad’s triumph over Holika and the divine love of Radha and Krishna.