Holi 2024 Celebration Guide: Date, Time, Puja Rituals and Festive Delights
Embrace the vibrancy of Holi on 25th March with our complete guide on the date, auspicious times, rituals for Holika Dahan, and the culinary treats that define this colourful festival.
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Holi, the vibrant festival of colours, is a celebration that welcomes the arrival of spring and bids farewell to the chilly embrace of winter in true sense. The festival coincides with the full moon or Purnima on the evening of the Hindu month of Phalguna. Families and communities come together to rejoice in the spirit of togetherness, they engage in various rituals and traditions that have been passed down through generations.
Holi 2024: Date and Time of Celebration
This year, Holi falls on Monday, March 25th, with Holika Dahan, also popularly called as Choti Holi, on the 24th i.e. Sunday. These dates mark significant moments in the Hindu calendar, ushering festivities that span across communities and regions.
The muhurat time for Holi celebrations will be from 7:19 pm to 9:38 pm on March 24. Following this, the next day is marked by exuberant celebrations and colourful splashes!!
As per Drik Panchang, the auspicious timings are
Purnima Tithi begins - March 24, 2024, at 09:54 AM
Purnima Tithi ends - March 25, 2024, at 12:29 PM
Preparation for the festivities!
Holika Dahan, the ceremonial bonfire lit on the eve of Holi, symbolizes the victory of good over evil. To perform this auspicious ritual, preparations begin with gathering raw cotton threads, coconuts, gulal powder, vermilion, akshat (grains of rice), incense sticks, flowers, batasha (sweets made of sugar powder), turmeric, and a bowl of water.
As the flames flicker and dance in the night sky, families come together to tie raw cotton threads around the woodpile, signifying unity, and strength. Ganga water is then sprinkled over the structure, accompanied by the offering of flowers and vermilion. The air is filled with the fragrance of incense as prayers are offered, invoking blessings for prosperity and happiness.
AND thus, Holi's gastronomic delights begin…
The celebrations take off with culinary delights prepared. Gujiyas, sweet dumplings filled with khoya, to indulge in. Alongside, the refreshing drink of thandai, infused with nuts and spices, provides a respite from the heat of the day, rejuvenating the senses. As friends and family gather around, other delicacies join the table, from savoury snacks to mouth-watering sweets, every dish reflects warmth and hospitality. The hosts and the guests alike enjoy the big feast!
Holi transcends geographical boundaries, celebrated with equal fervour underscores the unity in diversity that defines India's cultural landscape. Holi is not just a festival; it is a celebration of life itself. It brings people together, erasing differences and fostering bonds of love and camaraderie. As the colours swirl and laughter fills the air, Holi reminds us of the simple joys that unite us all, bridging barriers of caste, creed, and religion.
