Holi, commonly known as the Festival of Colors, is one of India's most important and famous festivals. There are plenty of options for fun and excitement because this huge event is held in numerous cities and rural places across India.
Holi is a Hindu celebration that commemorates the triumph of good over evil. It is linked to many legends, notably the Holika tale. Many Indians think that this festival demonstrates how Hindus' devotion can increase Lord Vishnu's power.
Lord Krishna, a reincarnation of Lord Vishnu, is also honoured at this festival. Holi marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring, in addition to its religious significance. Holi is also known as the Color Festival.
The holiday is officially commemorated on the full moon day of the month of Phalguna, however, in other parts of India, it is observed on alternative dates.
The date of Holi is governed by the Indian calendar and varies from year to year. It usually occurs in March in the Gregorian Calendar, but it can also happen in late February.
Holi 2023
Why is the festival important?
Holi is a Hindu festival that honours the Hindu god Krishna and the story of Holika and Prahlad. Hiranyakashipu was a wicked ruler.
He possessed unique abilities that rendered him practically unbeatable, and he desired to have everyone in his realm adore him.He became so strong that he began to act as if he were a god, punishing or killing everyone who disobeyed him.
Reason for celebrating or conducting the festival
Holi is a cheerful event that represents the vitality of spring with colours, crazy, and many other things. It is one of India's major festivals.
Every year, we commemorate the triumph of good over evil on this day, which falls in the month of Phalguna in early March.
How long is the festival conducted?
Holika Dahan and a day of throwing colours on each other are the highlights of the Holi festival, which normally lasts two days.
People of all ages come to the streets on Holi Day to smear dry or wet paint on one other and be showered in powdered colour and water.
Date of the festival
Holi is celebrated on the 12th Hindu calendar month of Falgun's last full moon day, or Purnima. The Holi Purnima tithi ('full moon lunar day') falls on March 06, 2023, from 04:17 PM till 06:09 PM on March 07, 2023.
History of Holi
According to the Bhagavata Purana, Monarch Hiranyakashipu, the king of evil Asuras who could not be killed by either man or beast, became haughty and demanded that everyone worship him as God.
The fable of Prahlad and the Demoness Holika inspired Holika Dahan (who is the namesake of the festival, Holi is derived from the name Holika).
Hiranyakashipu, the demon king, was granted five magical abilities of protection via penance, which he believed would combine to make him everlasting.
He forced his subjects to worship him as a deity, steadfast in his belief. However, his son Prahlad declined to do so, preferring to devote himself to the actual god Vishnu.
Hiranyakashipu tried to kill his son numerous times out of hatred but was always defeated by Vishnu. Hiranyakashipu plotted with his demon sister Holika to assassinate Prahlad during one of these assassination attempts.
Holika attempted to deceive Prahlada into burning to death on a pyre, but she was the one who was burned and murdered on the full moon night due to her evil intentions.
Significance of Holi
Only when the full moon is visible in the evening can the Holika Dahan rites begin. It is thought that burning a Holika effigy at any other time will bring bad luck.
However, the construction of the pyre for the Holika fire might begin weeks in advance. The ashes of the Holika bonfires are collected the next morning of Holika Dahan because they are regarded as very auspicious.
Throughout the day, the colour wars continue. Holi is a Hindu festival that celebrates love for the gods, family, and friends, regardless of age, caste, or gender.
People gather in temples and streets, equipped with coloured powders, water balloons, and water cannons, to participate in massive colour battles. The entire country will be immersed in the delight of colours on this day.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Why do we celebrate Holi 2022?
Holi is a cheerful event that represents the vitality of spring with colours, crazy, and many other things. It is one of India's major festivals. Every year, we commemorate the triumph of good over evil on this day, which falls in the month of Phalguna in early March.
Q2. How long is the Holi festival?
Holika Dahan and a day of throwing colours on each other are the highlights of the Holi festival, which normally lasts two days.
People of all ages come to the streets on Holi Day to smear dry or wet paint on one other and be showered in powdered colour and water.
Q3. What time does Holi?
Holi is observed in the Hindu calendar's 12th month, Phagun, which corresponds to February or March in the Gregorian calendar.