Full Information of Holika Dahan And Holi Festivals

Holi -:

Holi is an important season celebrated in spring in India and is a festival celebrated by Nepalis. It is a festival according to the Hindu calendar. It is celebrated on the full moon day of the month of Phalgun.

Holi is a festival of color and happiness. India has a huge famous festival that is celebrated all over the world today. This festival is traditionally celebrated as Varnotsav. It is celebrated for two days. Many other countries inhabited by Hindu minorities also grandly celebrate the festival. On the first day of the day, when Holika is lit, known as Holika Dahan, people throw colors at each other. Holi songs are sung to the beat of drums and people go from house to house. characters have been used. On Holi, it is believed that people forget their old bitterness embrace each other, and become friends again. The process of painting and singing to each other lasts until noon. After that, after bathing and relaxing and wearing new clothes, people go to meet each other in the evening, hug and eat sweets. It is also called Abir-Gulal and Dhulivandana.

This folk festival of passion and color also wishes you the best of spring. Melody, music, and colors are its main parts. But the nature that carried them to great heights is also at its peak during this colorful youth. It is also called Phalguni as it is celebrated in the month of Phalguni. The festival of Holi starts at Vasant Panchami. On the same day, roses were blown for the first time. From today, the singing of Fag and Dhamari starts. Mustard is blooming in the field. The garden has an attractive display of flowers. The trees, animals, birds, and people are all full of joy. The ears of wheat in the field begin to wave. All children and old people forget all hesitations and stereotypes. There are splashes of color all over. Gujhiya is the main dish of Holi made from Mawa (Khoya) flour and dried fruits. It is traditional to eat kanji on this day. On the evening of Holi, people dress in new clothes and go to each other’s houses for a Holi gathering, where they are welcomed with gujhiya and sharp cold. It is very important to eat mangoes mixed with sandalwood and mangoes on the day of Holi.

History -:

Holi is a very ancient holiday of India which was celebrated under the name Holi, Holika, or Holaka. As it is celebrated with great enthusiasm in the spring season, it is also called Basant Mahotsav and Kama Mahotsav.

Historians believe that the festival was also popular among the Aryans, but was mainly celebrated in Eastern India. The description of this festival is found in many ancient religious texts. Most prominent among them are the Purva Mimamsa Sutra and the Kathagrihya Sutra of Jaimini. This festival is mentioned in ancient manuscripts and Puranas like Narada Purana and Bhavishya Purana. It is also mentioned in an inscription dated 300 BC at Ramgarh in the Vindhya region. In Sanskrit literature, the spring season and the spring festival have become favorite themes of many poets.

The famous Muslim tourist Alberuni also described Holi in his historical travel memoirs. Many Muslim poets of India have mentioned in their works that Holi is celebrated not only by Hindus but also by Muslims. The most authentic historical images are from the Mughal period and the history of Holi from this period is interesting. Akbar playing Holi with Jodhabai and Noorjahan. A painting in the Alwar Museum depicts Jahangir playing Holi. During the reign of Shahjahan, there was a change in the Mughal-style Holi games. History shows that during the reign of Shahjahan, Holi was celebrated as Eid-Gulabi or Aab-e-Pashi. Holi is also described in detail in the Krishna Leelas described in medieval Hindi literature. Everyone knows about Bahadur Shah Zafar and that his ministers used to come to see him to apply colors on Holi.

Images of the festival can also be seen in ancient paintings, murals, and temple walls. Holi is depicted on a 16th-century easel found in Hampi, the capital of Vijayanagara. The painting shows the royal couple with maids painting Holi colors from pots and pans. Vasant Ragini is the subject of a 16th-century painting in Ahmednagar. The painting depicts a royal couple having fun in the garden. Many maids also keep busy dancing, singing, and playing with colors. They spray paint on each other with water guns. Vivid images of Holi can be seen in the frescoes and paintings of medieval Indian temples. For example, a 17th-century artwork from Mewar depicts the Maharana with his courtiers. The ruler gives gifts to some people, the dancers dance and in the middle of it all, there is a pool of colors. Bundy's miniature depicts the king seated on an ivory throne, with women placing roses on his cheeks.

Holi has its roots in Hindu mythology. Some people believe that Holi was originally a fertility festival celebrated to celebrate the arrival of spring. Others believe it was a way to celebrate the victory of good over evil. Whatever its origins, Holi is now a beloved tradition for Hindus around the world.

In many countries, the story of Hiranyakashipu and Holika is associated with the festival of Holi. Hiranyakashipu, the demon king of ancient India, helped his sister Holika kill her son Prahlad, who was a devotee of Vishnu. When Prahlad tried to cremate him, Holika sat with him in the coffin and wore clothes to protect him from the fire. However, after rescuing Prahlad with his clothes, Holika burns to death. Later that night, Vishnu managed to kill Hiranyakashipu, and the event was declared a victory of good over evil. The night before Holi, people in many parts of India light huge bonfires to celebrate the occasion.

History -:

There are many stories associated with Holi. There is also the story of Prahlad. It is believed that in ancient times there was an extremely powerful demon called Hiranyakshipu. Because of his pride in his power, he considered himself a god. He refused to take God's name into his kingdom.  Enraged by Prahlad's devotion to God, Hiranyakashipu gave him many severe punishments, but he did not leave the path of devotion to God. Hiranyakshipu's sister Holika had the quality of not being destroyed by fire. Hiranyakashipu made Holika sit on Prahlad's lap and ordered her to sit in the fire. Holika was burnt while sitting in the fire, but Prahlad was saved. On this day, Holi is lit in memory of the devotee of Lord Prahlad. Symbolically, Prahlad is also considered to mean happiness. Holika (wood), symbolizing enmity and oppression, burns, while Prahlad (happiness), symbolizing love and joy, remains untouched.

Main story of Holika Dahan -:

According to the main story of Holi, there lived a demon king named Hiranyakashipu in a city. He asked everyone to worship him, but his son Prahlad was a devotee of Lord Vishnu. When Hiranya Kashyap called the devotee Prahlad and asked him not to chant the name of Ram, Prahlad gave a clear answer - Baba! Only God is able. Only God can save us from any trouble. The man is not capable. If a devotee does sadhana and gets some power from God, then he is better than a common man, but he cannot be higher than God.

Hearing this, the arrogant Hiranyakashipu became red with anger and told his servants to take these soldiers out of sight and throw them among the snakes in the forest. He dies from a snake bite. This happened but Prahlad did not die because he was not bitten by the snake.

Apart from the story of Prahlad, this festival also celebrates the story of Dhundi Raksha, Radha Krishna Raas, and Kamadeva. Holi is also associated with rebirth. Some people believe that people celebrate Holi by painting, dancing, and singing. He had killed the demon called Rakshas and in this joy, the Gop-Gops performed Raasleela and played with colors. On this day Putana had prepared the stage for the marriage procession of Lord Krishna and Lord Shiva. Some people also believe that Shiva takes the form of Gana.

Tradition -:

Like Holi, its traditions are also very ancient and its form and purpose have changed over time. In ancient times, there was a tradition of worshiping Purnima by married women for family happiness and prosperity. In the Vedic period, this festival was called Navatrashti Yagya. At that time, it was common in society to donate half-cooked field food and take prasad during sacrifices. The food is said to be delicious, hence the name of the festival. According to Indian astrology, the new year is also considered to start from the day of Chaitra Shudi Pratipada. The month of Chaitra begins immediately after this festival. Therefore, this holiday symbolizes the beginning of the new year and the arrival of spring. The first man Manu was born on this day, hence it is called Manavadithi.

According to another story, Lord Vishnu worshiped Dhuli at the beginning of Tretayuga. That is why this festival of Holi is also celebrated as Dhulendi. Dhulendi is celebrated on the day after Holi in which people throw dust and mud on each other which is called a dust bath.

Holi's first task is to raise the flag or baton. He is buried in some public place or the backyard. Holika fire has gathered near this place. All these preparations start a few days before Holi. The first day of this festival is called Holika Dahan Day. On this day, Holi is lit at junctions and wherever wood is collected. It mainly consists of cow dung and wood cakes. In many countries, there is also a tradition of burning Bharbholiya on Holi. Bharbholi is a flatbread made from cow dung with a hole in the middle. A moon rosary is kept in this hole. There are seven heavy flowers in the crown. Before lighting the Holi fire, this garland is thrown seven times on the heads of the brothers. On the night of Holika Dahan, these garlands are burnt along with Holika. Along with Holi, the evil eyes of the brothers should also be burned. The puja begins. It serves homemade dishes. Holi is lit at the end of the day at an auspicious time determined by astrologers. The ears of wheat and the young crops were consumed by fire. It is also cooked. Holika Dahan symbolizes the end of all evil in society. It shows the victory of good over evil. People in villages sing and dance to Holi songs till late at night.

The next day of Holi is called Dhuli Vandana. On this day, people play with colors. Early in the morning, everyone goes to visit their friends and relatives. Everyone is welcomed with roses and colors. People forget feelings of jealousy and hatred and embrace each other with love and paint on each other. Colorfully dressed groups, dancing, and singing are seen everywhere on this day. Kids enjoy removing paint with a splash of water. The whole society comes together by filling the colors of Holi. After playing with colors, people take a bath by noon, dress in new clothes in the evening, and go to meet everyone. Preeti organizes banquets and singing programs.

On the day of Holi, various dishes (food) like khir, puri, and pura are prepared in the house. Many sweets are made on this occasion, among which guzzi has a very important place. Besan Sev and Dahi Vada are commonly prepared and eaten in every family living in Uttar Pradesh. Kanji, cannabis, and thandai are the special drinks of the festival. But very few people like it. The occasion is usually a holiday in government offices in northern Indian states, but as the occasion is so popular in southern India, there is no holiday in government institutions on this day.

Special Holidays:-

Holi in India is celebrated with variations in different regions. Braji-Holi is still a center of attraction throughout the country. The Lathmar Holi of Barsana is quite famous. It involves men painting women and beating them with cloth sticks and whips. Similarly, Holi was celebrated in Mathura and Vrindavan for 15 days. Classical music workshops have been organized by Goes Geet Baithi in Kumaon. It all starts a few days before Holi. In Dhulandi, Haryana, there is a tradition of torturing a sister by her father-in-law. In Bengal, Dol Jatra is celebrated as the birth anniversary of Lord Chaitanya. There is a procession and music is played. Besides, on Rang Panchami in Maharashtra, Shimgo in Goa plays dry gulal followed by a procession and organizes cultural programs, and in Punjab Hola Mohalla is a tradition of Sikh power display, Kaman Podigai spring festival in Tamil Nadu is mainly a story of Cupid on the. This is when Yaosang Yongsang in Manipur is the name of a small hut that is built on the banks of rivers or lakes in every town and village on full moon days. Holi is the biggest festival for the tribes of South Gujarat and Chhattisgarh. Holi has a wonderful tradition of folk songs and the form of Holi, Bhagoria, is celebrated in the tribal areas of Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh. Fagua in Bihar is a festival of fun and Holi in Nepal also reflects religious and cultural colours. I see. Similarly, migrants lived in various religious places and institutions like ISKCON in Vrindavan or the Banke Bihari Temple. There are different ways of decorating and celebrating Holi with many similarities and differences.

Modern Times -:

Holi is a colorful, joyful festival, but there are many forms of Holi. It has some modern forms - the use of chemical dyes instead of natural dyes, bad habit addiction instead of cannabis, and film songs instead of popular music, but with dholi, manji, phage, dharma, and chait thumri. It doesn't happen. On the day of Holi. Many people understand traditional music and are environmentally conscious. Such people and organizations maintain the tradition of playing Holi with sandalwood, rose water, colors made from these flowers, and natural colors and contribute significantly to its development. Many people are turning to natural dyes due to the side effects of chemical dyes. Released on Holi this year by international label Kenzoamur.

Music -:

Holi has special significance in Indian classical and semi-classical folk, film, and music traditions. Dhamar in classical music has a deep connection with Holi, the beauty of Holi songs in Dhrupad, Dhamar, Chhote Brih Vichar, and Thumri is also spectacular. Kanhaiya Ghari is very popular even today. Khelat Hari Sang Sakal, Rang Bhari Holi is a popular group sung on Sakhi Dhrupad. Indian classical music includes many ragas, especially Holi songs. There are many ragas like Basant, Bahar, and Hindol. Playing songs during Holi automatically creates an atmosphere and its colors start affecting people. There are many famous Holi songs in classical music like Chait, Dadra, and Thumri. The popularity of music on the occasion of Holi can be gauged from the fact that there is a particular genre of music called Holi, which is played in different provinces. Many types of descriptions are heard which hide the history and religious importance of this place. In Brajdham, Radha and Krishna are shown playing Holi, while in Awadh, Raghuveer plays Holi as Ram and Sita. When 'Navrang' Holi came, there was a shower of colors and people have not forgotten it even today. The paint has fallen off. The limestone is wet. The paint has fallen off. Holi songs based on various ragas are also popular in Indian cinema, which has become quite popular. Holi song 'Silsila' played by Digambar Khele Masane. Similarly, in the Holi song associated with Lord Shiva, Shiva describes playing Holi on the burning ground: 'Aaj rang hai ri man rang hai, apne mehboob ke ghar rang hai' is a definite character of the city.

Use of characters -:

In ancient times, people used to play Holi with sandalwood and gulal only. Changes have also been seen in these with time. Many people also use natural colors to avoid negative effects on the skin or eyes.

Holi 2024 - Date and Time Holika Dahan Muhurat Details -:

Holi, the festival of colors, marks the beginning of spring and the end of winter. This festival symbolizes the victory of good over evil. The colors and vibrancy of this festival represent different aspects of life. Festival of Colors 25 March 2024 - Monday. So start planning your celebration now, and stock up on colored powder and water guns.

In modern times, Holi has gained a new importance. Now is the time to come together and celebrate our diversity. This celebration reminds us that we are all different, but we are all united by our humanity. This is a time to come together celebrate our similarities and build bridges of understanding and respect.

Importance of Holika Dahan -:

It reminds the story of Prahlad, a devotee of Lord Vishnu, who was saved from being burnt alive by his evil uncle Holika. This festival is celebrated by lighting fires and people gather around it for prayers and singing devotional songs. Fire symbolizes good over evil and reminds us that truth and justice will always prevail. This year Holika Dahan will be celebrated on 24 March 2024. The auspicious time of puja starts at 6:24 pm and ends at 8:51 pm.

Holi celebration in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar -:

Holi is a much-awaited festival in the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. It is celebrated with grandeur and enthusiasm. This holiday marks the beginning of spring and is a time of joy and happiness. People of all ages participate in the festival. They wear white clothes and engage in entertainment like singing and dancing. The main attraction of the festival is color throwing. To celebrate this occasion people apply colors and pour water on each other.

No matter what your favorite food is, you'll find something to enjoy during Holi. So get ready to feast your eyes (and stomach!) on the most delicious and mouth-watering food ever. Some of the traditional dishes prepared for Holi in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh include Malpua, Dahi Vada, and Thandai. Malpua is a pancake-like dish made from flour, milk, and sugar. Deep fried, it is usually served with thick, sweetened rubberized milk. Dahi Vada is a fried snack made from lentil noodles soaked in curd.

Thandai is one of the most popular drinks served during this period. Thandai, a refreshing drink made with milk spices, and nuts, is considered the best way to cool down after playing Holi all day. Whether you are enjoying it with friends or family, the cool weather will make your Holi more enjoyable.

Top Holi Festivals in India in 2024 -:

With a variety of destinations, it can be difficult to decide where to spend your vacation. To help you decide, we have compiled a list of top destinations in India for Holi in 2024.

2024 Holi: Celebration in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh -:

Holi, the festival of colors, is celebrated with great enthusiasm all over India. But Mathura, the city where Lord Krishna was born, holds a special place in the hearts of Hindus. 

The temples of Mathura celebrate festivals grandly and organize colorful programs which attract many devotees. The Holi procession, which starts from Vishram Ghat and ends near Holi Dwar, is a popular afternoon event. Dwarkadhi temple is a major center of Holi celebration as a huge crowd of devotees gather here on the morning of the festival.

Vrindavan Holi Festival 2024 - Uttar Pradesh -:

Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan is the center of Holi celebrations in this city of Krishna love. The fun starts with Phool Barsana or Holi Holi, followed by Widow Holi and the real Holi, and finally the riot of colors a day before the festival, in which you will see people of all ages and genders bathing in different colors.

Holi Festival 2024 Udaipur, Rajasthan -:

Visit Udaipur to celebrate Holi 2024 in grand style! The Maharaja and his family are going to Udaipur for Holi. During Holika Dahan, a fire is lit ceremoniously in the courtyard of the palace. Residents perform traditional folk dances around the fire. From the palace where Lord Shambhu resides, the royal procession moves towards the royal residence at Maneka Chowk. Elephants, horses, and camels were decorated with flowers and gems. The royal entourage also accompanied the royal procession. Cocktails and dinners are now served at the palace. The festival concludes with spectacular fireworks.

Holi 2024 Celebration in Hampi, Karnataka -:

Holi is a popular and much-awaited festival in North India, where people come together to sing and dance around campfires, Hampi is known for its temple complexes and other ancient ruins, but during Holi, the city comes alive as people celebrate around bonfires. If you are looking for a unique place to celebrate Holi in 2024, then Hampi should be at the top of your list!

The next day, people have a colorful and festive feast. The beat of the drum fills the atmosphere, which further increases the enthusiasm of the festival. After enjoying the colorful parade, people join in to take a dip in the Tunga Bhadra River.

What is the actual date of Holi in 2024? -:

Holi 2024 When is Holi? Everything you need to know about it.

Holi 2024 is celebrated in India on Monday, March 24, the time of burning Holi. 2024 Holika Dahan Muhurat (auspicious time) is on March 24 from 7:19 PM to 9:38 PM. Colorful Holi is on 25th March.

Five Facts About Holi -:

How do Indians celebrate Holi? From its origins in Hindu mythology to a special drink flavored with fresh cannabis, here are some of the basics about Holi that have made it popular around the world.

1. Origin of Holi -:

 It is traditionally celebrated in the northern part of India but is now popular all over the country. Legend has it that a demon king – Hiranyakasipu – demanded that everyone worship him as a god. But his son Prahlad opposed him, which angered the king. Hiranyakasipu made a very bad plan to kill his son but failed miserably.

Finally, the king's sister Holika became a witch and decided to kill the boy as a mission. She is sitting with Prahlada in the great fire, his magical power will save her and the child will die. However, his plan also failed. The boy survived, while the witch was burned to ashes.

2. Traditional Holi Food -:

Every Holi in India serves special food that is cooked to celebrate the occasion. Homemade "Gujiya" is a sweet pastry mixed with nuts and raisins that is traditionally prepared by the women of the family the night before the holiday. Other traditional Holi dishes include "malpua" – fried sweet pancakes; stuffed bread, called 'kachori' - and the ubiquitous 'laddu', a sweet ball made of coconut, wheat, or gram flour.

3. Traditional Holi Beverages -:

Holi is incomplete without traditional cannabis and beverages made from fresh hemp leaves. A few days before Holi, cannabis enthusiasts join hands to complete the daunting task of separating the shoots and leaves from the cannabis plant and grinding them. The mixture is added to traditional desserts or mixed with sweetened almond milk for a special day.

4. Today is a day to celebrate -:

The evening festivities begin when the family lights a fire to symbolize the burning of Holika, who wanted to kill Prahlad. On Holi, celebrants eat traditional Indian breakfasts and celebrate with their families and friends.

5. Songs of Holi -:

Folk songs and Bollywood hit songs are based on Holi. Religious and festive dance music is often played from stereo speakers where people gather to play with colors and shades.

Over the past few decades, many songs, especially Bollywood numbers, have become synonymous with Holi. Perhaps the most popular voice associated with Holi songs is that of Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan. Rang Barse (It's Raining Colors in Hindi) is a quintessential Holi, full of drugs, dancing, and suggestive flirtation.

In Hindu mythology, Holi is named after Holika, the demonic sister of the evil King Hiranyakashyap.