While India is a country full of festivals and cultures, Indians are most eagerly waiting for Holi, the festival of colours. The festival is getting together to eat, dance, throw colors on each other and celebrate the festival. Holi is one of the most prominent and joyous festivals in India. The festival marks the arrival of spring and thanksgiving for a good harvest.
This festival marks the victory of good over evil and is largely celebrated by Hindus. In different countries, many religions celebrate the festival by washing each other with brightly colored powder.
Holi is an important festival of two days full of colours, food and enjoyment and is celebrated with equal enthusiasm all over the country. This festival marks the victory of good over evil. Holika Dahan is the first day of the festival, followed by the main event where people play with colours. This year, Holi will be more special as the grip of the Covid-19 pandemic is gradually easing, which aligns with the significance of the festival.
History
Holi has its roots deep in Hindu mythology and stems from the story of Hiranyakashipu, the demon king, and his holy son Prahlad. The father-son duo represented good and evil, the two polar opposites of one human being. Prahlad was a worshiper of Vishnu, who enraged Hiranyakashipu.
He decided to consume Prahlad with the help of his sister Holika, who was immune to fire. As Holika sat in the fire with Prahlad, the fire could not affect Prahlad but Holika was engulfed in flames. Holi glorifies this victory of the worshiper of Vishnu over the evil Holika and Hiranyakashipu.
When is Holi 2022?
This year India will celebrate Holi on 18 March 2022 (Friday). At the same time, Holika Dahan will be celebrated on 17 March 2022.
Auspicious time to celebrate Holika Dahan
Purnima Tithi begins – March 17, 2022 at 01:29 PM. Purnima Tithi ends – March 18, 2022 at 12:47 am.
According to Hindu scriptures Holika Dahan, also known as Holika Deepak or Choti Holi, should be performed during Pradosh Kaal (which begins after sunset), while Purnimasi Tithi is prevalent.