Holi
Holiday
Holi is the Hindu festival of colors that symbolizes the vibrant colors of the oncoming Spring season and consequently the end of Winter. According to the Hindu calendar, it begins on the full moon night of Phalguna.
Holi in 2025 will be celebrated on Monday, 14th March, with the Purnima Tithi beginning at 10:34 AM on 13th March and ending at 12:23 PM on 14th March.
People joyfully throw colours at each other on this day. This festival holds much significance for Hindus as it commemorates the beautiful bond between Krishna and Radha and also the victory of good over evil.
Holi typically lasts for two days. It is a gazetted holiday so schools and businesses remain closed.
Holi Celebration in India
People all over India celebrate the Festival of Colours with a lot of vigor and enthusiasm. The celebration and rituals might vary from place to place.
- The first day or the day before Holi, also known as Holika Dahan, and Choti Holi, is marked by a bonfire. It will take place on March 13 in 2025.
- People joyfully engage in the tradition of splashing vibrant colours, occasionally blending them with water, as part of a celebratory ritual. Beware of water guns, and water balloons as mischievous kids attack strangers day and night on streets.
- Sweets are an indispensable part of the Holi celebration. Barfis, Gujiya, Malpua, and Thandai are some sweets typically consumed on this day.
- On Holi, people visit their family, friends and loved ones.
The Legendary Tales behind Holi
The Tale of the Evil King Hiranyakashipu
Once, there was a proud and wicked king named Hiranyakashipu. He believed himself to be the supreme God and commanded his subjects to worship only him.
However, his son, Prahlad, was a devoted follower of Lord Vishnu. One day, the king asked him:
“My son, you are very clever. Tell me, what is the most important thing you have learned at school?”
Prahlad replied, “You may be the king, but Lord Vishnu is the supreme God, greater than anyone.”
This answer enraged King Hiranyakashipu. Despite ordering Prahlad to worship him alone, the boy refused. Furious, the king decided to punish him.
He tried many ways to kill Prahlad—throwing him off a cliff, placing him before a giant elephant, and even into a pit of poisonous snakes. Yet, each time, Lord Vishnu protected Prahlad. The king’s soldiers even attacked him with swords, but nothing worked.
Desperate, Hiranyakashipu turned to his sister Holika, a witch with a unique blessing: she was immune to fire and could not be harmed by flames. Holika devised an evil plan to kill Prahlad.
She lit a massive bonfire outside the palace and invited Prahlad to sit with her in the flames. Her plan was to escape the fire while leaving Prahlad to burn. However, her plan failed. Lord Vishnu protected Prahlad, while Holika, despite her immunity, was consumed by the fire.
Thus, Holika’s wickedness led to her downfall, and Prahlad’s unwavering devotion to Lord Vishnu triumphed.
After that, Lord Vishnu took the form of half a lion and half a human called Narasimha to kill the evil King Hiranyakashipu. Thus, Holi symbolizes the victory of good over evil.
The Story of Lord Krishna and Radha
There is another tale about Lord Krishna that is remembered by his worshipers on this day.
One spring day, Krishna playfully threw colors on Radha, who playfully responded in kind, sparking a joyful game of colors between Krishna, Radha, and the other gopis, a celebration that became known as Holi.
The Tale of Shiva and Parvati
There is another Hindu mythological story linked to Holi. It is said that Goddess Parvati fell in love with Lord Shiva. Kama, the God of Love, decided to help them.
However, when God Kama tried to shoot his arrow of love, Lord Shiva activated his third eye of destruction and burnt Kama to ashes. Later, Goddess Parvati revived him and this day is celebrated as Holi.
Follow These Tips For a Fun and Safe Holi
- Chemical colours are harsh on your skin. Thus, try to use organic, chemical-free products that are skin-friendly. Also apply a layer of coconut, olive, or almond oil before applying colours as it prevents the colour from getting into your skin and hair.
- Please remember that chemical Holi colours are also dangerous for animals. Moreover, loud music might also scare them, so please try to keep them indoors and be responsible towards your furry friends this Holi.
- Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes as they are very sensitive and accidental contact with chemical colours or water might irritate them.
- Do not drink and drive on Holi. It is a time when people drink bhang (a drink made with cannabis) and alcohol. The cases of drunk driving in India have also seen a significant rise during Holi.
- Please remember that consent is very important. Always ask for consent before applying colours to someone, and be mindful of people who may not want to participate in the festivities.
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