Holi is one of the most vibrant and colorful festivals celebrated in India. It is a festival that is celebrated with great enthusiasm and zeal throughout the country. The festival of Holi is also known as the festival of colors, and it is celebrated on the full moon day in the Hindu month of Phalguna, which falls between February and March.
Holi is a festival that has many legends associated with it. The most popular legend is the story of Prahlad and Holika. According to the legend, Prahlad was a devotee of Lord Vishnu, but his father, Hiranyakashipu, did not approve of his devotion. Hiranyakashipu tried to kill Prahlad many times, but he always escaped unharmed, thanks to the protection of Lord Vishnu. Hiranyakashipu then asked his sister, Holika, who had a boon that made her immune to fire, to sit with Prahlad at a bonfire. However, Holika’s boon failed, and she was burnt to ashes, while Prahlad emerged unscathed. This incident symbolizes the victory of good over evil.
The festival of Holi is celebrated by people of all ages, castes, and religions. On the day of Holi, people come together to smear each other with colors and exchange sweets and greetings. The air is filled with the sound of music, laughter, and joy. People also play with water and spray water on each other with water guns and water balloons. The streets are filled with people drenched in color, and the atmosphere is one of fun and frolic.
Apart from playing with colors, people also prepare special delicacies for the festival. One of the most popular delicacies is gujiya, a sweet pastry filled with khoya and dry fruits. Thandai, a drink made with milk, almonds, and spices, is also a popular Holi delicacy. Bhang, a drink made with cannabis leaves, is also consumed on the day of Holi, especially in North India.
Holi is a festival that brings people together and spreads joy and happiness. It is a time to forget all differences and come together to celebrate the spirit of love and unity. The festival of Holi is not just a celebration of colors, but also a celebration of life and all its colors.
Preparations for Holi usually start a few days in advance. People clean their homes and gather wood and other materials to build a bonfire on the eve of Holi, which is known as Holika Dahan. On the day of Holika Dahan, people light a bonfire and offer prayers to Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva.
On the day of Holi, people wake up early in the morning and apply colors to each other’s faces. They also offer prayers to Lord Krishna, who is associated with the festival of Holi. In some parts of India, people visit temples and offer flowers and sweets to the deities.
One of the unique features of Holi is the use of colors, which are made from natural ingredients like flowers, turmeric, and neem. People also use colored water and paint to play Holi. However, it is important to use safe and eco-friendly colors to avoid any harmful effects on the skin or the environment.
Another popular tradition during Holi is the breaking of the Matka, which is a pot filled with buttermilk or curd. A group of people forms a human pyramid to reach the Matka and break it. The person who breaks the Matka is considered to be lucky and is rewarded with a prize.
Holi is a festival that is celebrated not just in India, but also in other parts of the world. In recent years, Holi has become a popular cultural event in many countries, including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
Overall, Holi is a festival that celebrates the spirit of love, unity, and happiness. It is a time to forget all differences and come together to celebrate the colors of life. Holi is a festival that is enjoyed by people of all ages and is a great opportunity to spread joy and happiness in the community.
Holi 2023 Date: When is Holi and its shubh muhurat?
This year, Holi falls on March 8, and Holika Dahan falls on March 7. According to Drik Panchang, Purnima tithi begins at 04:17 pm on March 6 and ends at 06:09 pm on March 7. The Holika Dahan tithi will last from 06:24 pm to 08:51 pm on March 7. Additionally, the Bhadra Punchha will be from 12:43 am to 02:01 am, and the Bhadra Mukha is from 02:01 am to 04:11 am.