Holi Festival – Rejoice The Festival of Colors With Fervor
The festival of colors, Holi is celebrated for the victory of good over evil, by burning the lady demon “Holika”. It commemorates the firm devotion to Lord Vishnu, Hindu god of preservation. It became the “Festival of Colors” by Lord Krishna (a Lord Vishnu’s reincarnation), who used to play pranks on the girls of his village by drenching them in colors and water. The festival falls on the end of winter season and the arrival of spring harvest season.
The Celebration
It is celebrated in the month of March every year after the full moon. It takes plae a day before in Odisha and West Bengal. This year 2017, Holi is scheduled to fall on March 13th.
The festivities of Holi usually take place in all areas of the country. But it is celebrated with more enthusiasm in some areas than others in India. In Mathura and Vrindavan, Holi is celebrated in traditional style with more fervor and excitement than in other cities.
People spread the colors on the faces of each other, through colored water on each other, dance under the sprinklers and have parties all day. During the celebrations, Bhang (a drink made of a fruit from cannabis plants) is consumed traditionally during the celebrations. In major cities like Mumbai and Delhi, special Holi events are organized with rain dances, music and colors.
Rituals Performed
The significance of the rituals of Holi is based on burning of Holika. To mark this occasion, people burn Holika on a large bonfire on the eve before Holi. That day is known as “Holika Dahan” in India. Along with a special worship, people also dance and sing along the fire and walk around it for 3 times. Narada Purana is a Hindu text which describes the burning of Holika in detail.
The demon King Hiranya kashyap apparently told his sister, Holika to burn his son, Prahlad, as his son didn’t accept him as a god and followed Lord Vishnu instead. Holika, with Prahlad in her lap, sat in the burning fire. She was confident that she had blessing that fire couldn’t harm her. But the devotion of Prahlad towards Lord Vishnu protected him and Holika was burned alive.
What to Expect in Celebrations?
It is a very joyful festival which is fun to play with friends and family if you don’t have problem with getting dirty and wet. You will end up soaked with color, water all over the clothes and skin. Sometimes, colors don’t fade away for months. So, you should wear your old clothes. To keep your skin from absorbing the color, it is better to rub coconut oil or hair oil on your skin before playing Holi.
Safety Tips for Women
- Color and colored water may be thrown and rubbed on your mouth, face and ears. Be sure to protect your eyes and keep your mouth shut as much as you can.
- Holi sets everyone free to let loose and go beyond social norms, some males usually overreact and act disrespectfully. So, don’t go out alone in public places during this festival.
Holika Dahan and Holi Puja Timings
Holika Dahan Date is 12th March 2017 on Sunday
Holika Dahan Shubh Muhurat = 18:23 pm to 20:23 pm
Duration Time = 1 Hour 59 Mins
Bhadra Punchha = 04:11 am to 05:23 am
Bhadra Mukha = 05:23 to 07:23
Purnima date Begins = 20:23 pm on 11-March-2017
Purnima date Ends = 20:23 pm on 12-March-2017
Rangwali Holi on 13th, March Monday