Holi, is a Hindu festival celebrated in the Spring Season and also known as the festival of colours. This festival is celebrated for acknowledging the victory of good over the evil. In addition to this, this festival is celebrated for welcoming the spring season and marks the end of the cold winter season. And also on this auspicious day, each and every person meet their relatives and neighbours, repair their broken relationship and celebrate the day with love.
This day is also celebrated for the good harvest and the evening before the actual celebration is known as Chhoti Holi or Holika Dahan. The next day is celebrated as Holi and also known as Rangwali Holi, Phagwah or Dhulandi. This special day is celebrated according to the Gregorian calendar and falls in the day between February and March.
Rituals and Celebrations of Holika Dahan 2018:
Holi is a Hindu festival of colours that has been celebrated from ancient times. However, in recent times, this celebration of colours has spread to other communities as well. This festival of colours is celebrated in many parts of Asia, Europe and North America. It is also celebrated by non-Hindu people, as well. Holi celebrations begin on the night before the actual day. On this day, Holika Dahan, people perform rituals in front of the bonfire and pray for the destruction of evil, inside all the people. On this special day, it is believed that the demon king, ‘Hiranyakashipu’, was killed by Lord Vishnu, when he was in his Narasimha avatar.
During this auspicious day, people irrespective of their status or caste or religion, play with the colours. All over the street, the fight with colours are organised and people used to play with water guns, water balloons, etc. Many youngsters carry drums all over the place and dance, sing with their instruments. During this day, people visit their friends, foes, relatives and throw colour powders over them. Later, they are served with Holi delicacies and drinks. The customary drinks of this season include ‘Bhang’. Holi is also considered as the festival of forgiveness.
Date, Puja Time and Muhurat of Holika Dahan 2018:
The date of Holi falls in the month of February or March, depending on the Gregorian calendar. It tends to change each and every year.
- Start Date: Thursday, March 1, 2018 (Holika Dahan)
- Holika Dahan Muhrat: 18:23 – 20:51
- Duration: 2 Hours 27 minutes
- Bhadra Punchha: 15:54 – 16:58
- Bhadra Mukha: 16:58 – 18:45
- End Date: March 2, 2018 (Rangwali Holi)