"Holi Hai!'' Listening to this, some of us will 'Rewynd' back to a time when colours weren't just shades of pixels for us but the essence of joy itself.
A time when every wall, every road, and every single person is a canvas, and we are free to paint it the way we like. The time of Holi and Dhuleti!
Picture this: every small village in India, every town, every city, buzzing with excitement as the full moon of Phalguna brightens the sky, signalling the arrival of Holi. With the laughter and playful shouts, there's an old tale being told. A tale of love, courage, and the triumph of good over evil, reminding us why we gather every year to splash colours, share sweets, and celebrate life's beautiful moments. So, grab your colours and let's dive into this vibrant story of Holi together.
What is Holi and Why Do People Celebrate It?
Holi is a Hindu festival that celebrates the beginning of spring, good harvests, and fertility. It's also known as the Festival of Colors, Love, and Spring.
Holi, or the 'festival of colours', symbolises the rich tapestry of Indian culture, celebrating the onset of spring, the victory of good over evil, and the enduring spirit of community. Rooted in ancient legends, like the story of Prahlad and Holika, Holi symbolises the triumph of faith and goodness.
It also celebrates the divine love of Radha and Krishna, showcasing the playful and delicate aspects of devotion. Beyond the mythology, Holi brings together people from all walks of life, dissolving social barriers in a shared experience of joy, forgiveness, and renewal.
This festival reflects the essence of Indian tradition, where life is a colourful mosaic of moments shared with loved ones, celebrated with enthusiasm and open hearts.
Holi 2024 date and time
In 2024, Holi will be celebrated with its usual pomp and grandeur, aligning with the full moon day (Purnima) in the Hindu month of Phalguna. The exact date and the auspicious time for Holika Dahan are determined by the Hindu lunar calendar, which represents the essence of tradition and astronomical significance.
Holi and Dhuleti will be observed on 24th March and 25th March respectively in 2024.
The auspicious time, or muhurat, for celebrating Holi falls between 7:19 PM and 9:38 PM on March 24. Following this, on March 25, people can joyously play Holi by sharing colours and spreading cheer amongst friends and family members.
The auspicious time (muhurat) of Holika Dahan is from 23.15.58 minutes to 24.23.27 minutes. That means the duration of Holika Dahan will last for 1 hour 7 minutes.
|
Fastival |
Date |
Timings |
|
Holika Dahan (Chhoti Holi) |
Sunday March 24, 2024 |
Start 07:19 PM 24th March (Evening) End 09:38 PM 24th March (Evening) |
|
Holi / Dhuleti |
Monday March 25, 2024 |
Start 12:24 AM 24th March (Mid Night) End 02:59 AM 25th March (Mid Night) |
What is Dhuleti (Rangwali Holi)?
“Dhuleti” is another term commonly used to refer to the celebration of Holi, particularly in regions of India like Gujarat and Maharashtra.
It usually occurs on the day after the main day of Holi (Badi Holi).
During Dhuleti, people come together to play with colours, spray coloured water (known as "abeer" or "gulal") on each other, dance to music, enjoy festive foods, and exchange greetings and sweets.
It's a vibrant and joyful occasion that symbolises the triumph of good over evil and the arrival of spring.
How is Holi celebrated in different parts of India?
Fundamentally, Holi is a festival that has a celebration spread across two days. The first day is Holika Dahan, which takes place in the evening. The following day is Dhuleti, where people play with colours, flowers, and water from the morning.
Holi is celebrated with distinct traditions across different regions of India, each adding its unique cultural flavour to the festivities:
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North India (Mathura and Vrindavan):
The birthplace of Lord Krishna, these cities observe Holi with exceptional zeal. The festivities here include the famous Lathmar Holi, where women playfully hit men with sticks, and the tradition is filled with singing and dancing.
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West India (Rajasthan and Gujarat):
In Rajasthan, royal processions and folk dances add to the Holi charm. Gujarat celebrates with the pot-breaking ritual, where men form human pyramids to reach and break pots of buttermilk.
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East India (West Bengal and Odisha):
In West Bengal, Holi, known as Dol Jatra, is celebrated with musical instruments, singing, and dancing. Idols of Radha and Krishna are placed on swings and worshipped.
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South India (Karnataka and Tamil Nadu):
While Holi is less prominent here, communities come together to celebrate with music, dance, and the exchange of sweets. The focus is more on religious aspects and temple rituals.
Where to celebrate Holi in India?
Holi can be celebrated in any household, community, residential setting, or hotel in India as it is a very widely celebrated festival, and you will find everyone celebrating it.
However, to get the true sense of the Holi & Dhuleti celebrations, you must consider some special regions that take the whole celebration to the next level.
In Delhi, the festival is a musical extravaganza marked by tilak-adorned foreheads and spontaneous street parties. Varanasi's sacred ambience is heightened with colourful powders and riverside festivities. Anandpur Sahib offers a spiritual experience with martial parades and devotional music. Jaipur dazzles with elephant parades and palace events, while Goa's Shigmo brings folklore to life through parades and art. Vrindavan and Mathura draw devotees with their religious fervour, temple rituals, and less crowded celebrations, truly showcasing India's diverse and rich festival culture.
Safety tips for Holi 2024:
Celebrating Holi safely enhances the joy of the festival. Here are some tips to ensure a safe and vibrant Holi:
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Use Natural Colours:
Opt for organic and natural colours that are skin-friendly and easy to wash off. Chemical colours can be harmful to the skin and hair.
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Protect Your Skin and Hair:
Apply oil on your skin and hair before playing Holi. This acts as a barrier and makes it easier to remove colours later.
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Wear Protective Clothing:
Long sleeves and pants can protect your skin from harsh colours and the sun.
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Keep Hydrated:
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, as Holi celebrations often mean being outdoors for extended periods.
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Eye Care:
Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from colours, and if colour gets into your eyes, rinse them with clean water immediately.
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Respect Consent:
Always ensure to play Holi with those who are willing to participate. Respect personal space and consent.
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Safe Eating:
Enjoy Holi delicacies, but be cautious about consuming anything offered by strangers.
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First Aid and Emergency Preparedness:
Keep a first aid kit handy for any accidental injuries and know the emergency contact numbers.
These safety measures will help everyone enjoy Holi while keeping health and well-being in mind.
Holi is more than just a festival; it's a day that brings hearts closer, mends broken bonds, and blankets the world in a spectrum of colours. It's a time when we can all let go of our inhibitions and truly revel in the joy of being together. So, this Holi, let's spread love, joy, and the vibrant colours of togetherness.
FAQs
1. When is Holi in 2024?
Holi will be celebrated on the 24th and 25th of March 2024, i.e. the full moon day of the Hindu month Phalguna.
2. Is Holi celebrated outside of India?
Yes, Holi is celebrated in many countries around the world, wherever there is a significant Indian diaspora.
3. What are the traditional foods prepared and enjoyed during Holi?
Traditional foods include gujiya, mathri, malpua, and thandai, among others.
4. What are the tasty dishes prepared for Holi?
Dishes like gujiya, dahi bhalla, chhole, and various sweets and savouries are prepared to mark the occasion.
5. What is the Timing of Holi celebration (Holika Dahan) 2024?
The auspicious time for Holika Dahan is from 11:15:58 PM to 12:23:27 AM. This means that the duration of Holika Dahan will last for 1 hour and 7 minutes.