Holi 2024, a vibrant Hindu festival cherished across the globe, holds profound significance in symbolizing the conquest of virtue over vice, tracing back to the legendary tale of Vishnu’s victory as Narasimha against Hiranyakashipu. Recognized as the festival of colors, love, and rejuvenation, it serves as a tribute to the divine connection shared between Radha and Krishna.
While its roots lie deep in the traditions of the Indian subcontinent, the infectious joy and merriment of Holi have traversed borders, captivating hearts in various parts of Asia and the Western world, courtesy of the widespread Indian diaspora. For those seeking clarity on the exact timing of Holi festivities, delve into this insightful article.
Holi 2024
Holi, a vibrant Hindu festival, is widely celebrated across India with great joy and excitement. Also called the Festival of Colours, it is known as ‘Dol jatra’ or ‘Basanta Utsav’ in West Bengal, Assam, and Tripura. Typically observed in late February or early March, Holi welcomes the arrival of spring and bids farewell to winter, aligning with the full moon or Purnima in the Hindu month of Phalguna.
It’s a time when people unite, setting aside their differences to revel in life’s joyful moments. As we anticipate the celebration of Holi in 2024, let’s explore whether it falls on March 24 or March 25 this year, along with its customs and significance in Indian culture.
Holi 2024 Date and Time
Holi, a vibrant festival celebrated annually, falls on the full moon day of the Falgun month in the Hindu calendar. This year, the joyous occasion of Holi will be on Monday, March 25, 2024. The day before Holi, known as Holika Dahan or Choti Holi, will be celebrated on Sunday, March 24. Here are the auspicious timings according to Drik Panchang:
| Holi 2024 Date and Time | ||
|---|---|---|
| Event | Date | Time |
| Purnima Tithi Begins | March 24, 2024 | 09:54 AM |
| Purnima Tithi Ends | March 25, 2024 | 12:29 PM |
When is Choti Holi 2024?
Holika Dahan, also known as Choti Holi, marks the beginning of the Holi festival. This year, it’s happening on March 24th.
When is Badi Holi 2024?
The festival of Holi, also known as Badi Holi or Dulhendi, will be celebrated on March 25, 2024, this year.
Holi 2024 Story
Several stories explain the origin of the Holi festival.
Story 1:
Long ago, in the ancient texts of Vishnu Puran and Bhagvata Puran, there lived a mighty demon king named Hiranyakashipu. He forbade his son Prahlada from worshipping Lord Vishnu, the god of protection and preservation. Despite his father’s threats and warnings, Prahlada’s devotion to Vishnu remained unwavering.
Hiranyakashipu’s rage knew no bounds. He subjected Prahlada to unspeakable tortures for eight days straight, hoping to break his spirit. Yet, Prahlada’s faith remained steadfast. Frustrated by his inability to harm his son, Hiranyakashipu devised a sinister plan. He called upon his sister, Holika, who possessed a boon making her immune to fire.
Holika cunningly convinced Prahlada to sit with her on a pyre, intending to burn him alive. But as the flames engulfed them, a divine intervention occurred. Miraculously, Prahlada emerged unscathed, while Holika met her demise in the fire. This event came to be known as Holika Dahan, celebrated as a victory of good over evil. The following day, people rejoiced in the triumph of Prahlada’s faith, marking the festival of Holi.
Story 2:
In another tale, set in the pastoral lands of Vrindavan, young Krishna, with his mischievous charm, questioned his mother Yashodha about the stark difference in skin color between himself and his beloved friend Radha. In response, Yashodha playfully suggested that Krishna apply colors to Radha’s face to make her complexion match his own.
Thrilled by the idea, Krishna, along with his friends, embarked on a playful spree of applying vibrant colors to Radha’s face and those of other villagers. This innocent act of Krishna marked the beginning of the colorful festivities of Holi, where people come together to celebrate the joy of love and friendship.
Story 3:
In the ancient scriptures of Shiv Puran, the divine drama unfolds amidst the celestial realms. Following the tragic death of his beloved wife Sati, Lord Shiva immersed himself in deep meditation, shunning the world and its affairs.
Goddess Parvati, reborn with a fervent desire to be his consort, sought to win his affection. Despite her relentless efforts, Shiva remained unmoved. Sensing her distress, the gods devised a plan. They called upon Lord Kama Deva, the deity of love and desire, to awaken Shiva’s dormant passions.
On the auspicious day of Phalgun Ashtami, Kama Deva shot his floral arrows at Shiva, disrupting his meditation. Enraged by this intrusion, Shiva unleashed his fiery gaze upon Kama Deva, reducing him to ashes. Yet, Kama Deva’s wife, Rati, pleaded with Lord Vishnu to restore her husband.
Moved by her devotion, Shiva revived Kama Deva, realizing the power of love and sacrifice. This divine episode, known as Holika Dahan, symbolizes the triumph of love’s resilience and is celebrated alongside the joyous festival of Holi.
Holi 2024 Puja Vidhi
On the first day of Holi, a celebration of victory over evil, people traditionally light a bonfire using wood. Items needed for the ceremony include cotton thread, coconut, colorful powders, rice grains, incense sticks, flowers, sweets, turmeric, and water.
During the ‘Holika Dahan’ ritual, cotton threads are wound around the wood pile several times. Then, Ganga water, flowers, and colorful powders are sprinkled on it. Afterwards, various items like a rosary, rice grains, sweets, turmeric, colorful powders, and coconut are used to offer prayers to the bonfire.
Holi 2024 Food Preparations
During the second day of Holi, folks whip up tasty treats like gujiyas, which are sweet dumplings stuffed with khoya, and thandai, a cool drink blended with nuts and spices. Alongside these, other yummy dishes are also made and shared with guests.
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| Holi in Braj 2024, Check Mathura-Vrindavan Holi Dates Here |
| Holi in Braj 2024, कब है मथुरा-वृंदावन की होली? यहां देखें |
Holi 2024 FAQs
Q.1. When is Holi 2024?
Ans. Holi 2024 falls on Monday, March 25th, with Holika Dahan celebrated on Sunday, March 24th.
Q.2. What is the significance of Holi?
Ans. Holi symbolizes the victory of good over evil, the arrival of spring, and celebrates love and friendship.
Q.3. What are the stories behind Holi’s origin?
Ans. Holi’s origin is traced back to tales like Prahlada’s victory over Hiranyakashipu, Krishna’s playful coloring of Radha, and Shiva’s resurrection of Kama Deva.
Q.4. How is Holi celebrated?
Ans. Holi is celebrated by lighting bonfires, playing with colors, exchanging sweets, and enjoying festive meals with loved ones.
Q.5. What traditional foods are prepared during Holi?
Ans. Traditional Holi foods include gujiyas (sweet dumplings), thandai (a spiced milk drink), and various other delicious dishes shared with guests.
