The festival of Holi is a riot of colors, fun, and food. It is widely celebrated across India, marking the victory of good over evil and the arrival of spring.
The best part about this festival of colors is that it brings together people of all ages and groups regardless of their caste, creed, and religion. During this time, you’d find everyone covered in hues of red, blue, and yellow, enjoying mouthfuls of traditional delicacies, dancing to lively music, and sharing laughter.
But have you ever thought why this festival is celebrated with colors? Or what’s the true story that lies behind its celebration? If yes, then this guide is for you. Here we will learn everything about Holi 2025, its significance, rituals, and more.
Holi 2025 Date
Holi is celebrated on the last full moon day of the Hindu month of Phalguna.
Talking of the Holi 2025 date, the festival will be celebrated on Friday, March 14 this year. Here’s an overview of the important dates and timings for the festival:
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Events |
Date |
Timings/Shubh Muhurat |
|
Holika Dehan Mahurat 2025 |
13th March |
11:26 PM - 12:30 AM |
|
Holi 2025 |
14th March |
From 13th March, 10:35 AM to 14th March, 12:23 PM |
Why is Holi Celebrated? The Story Behind the Festival
Holi is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology. The most famous story associated with Holi is that of Prahlad and Hiranyakashipu.
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The Legend of Prahlad and Holika
According to Hindu mythology, there was once a powerful demon king named Hiranyakashipu. He considered himself a god and demanded that everyone worship him. However, his own son, Prahlad, was a devoted follower of Lord Vishnu and refused to bow down to his father.
Hiranyakashipu became furious and tried multiple ways to kill Prahlad, but each time, Lord Vishnu protected him. Finally, the king sought the help of his sister, Holika, who had a magical shawl that made her immune to fire. She planned to trick Prahlad by sitting with him in a blazing fire, thinking that she would remain safe while he perished.
However, as the fire burned, a divine miracle occurred - Holika was reduced to ashes while Prahlad remained unharmed. This event symbolizes the victory of good over evil, which is why people light bonfires on Holika Dahan.
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The Story of Radha and Krishna
Another legend associated with Holi comes from the love story of Lord Krishna and Radha. Krishna, who had a dark complexion, was worried that fair-skinned Radha wouldn’t accept him. His mother, Yashoda, playfully suggested that he smear colors on Radha’s face. Krishna did just that, and this playful act became a tradition that continues in Holi celebrations today.
This is why Holi is also known as the festival of love and colors, bringing people together regardless of differences.
Holika Dehan 2025 Rituals
Holika Dehan should be ideally performed during Pradosh Kaal (post-sunset) when Poornima tithi is prevailing. Here are the steps to follow while performing the ritual:
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Start by collecting some wood, cow dung cakes, leaves, etc. to create a pyre. You can also prepare effigies of Prahlad and Holika, commemorating the ancient legend associated with the festival.
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After the sunset, ignite the fire during the given muhurat for the Holika dehan. It is the best if a priest or an elderly performs this ritual.
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Perform the parikrama i.e., circling around the fire pyre, seeking guidance and protection from the evil forces. Meanwhile, offer food grains, coconut, and sugarcane.
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The next morning (i.e., on the day of Holi), take some ashes from the bonfire and apply them on your forehead in the form of tilak. These ashes are believed to have healing and purifying properties.
How is Holi Celebrated in Different Parts of India?
Holi is celebrated with great enthusiasm all over India, but each region has its unique traditions and styles of celebration. Here’s how different parts of the country celebrate Holi:
1. Lathmar Holi: Barsana & Nandgaon (Uttar Pradesh)
In the towns of Barsana and Nandgaon, where Radha and Krishna spent their childhood, Holi is celebrated in a unique way. Women playfully chase men with sticks, and men try to protect themselves with a dhal or shield. This tradition, known as Lathmar Holi, recreates Krishna’s playful teasing of Radha and the gopis.
2. Yaosang: Manipur
In Manipur, Holi is a six-day-long festival, which is locally known as Yaosang. While the celebrations here are quite similar to Northern regions, the main highlight of the event is the Thabal Chongba - a traditional Manipuri folk dance that is performed during Holi.3. Dol Jatra: West Bengal
In West Bengal, Holi is known as Dol Jatra or Basant Utsav. During this time, the women mainly dress in yellow, a color signifying abundance and prosperity. And in addition to the colorful Holi celebrations, there are also recitals of the poetry by Rabindranath Tagore and other cultural and dance performances organized, especially in the Shantiniketan, situated in Bolpur.
The next day of Holi is celebrated as Dol Jatra where a grand procession of Lord Krishna and Radha is carried out with great pomp and show. Devotees sing and dance while playing with colors.
4. Royal Holi: Udaipur (Rajasthan)
In Udaipur, Holi is celebrated in a grand celebration, typically organized by the Mewar royal family. A spectacular procession of horses, elephants, and camels is taken out, followed by traditional folk dances. Later in the day, the Holika dehan is performed as per the rituals.
5. Manjal Kuli: Kerala
In Kerala, the Konkani and Kudumbi communities celebrate Manjal Kuli, a Holi festival where people apply turmeric paste and natural colors to each other while singing traditional songs. The celebrations here are one-of-a-kind and should be experienced at least once in a lifetime.
Delicious Foods to Enjoy During Holi
No Indian festival is complete without food, and Holi is no exception. Here are some Holi delicacies that you must try during the festival:
1. Gujiya: A crispy, deep-fried patty, filled with a mixture of khoya (reduced milk), nuts, and sugar. Gujiyas are a staple during Holi, especially in the North India.
2. Thandai: A cool, refreshing drink made with milk, almonds, fennel seeds, rose petals, and saffron. You might also find some versions mixed with bhang (cannabis), which is quite common during the Holi festivities.
3. Puran Poli: A traditional Maharashtrian sweet flatbread stuffed with a mixture of jaggery and lentils. It is served with ghee and is a Holi favorite in every household.
4. Dahi Vada: Soft dumplings made using lentils, and soaked in creamy yogurt. It is served topped with tamarind chutney, chaat masala, pomegranate seeds, and fresh coriander.
5. Malpua: A deep-fried pancake soaked in sugar syrup and often flavored with cardamom and saffron. It is a festive treat that is loved by all.
Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Holi
Although Holi is a festival of all fun and play, it's important to be mindful of certain aspects to ensure the celebrations are happy and safe for all. Here are some tips you can follow along:
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Use Organic Colors: Avoid playing with synthetic colors as they often irritate the skin and lead to allergies. Instead, opt for herbal or organic powders that are a safer option.
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Protect Your Skin and Hair: Apply coconut oil or mustard oil on your skin and hair to form a protective layer on your skin.
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Wear Old Clothes: Since colors can stain, wear clothes you don’t mind getting messy - after all, no one likes spending hours getting rid of those stubborn stains.
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Stay Hydrated: Playing long hours in the sun can be exhausting, so make sure to keep drinking water.
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Respect Boundaries: Holi is fun for everyone, but always ensure that participation is consensual. Avoid forcefully applying colors to anyone and everyone.
Takeaway
Holi is not just a festival; it’s an emotion that brings people together. The playing with colors, enjoying traditional sweets, or watching a grand procession, Holi is a beautiful amalgamation of some unforgettable experiences filled with love, laughter, and joy.
As we look forward to Holi 2025, let’s embrace the spirit of unity, celebrate with enthusiasm, and create colorful memories that last a lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q. When is Holi in 2025?
A. Holi 2025 will be celebrated on March 14, Thursday.
Q. Why do we celebrate Holi?
A. Holi is celebrated to mark the victory of good over evil, which is symbolized by the legend of Prahlad and Holika from Hindu mythology. Besides, it also signifies the arrival of spring, a time of joy, renewal, and good energy.
Q. How is Holi celebrated?
A. Holi celebrations begin with Holika Dahan, a bonfire ritual performed the night before Holi, symbolizing the burning away of negativity. The next day, people play with colors, water balloons, and pichkaris, dance to festive music, and enjoy traditional sweets like gujiya and thandai. Altogether, it's a day filled with fun, laughter, and good food.
Q. Is Holi a public holiday in India?
A. Yes, Holi is a public holiday in most parts of India.
Q. What are the main colors used in Holi?
A. Traditionally, Holi colors were made from natural sources like flowers and herbs. These mainly used to consist of red, yellow, blue, and green colors.
Q. What is the difference between Dhulendi & Holi?
A. Dhulendi is just a regional name for Holi is a two-day festival that refers to the second day of the festival when people play with colors.
Also Read:
Exploring the Sacred Bond Between Shiv-Nandi | Maha Shivratri 2025 | Kamdhenu Cow Idol: Vastu Shastra Guide | Shri Kedarnath Temple History, Timings & Significance | Mahakumbh Mela 2025
