Holi 2024 : Date, Celebration and History
About Holi 2024
Holi, most popularly known as the festival of colors, brings the arrival of Spring season after the end of the chilly winters. It is celebrated on the full moon (Poornima) in hindu calendar month of Phalguna usually which overlaps with month of march in the western Gregorian calendar. It is celebrated with vibrant colors and utmost joy among the people with their friends and family.
Holi, most popularly known as the festival of colors, brings the arrival of Spring season after the end of the chilly winters. It is celebrated on the full moon (Poornima) in hindu calendar month of Phalguna usually which overlaps with month of march in the western Gregorian calendar. It is celebrated with vibrant colors and utmost joy among the people with their friends and family.
Holi Festival History
The name Holi comes from the ritual of Holika Dahan is related to an ancient story of a kid deity of Lord Vishnu called Prahalad. This ritual is done to celebrate victory of the Good over evil and symbolizes the triumph of devotion . Prahalad’s father, Hiranyakashyap who hated all deities of Lord Vishnu and he would kill deities of Lord Vishnu wherever he saw them, but some how his own son become a deity of Lord Vishnu so he tried to kill him too. The father asked his sister Holika who had the boon that fire could not burn her to sit in fire with Prahlad in her lap, thinking that the fire would kill him. Holika took Prahalad with her in the fire but exactly opposite happened, the fire don't touched Prahalad but burnt Holika. Due to this people light bonfires and offer prayers to seek blessings from Lord Vishnu and to burn away their sins and impurities. It is also seen as a time to forgive past grievances and start anew.
The name Holi comes from the ritual of Holika Dahan is related to an ancient story of a kid deity of Lord Vishnu called Prahalad. This ritual is done to celebrate victory of the Good over evil and symbolizes the triumph of devotion . Prahalad’s father, Hiranyakashyap who hated all deities of Lord Vishnu and he would kill deities of Lord Vishnu wherever he saw them, but some how his own son become a deity of Lord Vishnu so he tried to kill him too. The father asked his sister Holika who had the boon that fire could not burn her to sit in fire with Prahlad in her lap, thinking that the fire would kill him. Holika took Prahalad with her in the fire but exactly opposite happened, the fire don't touched Prahalad but burnt Holika. Due to this people light bonfires and offer prayers to seek blessings from Lord Vishnu and to burn away their sins and impurities. It is also seen as a time to forgive past grievances and start anew.
Holi Date & Timining
According to the Hindu calendar, Phalguna Purnima will start at 9:54 AM on March 24 and end at 12:29 PM on March 25. Thus, Holika Dahan will be observed on March 24, and Holi, the festival of colors, will be celebrated on March 25.
According to the Hindu calendar, Phalguna Purnima will start at 9:54 AM on March 24 and end at 12:29 PM on March 25. Thus, Holika Dahan will be observed on March 24, and Holi, the festival of colors, will be celebrated on March 25.
How to perform Holika Dahan ?
For Holika Dahan,light a bonfire after sunset, chant mantras and sing traditional songs and circle around the bonfire. To start the pooja, wood logs should be placed in a clean place, surrounded by straw. Before lighting the fire, offer roli, akshat, flowers, raw cotton thread, turmeric, moong dal, batasha, peanuts, gur in the stacked woods. Then chant the mantra and light the fire and circle around the bonfire 5 times and pray for their wellness and happiness.
For Holika Dahan,light a bonfire after sunset, chant mantras and sing traditional songs and circle around the bonfire. To start the pooja, wood logs should be placed in a clean place, surrounded by straw. Before lighting the fire, offer roli, akshat, flowers, raw cotton thread, turmeric, moong dal, batasha, peanuts, gur in the stacked woods. Then chant the mantra and light the fire and circle around the bonfire 5 times and pray for their wellness and happiness.
Celebration
The festival is celebrated across the country and even in across international countries by people of hindu origin. People gather together with their friends and family, offering sweets and applying colors to each other, enjoying themselves dancing and grooving on music in the pleasant weather of spring.
The festival is celebrated across the country and even in across international countries by people of hindu origin. People gather together with their friends and family, offering sweets and applying colors to each other, enjoying themselves dancing and grooving on music in the pleasant weather of spring.
What outfit to wear for Holi Party?
Wearing something ethnic, never goes out of style at a party. Bright colored outfits is something to go for as later with all the holi colors would give a unique and festive look, especially for day events like these. Making sure the outfit is not completely new as most likely it is going to get spoilt with colors. Outfit should be comfortable and made out of tightweight fabric as the day includes a lot of moving around, dancing and playing with colors around. Make sure the footwear to be wore is waterproof.
Wearing something ethnic, never goes out of style at a party. Bright colored outfits is something to go for as later with all the holi colors would give a unique and festive look, especially for day events like these. Making sure the outfit is not completely new as most likely it is going to get spoilt with colors. Outfit should be comfortable and made out of tightweight fabric as the day includes a lot of moving around, dancing and playing with colors around. Make sure the footwear to be wore is waterproof.
Which type of Holi colors are safe to play?
It is recommended to use natural and organic colors for playing Holi as they are gentler on the skin and less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions. Avoid using chemical-based colors as they can be harmful to the skin and may cause rashes, itching, and other skin problems. Using organic gulal might be friendly for the skin. Also applying little oil before playing holi can be helpful to remove colors easily post holi.
It is recommended to use natural and organic colors for playing Holi as they are gentler on the skin and less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions. Avoid using chemical-based colors as they can be harmful to the skin and may cause rashes, itching, and other skin problems. Using organic gulal might be friendly for the skin. Also applying little oil before playing holi can be helpful to remove colors easily post holi.
Bhang on Holi, It's Positives and Negatives
The consumption of bhang during Holi is a deeply rooted tradition that has been practised for centuries, and it is seen as a way to enhance the festive spirit and promote social interaction among friends and family. It is a traditional drink made with cannabis leaves, milk, and spices. Bhang has a relaxing effect on the body and helps in reducing stress and anxiety. It is also known to promote better sleep. Bhang has anti-inflammatory properties and can be used to alleviate pain caused by conditions such as arthritis. Consuming bhang in excess should not be done under any circumstances. This may trigger the heart to pump more rapidly sending more blood and raising the blood pressure.Bhang is best avoided by individuals with asthma, cardiac problems and nerve related diseases.
The consumption of bhang during Holi is a deeply rooted tradition that has been practised for centuries, and it is seen as a way to enhance the festive spirit and promote social interaction among friends and family. It is a traditional drink made with cannabis leaves, milk, and spices. Bhang has a relaxing effect on the body and helps in reducing stress and anxiety. It is also known to promote better sleep. Bhang has anti-inflammatory properties and can be used to alleviate pain caused by conditions such as arthritis. Consuming bhang in excess should not be done under any circumstances. This may trigger the heart to pump more rapidly sending more blood and raising the blood pressure.Bhang is best avoided by individuals with asthma, cardiac problems and nerve related diseases.
How to Make Bhang for Holi?
People usually buy ready-made bhang balls from the local pan shop or themselves make a paste out of the leaves and flowers of the plant. Taking milk as a base for the bhang thandai, adding dry fruits, sugar and cold spices such as cardamom to enhance its taste. Bhang is readily available during the week of holi due to its high demand.
People usually buy ready-made bhang balls from the local pan shop or themselves make a paste out of the leaves and flowers of the plant. Taking milk as a base for the bhang thandai, adding dry fruits, sugar and cold spices such as cardamom to enhance its taste. Bhang is readily available during the week of holi due to its high demand.
After-effects of Bhang, For How Long and It's Cure
In case someone consumes bhang in an excessive amount, it can lead to dizziness, headache, nausea, dehydration and exhaustion. It can last from a few hours upto a few days for some individuals, depending upon the amount in which it is consumed and perosnal tolerance. Cure for feeling better include taking a nap, cold shower and going for a walk. Keeping yourself hydrated, avoid consuming alcohol or caffeine, take ginger and vitamin C for their anti-inflammatory properties which might help to feel better.
In case someone consumes bhang in an excessive amount, it can lead to dizziness, headache, nausea, dehydration and exhaustion. It can last from a few hours upto a few days for some individuals, depending upon the amount in which it is consumed and perosnal tolerance. Cure for feeling better include taking a nap, cold shower and going for a walk. Keeping yourself hydrated, avoid consuming alcohol or caffeine, take ginger and vitamin C for their anti-inflammatory properties which might help to feel better.
