Holi, the Hindu festival of colours, is celebrated on March 8 and holds a prominent place among ancient Hindu celebrations. It is delightful to have vivacious colours dispersed throughout the air. The two-day celebration is an enjoyable way to welcome spring. Everyone, regardless of age, participates in this event with vitality and enthusiasm. Therefore, let’s grab our ‘gulal’ (coloured powder thrown at one another as a symbol of joy and love) and commemorate the triumph of good over evil.
The background of Holi
This event’s name is derived from an intriguing tale about a cruel monarch and his determined son. In ancient times, it all began when the invincible evil monarch Hiranyakashipu became arrogant and demanded worship from everyone in the kingdom. His son Prahlad, however, refused and continued to venerate Lord Vishnu. This provoked a tidal wave of rage in the evil monarch, and Prahlad suffered the consequences in the form of cruel punishments.
Despite all of this, Prahlad’s strong faith enabled him to endure this cruelty, and he continued to praise Vishnu. Seeing his own defeat, Hiranyakashipu lost control of his rage and ordered his sister Holika to rest on a pyre while holding Prahlad. Holika’s immunity to fire was well-known, but she was unaware that it only applied if she entered the flames alone. Holika was consequently burned to death, and Lord Vishnu saved Prahlad. The celebration of the burning of Holika is known as Holi. Because the evil monarch was defeated, Holi is also known as “Victory of Good Over Evil.”
Krishna and Radha’s love story is another tale associated with flinging coloured powders at one another. As an infant, Krishna was poisoned by a demoness and turned blue. He feared Radha would reject him because of the pigment of his skin after falling in love with her. Krishna’s mother suggested that he colour Radha’s features in a playful manner. Consequently, Radha fell in love with him.
Holika Dahana 2023: Date, History, Facts about Holi
5 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT HOLI
People of all ages, castes, and hues hurl colours at one another.
During the festival of Holi, it is common to hear the phrase “Bura na mano, Holi hai!” which means “Do not bother, it is Holi!”
People moisturise their skin prior to Holi so that the ‘gulal’ (coloured powder) can be readily removed afterwards.
During the reign of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, Holi was known as Aab-e-Pashi, which literally translates to “rain of hues.”
La Tomatina is a Spanish festival comparable to Holi, with the exception that tomatoes are thrown instead of coloured powders.
Eco-friendly Holi Greetings, Safe Holi Slogans, and Quotes
HOLI DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | March 18 | Friday |
| 2023 | March 8 | Wednesday |
| 2024 | March 25 | Monday |
| 2025 | March 14 | Friday |
