Holi 2024: One of the most revered and jubilant festivals in India, Holi, is commemorated with vivid tints of rang (colors). Unity and affection transcending cultural and religious boundaries unite communities during the Holi celebrations, which transcend social strata and religious distinctions. The arrival of spring is emblematic of the victory of righteousness over malevolence; Holi transcends the concepts of kinship, unity, and affection.
List of Indian festivals and holidays for the year 2024
The English calendar designates February or March as the month during which the Holi festival occurs, which coincides with the conclusion of the Falgun (or Phalgun) Purnima, the final day of the full moon in the Hindu month of Falgun. Holika Dahan, which is observed on the eve of Holi, coincides with Falgun Purnima (Sunday, March 24, 2024). Holi is commemorated the following day, Chaitra Krishna Paksha Pratipada (Monday, March 25, 2024). Holi’s Muhurat coincides with the Tithi of Chaitra Krishna Paksha Pratipada. Falgun Purnima signifies the conclusion of winter according to the Hindu calendar, while the Krishna Paksha Pratipada of Chaitra is commemorated with the festival of Holi as the commencement of spring.
Holi is a festival that is celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm throughout the nation for two days. On Holika Dahan, a pyre is set ablaze to represent the incineration of the demon. The first day of the festivities, known as “Choti Holi” (Small Holi), celebrates good triumphing over evil through Holika. On the second day of Rangwali Holi, people exchange candy, dip and cover each other in colorful powder, and exchange Holi greetings.
There are 2 months and 28 days until the event.
Holika Dahan 2024 occurs on March 24, Sunday, and Holashtak 2024 begins on March 17, Sunday.
Timing of the 2024 Holi Tithi (Chaitra Krishna Pratipada):
Click here to learn the Panchang for Holi, as well as the Tithi (Lunar Day), Vara (Weekday), Nakshatra (Lunar Mansion), Karana (Half of Tithi), and Yoga (the auspicious or inauspicious combination of the Lunar Day and Nakshatra), in Hindi.
A limited number of anecdotes are thought to have contributed to the origin of the Holi festival.
According to the Bhagvata Puran and the Vishnu Puran, the esteemed King of Demons, Hiranyakashipu, forbade his son Prahlada from paying homage to Lord Vishnu. Nevertheless, despite the admonitions, Prahlada persisted in her fervent devotion and unrestrained allegiance to the deity. Subsequently, an enraged Hiranyakashipu subjected Prahlada to unbearable torment; he even attempted to murder his son. He taunted Prahlada from Ashtami to Purnima during Phalgun, but she was unharmed. The observance of these eight days is known as Holashtak.
Holika, the sister of Hiranyakashipu, was entrusted with the task of eliminating Prahlada. The fact that Holika would never suffer harm or burn to death was a blessing at birth. She coerced, reprimanded, and forcibly compelled Prahlada to rest on her lap while she burned, intending to murder him. However, once more, Lord Vishnu granted Prahlada protection in recognition of his unwavering devotion and faith. He emerged unscathed from the conflagration, whereas Holika, the malevolent entity, perished. The day following this is observed as Holika Dahan, and it is also known as Rangwali Holi or Holi.
As per an alternative legend, a youthful Krishna developed feelings of envy towards Radha’s skin tone. He inquired with Yashodha, his foster mother, as to why Radha had dark skin while he had pale skin. In reply, Yashoda requested him in jest to apply his preferred hues to Radha. Krishna was so ecstatic upon hearing this that he proceeded to daub different hues onto her face, thereby instigating the Holi festival.
According to an additional legend in the Shiv Puran, shortly after Sati was consumed by fire, Lord Shiva entered a trance of meditation. Later reincarnated as Goddess Parvati, she made a marriage proposal to Lord Shiva, but he disregarded her sentiments. As the Deity associated with sensuality and passion, Lord Kama Deva was therefore called upon to incite Lord Shiva’s ardor. During Phalgun Ashtami, to provoke Lord Shiva’s emotions, he directed floral projectiles at him, which disrupted his meditation. As a result of his ire, he directed his third eye towards Kama Deva, igniting him in flames. Rati, the spouse of Lord Kama Deva, beseeched and supplication to Lord Vishnu to resurrect her devotional husband. Due to the pity she elicited from Lord Shiva, he resurrected him from the remains. The day following this is known as the Holika Dahan festival, and it is observed as Holika Dahan.
Holi is diversely celebrated in different states across the country. Here are nine different traditions of Holi subjected to different states.
Sunrise | March 25, 12:00 AM |
Sunset | March 25, 6:36 PM |
Phalguna Shukla Paksha Purnima | March 24, 09:55 AM – March 25, 12:30 PM |
Holi honors the Hindu Lord Radha Krishna, who painted Radha’s bright skin. According to mythology, a young Krishna was envious of Radha’s skin and playfully painted her face, starting Holi.
Each color holds a special meaning.
The King of Demons, Hiranyakashipu, is often hailed as the evil king during the Holi festival. He impeded his son, Prahlada, from worshiping Lord Vishnu and even tried to kill him for that matter. Hiranyakashipu also entrusted his sister, Holika, to hurt and torture his son when he failed to do so himself.
Year | Date |
---|---|
2020 | Tuesday, 10th of March |
2021 | Monday, March 29th |
2022 | Friday, March 18th |
2024 | Monday, March 25th |
2025 | Friday, March 14th |
2026 | Wednesday, 4th of March |
2027 | Tuesday, March 23 |
2028 | Saturday, 11th of March |
2029 | Thursday, 1st of March |
2030 | Wednesday, 20th of March |
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