Holi, the festival of colors, is a major festival in India. According to the Hindu calendar, it is celebrated on the full moon night of the Phalgun month. Holi is celebrated for 3 days in Northern India. Holi is the second biggest festival of Hindus after Diwali. According to beliefs, this festival started from Prahladpuri Temple, Pakistan. The word Holika is derived from the name of Prahlad’s aunt Holika.
Why is Holi celebrated?
Hiranyakashipu had prohibited the subjects from taking the name of God in his kingdom and had declared himself as the king. But Prahlad, the son of Hiranyakashipu, did not accept his father’s advice and dedicated himself to God. Hiranyakashipu’s sister Holika had a boon that she can never be burnt by fire. Hiranyakashipu issued an order that Holika would sit in the fire with Prahlad in her lap. But after sitting in the fire, Holika was consumed in the fire while Prahlad remained alive as he was chanting God’s name. This story is considered to be the basis behind celebrating the festival of Holi.
Holi in News
Holika Dahan [7 March 2023]
Holika Dahan has special significance in the festival of Holi. Holika Dahan is also known as ‘Chhoti Holi’, ‘Basant Purnima’ and ‘Phalgun Purnima’. Holika Dahan is known as ‘Dahan’ in South India. Holika Dahan is done after sunset. Holi is played with power colors and water colors on the next day of Holika Dahan.
Dhulandi [8 March 2023]
Dhulandi is celebrated on the next day of Holika Dahan. On this day, along with wet and dry colors,Holi is played with Pichkaris filled with water. Dhulandi is also known as Dhuleti.
Dooj [9 March 2023]
Dooj is celebrated on the second day of Dhulandi. Actually Holi is played for two days in Braj region. In the evening of the second day, people dress up well in new clothes and go to meet their relatives and friends. During this, it is also a custom to have sweets with your relatives and close friends.
‘Holi Milan’ started from this tradition. This day is also known as ‘Bhai Duj’, ‘Bhratri Dwitiya’ and ‘Duji’.
Braj Holi Dates 2023
- 27 February 2023 – Phag Invitational Festival – Nandgaon
- 27 February 2023 – Laddu Mar Holi, Barsana
- 28 February 2023 – Lathmar Holi, Barsana
- 01 March 2023 – Lathmar Holi, Nandgaon
- 01 March 2023 – Lathamar / Rang Holi – Village Rawal
- 03 March 2023 – Rangotsav, Cultural program, Sri Krishna’s birthplace
- 04 March 2023 – Chadiimar Holi, Gokul
- 07 March 2023 – Holika Dahan, Falain village
- 07 March 2023 – Dola of Dwarkadhish, Dwarkadhish Temple
- 09 March 2023 – Huranga of Dauji, Baldev
- 09 March 2023 – Huranga – Jav
- 09 March 2023 – Charkula dance / cultural program in village Mukhrai
- 10 March 2023 – Huranga – Village Bathen
- March 13, 2023 – Mahavan
- 13 March 2023 – Holi in Ranganathji temple on Rang Panchami
Rang Panchami [12 March 2023]
According to Hindu calendar,holi is celebrated on the fifth day of the Chaitra month. There are various reasons associated with different regions behind celebrating this festival. Also, this festival is celebrated in many ways. In the Braj region, Rang Panchami is celebrated as the culmination of the 5-day Holi programme. People in Indore like to celebrate this festival by painting themselves in the colors of the world famous ‘Ger’. A crowd of almost 15 crore people gathers to celebrate Holi this way. Whereas in Maharashtra, the festival is celebrated with great pomp and a special dish called ‘Puran Poli’ is prepared on Holi.
