Just a few days from now, everyone’s favorite festival, Holi 2024, is approaching. But do you know the intriguing story behind it? Let’s find out. The festival of Holi is an ancient Hindu festival characterized by its cultural rituals, originating before the Gupta period. This festival of colors is mentioned in many scriptures, dating back to ancient times. It has been celebrated through the ages, retaining its significance and traditions. Holi 2024 is coming on March 25th this month.
Holi : Intresting fact
A symbolic story found in the seventh chapter of the Bhagavata Purana explains why Holi is celebrated as a celebration of Lord Vishnu’s and his devotee Prahlada’s devotion. Prahlada’s father, King Hiranyakashipu, ruled over wicked Asuras and had a boon that made Hiranyakashipu unbeatable. Hiranyakashipu could not be killed by any person or animal, during the day or at night, on land, in the water, or in the air, indoors or out, by projectiles or by hand-held weapons. Hiranyakashipu became arrogant, considering himself to be a god, and insisted on having everyone worship him alone. But Prahlada, Hiranyakashipus own son, was never hesitant in his adoration of Vishnu.
Hiranyakashipu became angered by this and punished Prahlada severely, yet nothing could break the boy’s faith. Prahlada’s evil aunt Holika persuaded him to sit with her in the fire, while she herself wore an enchanted cloak to protect herself from the flames, intending for Prahlada to burn while she remained unharmed. The cloak flew off Holika as the flames increased and covered Prahlada, rescuing him while Holika burned to the ground.
It was at dark, neither day nor night, that Vishnu, the god who takes on human form in Hindu mythology to preserve justice, manifested as Narasimha, a creature half human, half lion, neither human nor animal. With no regard to land, water, or air, he carried Hiranyakashipu across the threshold and set him down on his lap before killing him with his lion claws—a weapon that was neither carried by hand nor fired.
The celebration of Holi 2024 and the lighting of the Holika bonfire represent the victory of good over evil, symbolized by Prahlada’s victory over Hiranyakashipu and the flames that destroyed Holika.
holi 2024 : Holika Dahan
The night before Holi is called Holika Dahan, during which people gather around a burning bonfire. This ritual symbolizes the victory of good over evil and the destruction of the old to make way for the new. This tradition is derived from the story of Holika, who attempted to kill Prahlada by burning him in a blazing fire. Despite having a boon to remain unharmed by fire, Holika was reduced to ashes, while Prahlada remained unscathed.
Holi 2024 : Dhuleti
The Hindu holiday of Dhuleti Holi, which is celebrated with color, celebration, and happiness, takes on the day following the full moon day in the month of Phalgun (February or March). It is on Dhuleti that people play with the colors of Holi. The Holika Dahan, or bonfire lighting, takes place on the first day of the celebration.
The celebration has a strong connection to Lord Krishna. It is stated that Krishna played Holi with gopis when he was younger. The day after Holi is celebrated with colors, symbolizing the enduring love between Lord Krishna and Radha. Legend has it that Krishna, troubled by Radha’s fair complexion compared to his dark skin, was advised by his mother Yashoda to apply color on Radha’s face. This act resulted in a beautiful transformation of Radha’s complexion, exemplifying the power of love and the joy of celebrating differences.
Dhuleti, or Parva, is the following day. People play Holi with colors and visit the homes of friends, neighbors, and family. Gulal, a mixture of pink, magenta, red, yellow, and green colors, is a vital element of Dhuleti Holi.
Holi, a celebration of spring, showcases Mother Nature’s vibrant colors, once derived from medicinal herbs but now often replaced by synthetic powders. It serves as a bridge across social divides, uniting people of all backgrounds—employees and employers, men and women, rich and poor, young and old. Let’s celebrate Holi 2024 together and spread love and happiness. During Holi, societal norms loosen, giving way to joyful revelry and playful banter, often summed up by the phrase, “bura na mano, Holi hai”
holi 2024 : Food
People in different parts of India consume different kinds of food and drink, but the most popular dishes and beverages connected to Holi and Diwali are bhaang and thandai. These beverages have a relaxing effect. People from Maharashtra like Puran Poli. Shakarpara and gujjias, a sweet samosa stuffed with dry fruits, coconut, and mava that is fried and dipped in sugar syrup, are made by North Indians. Gujaratis prepare halva, basundi, kheer, and sweet khichidi. Anticipate that everyone will be enjoying the same food during Holi in 2024.
Different names of holi in different states
Lathmar Holi & Holi Milan – Uttar Pradesh
In the northern section of India, especially in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Delhi, Holi is a highly observed festival. People dance, sing, and throw colored powder at each other as they gather around the bonfires. The celebration symbolizes the victory of good over evil and marks the end of winter and the start of spring.
Rang Panchami – Maharashtra
Holi is known as Rang Panchami or Shimga in Maharashtra and other parts of Western India. Holika Dahan, a bonfire custom, kicks off the festivities, which are followed by Rang Panchami, a colorful celebration the next day that incorporates both wet and dry hues. The celebrations, which might go on for a week, promote a sense of community and happy companionship.
Holla Mohalla- Punjab
A day after Holi, Punjab celebrates Holi as “Holla Mohalla,” a celebration of the valor of Sikh warriors, especially the Nihang Sikhs. The celebrations honor the bravery and passion of the Sikh community with traditional martial arts performances, singing, and dancing.
Shigmo – Goa
Goa’s springtime celebration is known as Shigmo. Aside from the color-playing, it’s set up like a huge carnival with street dances and traditional folk melodies. Goa is a coastal state where fishing is the main industry. As such, boats used by fisherman are brightly painted with religious and mythological themes.
Baithaki Holi – Uttarakhand
In the Kumaon area of Uttarakhand, Kumaoni Holi is a celebration that takes place over several months in several towns. This celebration, which marks the beginning of the planting season for the farming community, is more of a musical event than one centered around colors like in the other states.
Phaguwa – Bihar
In Bihar, the native Bhojpuri dialect refers to Holi as Phaguwa. The festivities begin with Holika Dahan and continue the next day with the brilliant Holi celebrations featuring traditional music, folk songs, and powders of color.
Dol Jatra – West Bengal
Dol Jatra is observed the day following Holi. On this day, celebrants who sing and dance accompany a spectacular procession of Lord Krishna through the streets of Bengal. This is frequently followed by the custom of spreading celebratory colors on the faces of loved ones, friends, and occasionally even complete strangers!
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