Holi 2024 is when? Accurate Date, Puja Schedule, Customs, Background, and Importance

Holi occupies a sacred corner within the souls of individuals throughout India and around the globe. It stands as one of the grandest celebrations on the Hindu calendar, following closely after Diwali. Recognized also as the Festival of Colors, Holi serves as a unifying force, drawing communities together in jubilant commemoration.

The revelries, particularly in the Braj regions such as Mathura, Vrindavan, and Gokul, are renowned for their distinctive customs. Conversely, the Lathmar Holi in Barsana, Uttar Pradesh, enjoys global recognition. The festivities commence with Holika Dahan, marked by the lighting of bonfires post-sunset. The subsequent day saw people engaging in vibrant displays of colour and water. As Holi 2024 approaches, it behooves one to acquaint oneself with the date, time, rituals, history, and significance this festival embodies in India.

Holi 2024 Date:
Each year, Holi falls on the full moon day of the Falgun month. In 2024, the festivities will grace us on Monday, March 25th. The eve of Holi, known as Holika Dahan or Choti Holi, shall be observed on Sunday, March 24th.

Holi 2024: Puja Timings:
According to Drik Panchang, the propitious period for Holi commences on March 24th at 09:54 AM, culminating at 12:29 PM the following day.

Holi 2024: Rituals

Adhering to rituals at their designated junctures is imperative to avert misfortune and affliction. The Holika Dahan rite transpires on the initial day of Holi, utilizing a stack of wood. Essential items for the puja encompass a vessel of water, cow dung, unbroken grains of rice, incense sticks, blossoms, raw cotton thread, turmeric fragments, moong beans, batasha, gulal powder, and a coconut. Threads of cotton are entwined around the wood, while the holy waters of the Ganga are ceremoniously sprinkled amidst the flowers. The edifice of Holika Dahan is then venerated, utilizing the aforementioned articles. Upon the culmination of the puja, the pyre is ignited, symbolizing the incineration of ego, negativity, and malevolence from one’s existence.

Holi 2024: History
The observance of Holika Puja holds profound significance, believed to dispel myriad apprehensions. Legend recounts the tale of Prahlad, an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu, who was shielded from the nefarious schemes of his father, Hiranyakashyap. Holika, the sister of Hiranyakashyap, impervious to flames, endeavored to exploit her powers to harm Prahlad. However, divine intervention by Lord Vishnu resulted in Holika’s demise amidst the conflagration. This triumph is commemorated on the inaugural day of Holi. In locales such as Mathura and Vrindavan, the festival also symbolizes the love shared between Lord Krishna and Radha.

Holi 2024: Significance
Celebrated amidst the vernal equinox in March, Holi epitomizes the conquest of righteousness over malevolence. During Holi, disparities are set aside as people congregate to revel in shared merriment. The festival unfolds through the exchange of vibrant hues and playful splashes of water. It serves as a time of gaiety, resonance of melodious tunes, as communities coalesce to honor the occasion.

Holi FAQs When is Holi?
Holi is observed on the full moon day of the Hindu lunar month Phalguna, typically occurring in February or March. In 2024, Holi will grace us on March 25th.

WHAT IS THE STORY BEHIND HOLI?
Two principal narratives elucidate the essence of Holi:

• Prahllad and Hiranyakashipu: This chronicle narrates the saga of a demon monarch, Hiranyakashipu, who demanded universal adulation. His progeny, Prahlad, remained steadfast in his devotion to the deity Vishnu. Holika, Hiranyakashipu’s sister, endeavored to immolate Prahlad, but found herself consumed by the flames instead. Holi commemorates the triumph of virtue over malevolence.
• Kamadeva and Shiva: In certain traditions, Holi is intertwined with the deity of love, Kamadeva, whose arrow awakens Shiva from deep meditation. This heralds the resurgence of spring and fecundity.

HOW IS HOLI CELEBRATED?
Holi is an exuberant and vibrant affair, characterized by several hallmark customs:

• Holika Dahan: The eve of Holi is marked by the kindling of a bonfire, symbolizing the immolation of Holika.
• Colorful Revelry: The principal day of Holi sees individuals engaging in spirited exchanges of coloured powders and water, emblematic of the festival’s jovial spirit and dissolution of societal barriers.
• Culinary Delights: Special confections and libations, like Thandai, are prepared and shared during the festivities.

4 Interesting Facts About Holi
Holi is observed as a public holiday in India and numerous other nations boasting a substantial Hindu populace. The pigments employed during Holi festivities are typically natural and pose no threat to skin or eyes. Donning old attire is advised, given the likelihood of staining. Holi signifies a time for absolution, relinquishing grudges, and heralding fresh beginnings.