Holi 2024: Holi is the festival of colors that captivates the hearts of millions of people across India and beyond. Holi symbolizes the victory of good over evil, the arrival of spring, and bringing happiness to life. This exuberant festival is a time for friends and family to come together, paint each other, and enjoy the feeling of unity and happiness.
Preparations for the two-day festival begin several weeks in advance, with streets adorned with vibrant decorations and markets crowded with buyers selling colored powder (gulal), water guns and sweets.
When will Holi 2024 be celebrated?
According to the Hindu calendar, the festival of Holi is celebrated at the end of the month of Phalgun. The first day of the festival, when bonfires are lit to signal the burning of the demon Holika, is held on the evening of the full moon.
The next day, when people play Holi, is Padwa or the first day of the Hindu month Chaitra.
The corresponding dates will be March 24 (Sunday) and 25 (Monday) in the Gregorian calendar. The first day is also known as Chhoti Holi.
Holi 2024 Date and Time
The auspicious time (or Muhurta) of Holi will be from 7.19 pm to 9.38 pm on March 24. The next day (25 March) people can play Holi by applying colors to friends and family members.
Traditional songs and rhythmic beats of drums set the mood and the festivities begin with the throwing of colours. Faces and clothes soon turn into a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors as revelers douse each other with gulal (colored powder) and water.
Last year, Holi was celebrated on Wednesday, March 8.
How to worship on Holi?
On the first day of Holi, a pile of wood is worshipped, which is burnt to symbolize the victory of good over evil. The following things are required to perform the puja: raw cotton thread, coconut, gulal powder, vermillion, akshat (rice grains), incense sticks and flowers, batasha (sweet made of powdered sugar), turmeric and a bowl of water.
For ‘Holika Dahan’ puja, raw cotton thread is tied around a wooden pile three or seven times. After this, along with flowers and vermillion, Ganga water is also sprinkled on it. The structure is then worshiped using garland, roli, akshat, batasha, turmeric, gulal and coconut.
How is Holi celebrated?
On the morning of Holi, the air is filled with excitement and laughter as people gather in open spaces, parks and streets to meet and greet friends and apply colors to them.
One of the main attractions of Holi is that it increases the feeling of harmony. On this day, social barriers melt away as people from all walks of life join in the festivities, embracing each other with warmth and affection. Strangers become friends and old grudges are forgiven amid laughter and fun.
The joy of Holi is not just beyond colors – it is also a time to enjoy delicious dishes. Gujiya, a sweet dumpling filled with khoya (a milk product), and thandai, a refreshing drink consisting of nuts and spices, are among the traditional dishes enjoyed during the festival.