Happy Holi 2024! Here Is How the Festival Is Celebrated

Holi, also known as the festival of colors, is a vibrant and joyous celebration that marks the arrival of spring in India. This ancient Hindu festival is a time for people to come together, play with colors, and indulge in delicious food and drinks. Each year, millions of people across the globe participate in this lively event, spreading happiness and love. Here is what Holi 2024 has in store for us today.

What Is Holi?

Holi celebrated on the last full moon day of the lunar month, involves smearing bright colors on friends and family and offering prayers. It is based on the legend of Holika, a demon who tried to kill her nephew Prahlad but perished herself in a fire while he survived miraculously. Bonfires are lit the evening before Holi to symbolize the destruction of evil and the triumph of good. In a village near Gandhinagar, Gujarat, a massive bonfire using 200 tons of wood was lit as part of the festivities.

What Are the Festitvites Like for Holi 2024?

This year, Holi falls on Monday, March 25th. The festival’s timing is determined by the moon. This leads to variations in the date, though it typically occurs in March, signifying the end of winter. Holi comprises two main events: Holika Dahan, held the night before, and Rangwali Holi, the colorful celebration that follows the next day. The main event of Holi is Rangwali Holi, observed on the day of the festival. Participants celebrate by covering each other in gulal, a colorful powder, and drenching each other in water as part of the lively festivities.

Holi’s history traces back to the 4th century, with celebrations primarily observed in India and Nepal. The festival commences with Holika Dahan. This is where pyres are burned the night before. Dahan is a tradition observed in regions like North India, Nepal, and South India. Preparation for the bonfires, including gathering wood and materials, begins days in advance. They often feature an effigy of Holika atop the pyre.

How Can You Celebrate Holi?

In Hinduism, the colors of the rainbow hold symbolic significance. Red represents sensuality, green symbolizes life and happiness, while yellow signifies knowledge, white purity, and blue determination. Before participating in the Festival of Colors, precautions are advised to protect skin and hair. Applying oil to exposed areas helps prevent color staining. After the celebrations, it is recommended to shower promptly using lukewarm water and avoiding rough rubbing to remove colors gently.

Are you celebrating Holi in 2024?

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