Holi
Holi holds special significance in Hinduism. This festival is celebrated every year on the full moon day (Purnima) of the month of Phalguna. One day before Holi, Holika Dahan is observed, which is also known as Chhoti Holi. On this day, Holika is worshipped and a sacred bonfire is lit after sunset. The next day is celebrated as the festival of colors, known as Holi.
When is Holi Celebrated?
According to the Hindu calendar, the Phalguna Purnima tithi will begin on March 2 at 5:55 PM and will end on March 3 at 5:07 PM. Based on Panchang calculations, Holika Dahan will be observed on March 3, and Holi will be celebrated the following day, on March 4.
The Festival of Holi
Holi is also celebrated as a symbol of the arrival of the spring season. In different parts of India, Holi is celebrated in various unique ways.
In the Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh, Rang Panchami is celebrated on the fifth day after Holi, often with even greater enthusiasm than the main festival. In the Braj region, Holi is celebrated with grand festivities.
Barsana’s Lathmar Holi is very famous. In Mathura and Vrindavan, Holi celebrations continue for nearly 15 days. In Maharashtra, Rang Panchami is celebrated by playing with dry colors (gulal). In Haryana, the festival is also known as Dhulandi or Durandi.
In Maharashtra, playing with dry gulal on Rang Panchami is a tradition. Holi is the biggest festival for the tribal communities of South Gujarat. In Chhattisgarh, folk songs are especially popular during Holi, and in the Melvanchal region, the festival is celebrated as Baguria.
Rules and Traditions of Holi
Before playing with colors or abeer (colored powder), it should first be offered to God. Performing rituals as per tradition is considered auspicious. It is also believed that performing Abhishek (ritual bathing) of the Shivling with the ashes of Holika Dahan brings शुभ results. After that, you may celebrate Holi with colors of your choice. The festival promotes love, harmony, and affection among people.
How Did the Tradition of Playing Holi with Colors Begin?
According to mythological beliefs, the tradition of playing Holi with colors is associated with Lord Krishna and Radha Rani. It is said that Lord Krishna first started the tradition of playing Holi with his friends (gopas). This is why Holi continues to be celebrated in a grand and joyful manner even today.
In the Braj region, Holi is played in many different forms such as Laddu Holi, Phoolon Ki Holi (Holi with flowers), Lathmar Holi, and Rang-Abeer Holi. Here, the celebrations begin several days before the main festival.
There is also a story behind the tradition of playing Holi with flowers. According to history and legend, Lord Krishna had a dark complexion, while Radha Rani was very fair. When Krishna complained about this difference to his mother Yashoda, she laughed it off. But when he continued to complain, she suggested that he apply any color he liked on Radha’s face. Mischievous Krishna loved the idea. Along with his friends, he prepared many flowers and went to Barsana, where he playfully colored Radha and her friends. The people of Braj enjoyed this playful act, and from that day onward, the tradition of celebrating Holi with colors began.