This year, people across the world are preparing to celebrate Holi on March 7th.

People all over the world are getting ready to celebrate Holi, one of the most well-known Hindu festivals, as spring approaches. The festival also commemorates Lord Krishna and Radha’s heavenly love. It’s also a day to put aside old grudges and come together to celebrate love and friendship.

The traditional Holika Dahan is performed on the eve of Holi. This is a symbolic representation of the victory of good over evil, as Lord Vishnu is said to have saved his devotee Prahlada from the demon king Hiranyakashipu on this day.

People gather around the bonfire to pray for good wishes to come to them and their loved ones. The next day, people throw coloured powder and water at each other. Together, they sing and dance, and feast over delicious food drinking the traditional drink of the day called, ‘Thandai’ as part of the Holi celebrations.

Important dates and times for Holi 2024

Holi is celebrated in the first month of the Hindu lunisolar calendar, but the exact date is determined by the moon cycle. According to the Gregorian calendar, the date is usually in March, but it can also occur in late February.

Clearing the air, Holi will be celebrated on March 7 this year. Holika Dahan will be on March 6.

Holi celebrations begin on the evening of Purnima, or the full moon day, in the Hindu month of Phalguna, which corresponds to the middle of March. Holi is celebrated over 2 days in most parts of the country. The very first day of Holi is known as Jalanewali Holi, which refers to the completion of the Holi bonfire. Chhoti Holi and Holika Dahan are other names for it. Rangwali Holi is celebrated on the second day, when people play with coloured powder and water.

How do people celebrate Holi?

The colourful festival of Holi, arguably one of the most important events in the Hindu calendar, is celebrated with great fanfare throughout the country. The celebrations, also known as the ‘Festival of Colors,’ transcend geographical boundaries as Indians all over the world rejoice. In West Bengal, Assam, and Tripura, the festival is also known as “Dol Jatra” or “Basanta Utsav.”

People participate in various activities starting with the vibrant color play. It can be a dry color called Abeer or wet color which is usually a mix of color and water. This is followed by dancing to the beats of music, and eating traditional sweets and delicacies during the Holi festival.

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