English
Holi 2023: Holi is the most awaited and joyful festival of the spring season. The festival of colours or joy is celebrated in India and also, worldwide with full zest and enthusiasm. It is an ancient and one of the most popular Hindu festivals. It signifies the triumph of good over evil and celebrates the eternal love of Lord Krishna and Radha. This year it will be commemorated on 8th March on the full-moon day of Phalguna month of the Hindu calendar. Holi is not just celebrated in India, but also in other parts of the world where there is a significant Hindu population, such as Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Mauritius.
This year, India will celebrate Holi on Wednesday, 8th March 2023 and 7th March, Tuesday (Holika Dahan or Choti Holi). Holi is celebrated on the full moon day (Purnima) of the Hindu month of Phalguna, which falls in February or March according to the Gregorian calendar. The festival is celebrated for two days, with the first day known as Holika Dahan or Chhoti Holi and the second day as Rangwali Holi, Dhulandi, or Phagwah. As per Drik Panchang, the Purnima Tithi will begin at 4:17 PM on March 06 and end at 06:09 PM on March 07, 2023.
When – 8th March 2023
Holi 2023 Timing – Purnima Tithi will begin at 4:17 PM on March 06 and end at 06:09 PM on March 07, 2023.
The festival has its roots in Hindu mythology and is associated with the legend of Prahlad and Hiranyakashipu. Prahlad was a devotee of Lord Vishnu, but his father Hiranyakashipu was a demon who did not approve of his son’s devotion. Hiranyakashipu tried to kill Prahlad several times but failed, and eventually, his sister Holika helped him to trap Prahlad in a fire. However, with the grace of Lord Vishnu, Prahlad emerged unscathed while Holika was burned to death. Hence, the first day of Holi is celebrated as Holika Dahan, where a bonfire is lit to signify the victory of good over evil.
Ancient roots: The festival of Holi has its roots in ancient Hindu traditions and mythology. It is believed to have originated as a celebration of the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil.
Legend of Holika: One popular legend associated with Holi is the story of Holika, the sister of demon king Hiranyakashipu. According to the legend, Holika had a boon that made her immune to fire. She attempted to kill her nephew Prahlad, a devotee of Lord Vishnu, by sitting with him in a fire. However, the opposite happened and Prahlad was saved, while Holika was burned to death. This event is celebrated as Holika Dahan, which takes place the night before Holi.
The Love story of Radha and Krishna: Holi is also associated with the love story of Lord Krishna and Radha. According to the legend, Krishna was jealous of Radha’s fair complexion and would often playfully throw colored powder on her to make her complexion look like his. This is believed to be the origin of the tradition of throwing colored powder during Holi.
Social harmony and unity: Holi is also a festival that promotes social harmony and unity. It is a time when people come together, forget their differences and celebrate together. The colors used during Holi are believed to represent the diverse colors of life, and the importance of unity in diversity.
National festival of India: Holi is a national festival of India and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor across the country. It is a time when people of all ages, religions and communities come together to celebrate and spread joy.
The second day of Holi is celebrated by playing with colours and water. People smear each other with coloured powder, throw water balloons and spray coloured water on each other, and indulge in festive food and sweets. The festival is a symbol of joy, unity, and love, where people forget their differences and come together to celebrate.
Holi is a popular festival that celebrates love, happiness, spring and the festival of good over evil. It is all about playing with colours, exchanging delicacies, and dancing to musical beats. On this day, some would indulge in customary drinks like bhang (made from cannabis), which is intoxicating. Holi is an ancient Hindu religious festival and, in this day, and age, it is celebrated even by the non-Hindus and in many parts of India and the world. In recent years the festival has spread to parts of Europe and North America as a spring celebration of love, frolic, and colours.
For breaking news and live news updates, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Read more on Latest Festivals & Events News on India.com.
