Holi Date 2024: Holi, known as the Festival of Colours, is a vibrant and joyous celebration deeply rooted in Hindu tradition. Observed annually on the full moon day of the Falgun month, it marks the triumph of good over evil and the arrival of spring. The festivities commence with Holika Dahan, a ritual where a bonfire is lit to symbolise the burning of Holika, a demoness, and the victory of virtue. The following day is celebrated with enthusiasm as people engage in playing with colours, smearing each other with 'gulal' and revelling in the joyous atmosphere.
When Will Holi Be Celebrated In 2024?
According to the Hindu Panchang, the full moon of the Falgun month will begin on the morning of March 24 at 9:54 AM and conclude on March 25 at 12:29 PM.
Therefore, Holika Dahan will be observed on March 24, Sunday, and the auspicious time for this is from 11:13 PM to 12:27 AM. Following this, Holi will be played the next day, on March 25, Monday.
Holi Celebrations in Various Regions
Holi is celebrated to mark the arrival of the spring season. It is celebrated in different ways in various regions of India.
In the Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh, Rangpanchami is celebrated on the fifth day of Holi, which is played with even more enthusiasm than the main Holi, while in the Braj region Holi is celebrated with great fervor.
On the other hand, the Lathmar Holi in Barsana is very famous, while in Mathura and Vrindavan, Holi is a grand event lasting for 15 days.
In Maharashtra, Holi is played with dry colours on Rang Panchami and in Haryana, this festival is also known as Dhulandi.
Additionally, Holi is the biggest festival for the Adivasis (tribals) of South Gujarat, in Chhattisgarh, folk songs are prevalent on this day, and in Malwa, Bhagoria is celebrated.
How to perform Holika Dahan Puja
Holika Dahan, also known as Choti Holi, is a ritual observed on the night before the main Holi festival. This event holds significant cultural and religious importance in Hinduism and marks the victory of good over evil. The tradition involves the lighting of a bonfire, symbolising the burning of Holika, a demoness in Hindu mythology.
Preparations for Holika Dahan begin approximately a week before the festival. Idols of Holika and Bhakt Prahlad are made from cow dung for the Holika Puja. During the puja, items like rice, flowers, cotton, a garland of flowers, turmeric, moong (green gram), gulal, coconut, and sweets like batasha should be included. After the puja, circumambulation (parikrama) is performed around Holika.
The ashes from Holika Dahan are believed to bring good fortune, and the event serves as a prelude to the lively and colorful celebrations of Holi that follow the next day. Holika Dahan is not only a religious observance but also a cultural expression of hope, triumph, and the arrival of spring.