Holi 2025: When Is Holi? Check Date, History, Significance And More

Holi, also known as the 'festival of colours,' is a vibrant and joyous Hindu festival celebrated across India and beyond. Also known as Rangwali Holi, Dhulandi, or Phagwah, it is celebrated annually with immense enthusiasm.

The festival brings people of all ages and backgrounds together through its celebrations, which include music, dance, and the throwing of coloured powder. The vibrant festival welcomes the arrival of spring, represents the triumph of good over evil, and spreads joy and unity among people.

The festivities of Holi typically begin on the evening of the full moon day in the Hindu month of Phalgun. The eve, known as Holika Dahan, involves lighting bonfires to represent the burning of Holika and the triumph of kindness over evil. Holi is celebrated the next day, when the air is filled with excitement and the streets come alive with vibrant colours.

Holi is celebrated in Phalguna, which usually falls in March, according to the Gregorian calendar. This year, Chhoti Holi or Holika Dahan will take place on Thursday, March 13. The second day (March 14) will be celebrated as Phagwah, when people play with colours. According to Drikpanchang, Purnima Tithi will start on March 13 at 10:35 a.m., and it will end at 12:23 p.m. on March 14.

According to Hindu mythology, the demon king 'Hiranyakashipu' was endowed with the boon that he could not be killed by any human or animal, neither during the day nor at night, inside or outside his home. With his power, Hiranyakashipu ruled over his empire and desired to be worshiped by his kingdom. The king also asked his son to worship him as the only God, but his son, Prahalad, was an ardent follower of Lord Vishnu and refused to worship his father.

Enraged by his son, he tried poisoning him, throwing him off a cliff, and even having elephants trample him, but none of these methods worked. Finally, Hiranyakashipu's sister Holika, who wore a magical cloak that protected her from fire, suggested she sit with Prahlad over a bonfire. However, Lord Vishnu protected Prahlad, while Holika was burned to death.

This is why the festival is celebrated as a triumph of good over evil, and the day before Holi is known as Holika Dahan, where a bonfire is built to represent it.

Holi brings all the people together and removes barriers of caste, creed, and social status. It is a time when people put aside their differences and come together to enjoy this festival. The colours symbolise the breakdown of barriers and acceptance of all people, regardless of appearance or background. It is a significant festival in Hinduism since it marks the end of the winter and the start of a new season. It is also a time to pray for a bountiful harvest and thank the gods for their blessings.

The vibrant festival of Holi is celebrated by throwing coloured powder or coloured water at each other. In the morning, people gather in open spaces and throw these colours on each other and celebrate with music and dance. A diverse range of traditional delicacies like gujiyas, sweet dumplings filled with khoya and thandai are also key traditional delicacies that are widely enjoyed during the festival.