Holi is celebrated in India as festival of colors, laughter and love. It is a major and famous festival of India, which is now celebrated all over the world. People light bonfire on this special day and celebrate the victory of devotee Prahalad’s devotion to Lord Vishnu. This day is considered a symbol of good over evil.
Happy Holi : Date & Time
This year, Holi will take place on March 25, 2024 Monday. Holika Dahan/ Choti Holi will be celebrated on 24th March, 2024 Sunday.
Holika Dahan Muhurta: 9:55 am to 11:13 pm
Tithi Timings-
Purnima Tithi Begins – 09:54 AM on March 24, 2024
Purnima Tithi Ends – 12:29 PM on March 25, 2024
Holi: History & Significance
Hindus celebrate Holi with immense happiness and enthusiasm over two consecutive days, starting with Choti Holi, followed by Dulhendi, also known as Badi Holi. The reason behind celebrating Holi is that this festival is celebrated in the memory of killing of Hiranyakashyap’s sister Holika.
According to the Puranas, in ancient times there was a demon named Hiranyakashup who was antagonist of Lord Vishnu but his son Prahalad was the biggest devotee of Lord Vishnu. Seeing his devotion, Hiranyakashyap was getting very angry. He wanted Prahalad to accept his power and worship instead of Vishnu.
He asked his sister Holika to kill Prahalad by burning him in fire, his sister Holika was blessed that she could not burn in fire. Holika agreed to her brother’s request and she sat down with Prahalad in her lap. He called for fire. Surprisingly, Holika got badly burnt in that fire while devotee Prahalad was saved cleanly without any single scratch.
This symbolize the victory of good over evil.