New Delhi: Rangbhari Ekadashi marks the beginning of Holi in Kashi. It is celebrated every year on the Ekadashi of Shukla Paksha of Phalgun month. This year, the festival will be observed on March 3. Baba Vishwanath and Mata Parvati are worshipped on this day. After this event, the festival of Holi begins. 


It is believed that on this Ekadashi day, Lord Shiva Shankar brought Mother Parvati to Kashi for the first time. Therefore, on this auspicious occasion, colours and gulal are offered to Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati. After the puja, Baba Vishwanath visits the city with Mother Gauri and there is a different enthusiasm in Kashi on this day. 


Rangbhari Ekadashi: Date And Time


According to Panchang, this year, the Ekadashi date of Shukla Paksha of Phalgun month will start at 02:06 am on Thursday, March 2 and will end on Friday, March 03, at 09:11 am. This year, Rangbhari Ekadashi is being celebrated on Friday, March 3.


Rangbhari Ekadashi: Puja Vidhi



  • On the day of Rangbhari Ekadashi, devotees take a bath in the morning and take a pledge of worship.

  • A vessel is filled with water from home and taken to the Shiva temple.

  • Abir, Gulal, Chandan and Belpatra are taken..

  • In the beginning, sandalwood is applied to the Shivling.

  • Then belpatra and water are offered.

  • After this, Abir and Gulal are offered.

  • Finally, Bholenath is worshipped to remove all troubles.


Why Is Rangbhari Ekadashi Celebrated?


According to the traditions, Lord Shiva got married to Goddess Parvati on Mahashivratri and stayed back at Parvati's maternal home for a few days. Two weeks later, on this day Mahadev brought her to his city Kashi for the first time after his marriage. Thus, the festival is celebrated to commemorate the reunion of Shiv and Shakti.


Since it was the first visit of Goddess Parvati, all the Gods joined in the celebration and showered flower petals and colours from heaven on the newly married couple. 


According to Kashi astrologer Swami Kanhaiya Maharaj, three fortunate events will occur on the day of Rangbhari Ekadashi this year. Sarvarth Siddhi Yoga, Saubhagya Yoga, and then Shobhan Yoga will start on this day.