Holi, the festival of colours, will take place on March 14, this one of India’s most vibrant and joyous celebrations, marking the arrival of spring, renewal, and the triumph of good over evil. Holi is a Hindu spring festival celebrated in India and Nepal on the full-moon day of Phalguna (February–March). On this day, participants throw colored water and colored powders on one another, and the usual societal norms are set aside. Guru Gobind Singh – the last human guru of the Sikhs – modified Holi with a three-day Hola Mohalla extension festival of martial arts. The extension started the day after the Holi festival in Anandpur Sahib, where Sikh soldiers would train in mock battles, compete in horsemanship, athletics, archery and military exercises. [57] [58] [59] The second day of Holi is called Rangwali Holi, Dhulandi, Dhulandi, Phagwah or Badi Holi. This is the day when people apply colours to one another, party and enjoy. Children and youngsters play in groups with dry colours called abir or gulal, pichkaris (water guns), water balloons filled with coloured solutions and other creative things. You Holi 2025: History . Holi's origins trace back to ancient India. One of the most popular legends associated with the festival is the tale of Prahlada and his aunt Holika, a demoness. Dhulendi or Rangwali Holi (March 14, 2025): The primary day is the celebration day when people come together and play holi with Gulal, Sing and Dance, splash each other with water, and cover each Holi, widely known as the Hindu festival of colors, is a joyful annual celebration at the advent of spring with cultural and religious significance.. Typically observed in March in India, Nepal, other South Asian countries and across the diaspora, the festival celebrates love and signifies a time of rebirth and rejuvenation — a time to embrace the positive and let go of negative energy. Often referred to as the "Festival of Colors," Holi is a vibrant and joyous Hindu festival celebrated across India, and by Indian communities worldwide. It falls on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Phalguna, which usually falls in March in the Gregorian calendar, and marks the triumph of good over evil. In most places, Holi is celebrated for two days. The first day of Holi is known as Holika Dahan, Jalawali Holi, or Chhoti Holi; on this day, people worship Holika and burn her in fire, while the second day of Holi, known as Rangwali Holi or Dhulandi, is the festival of dry gulaal and watercolours, and is considered the main day of Holi. In India, where Holi is a national holiday, festivities traditionally begin with Holika Dahan the night before the main event. People light bonfires to honor the triumph of righteousness and sing Growing up in India, Holi was always a mix of excitement and unpredictability. I remember waking up to the smell of sweets frying in the kitchen, the sound of laughter outside and the thrill of knowing that by the end of the day, I would be covered head to toe in color. From its origins to its modern-day celebrations, let's dive into what makes Holi one of India's most cherished festivals. What is the Festival of Colour? In essence, Holi is the ultimate triumph of good over evil. Traditional Holi Celebrations in India. Holi is a two-day festival filled with devotion, fun, and colors!. 1. Holika Dahan (March 13, 2025) – The Bonfire Ritual. At night, bonfires are lit to symbolize the burning away of evil. People throw the famed, colored powder on Rangwali Holi, the second and most famous day of the festival. People prepare much earlier by purchasing the powder and kids excitedly practice their aim The first day of the celebrations is Holika Dahan, also known as Chhoti Holi or little Holi, and is when the religious rituals take place. The main event of Holika Dahan is a large bonfire where an effigy of Holika is burnt to symbolize the destruction of evil. Holi has to be grand in the birth town of Radha, and the two-day Rangotsav in Barsana and Mathura is a grand affair. Famed for their Holi festivities, every nook and corner of these towns get drenched in vibrant colors. Holi 2025: Holi, the festival of colors, is celebrated across India with various traditions and names. From bonfires in North India to artistic celebrations in the East, and musical festivities in Uttarakhand and Tamil Nadu, each region brings its unique touch. Delicious sweets like Gujiya and festive drinks like Thandai enhance the celebrations. Holi celebrations unite people across India, filling the air with excitement and vibrant colours. Each year, the festival is observed with immense enthusiasm and joy. What Is Choti Holi or Holika Dahan? The first day of Holi, called Choti Holi, is dedicated to Holika Dahan. A large bonfire is lit to signify the victory of good over evil, based Holi is a two-day festival that begins with Holika Dahan on the first day and Holi on the second day. Read on to know the date, timing and significance of the festival of colours. Holi celebrations take place over two days – Chhoti Holi, the day of Holika Dahan and Rangwali Holi, the day when people play with colours. Holika Dahan is the ritual bonfire that is lit up on
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