Holi 2024 Date, Puja Timings, Rituals, History, and Significance: All You Need to Know

Holi holds a special place in the hearts of people in India and around the world. It is one of the biggest festivals on the Hindu calendar after Diwali. Holi, also known as the festival of colors, brings communities together, who celebrate the day with great enthusiasm and joy. The festivals, especially in the Braj regions like Mathura, Vrindavan and Gokul, are famous for their unique rituals. On the other hand, Lathmar Holi in Barsana, Uttar Pradesh is also known worldwide. The festival begins with Holika Dahan, where bonfires are lit after sunset. On the following day people play with colors and water. As Holi 2024 approaches, check out the date, time, rituals, history and significance of this festival in India.

Holi 2024 date
Every year Holi is celebrated on the full moon day of Phalgun month. In 2024, the festival will be celebrated on Monday, March 25. The eve of Holi, known as Holika Dahan or Chhoti Holi, will be celebrated on March 24, Sunday.

Holi 2024: A time of worship
According to Drik Panchang, the auspicious time of Holi starts on March 24 at 09:54 AM and ends the next day at 12:29 PM.

Holi 2024: Rituals

1. It is important to perform rituals at the right time to avoid bad luck and suffering.
2. The ritual of Holika Dahan is performed on the first day of Holi using a pile of wood.
3. Items required for the puja include a bowl of water, cow dung, whole rice, incense sticks, flowers, raw cotton thread, turmeric pieces, moong, batasha, gulal and a coconut.
4. Cotton threads are tied around the wood and flowers are sprinkled with Ganga water.
5. Then the composition of Holika Dahan is worshiped using the mentioned items.
6. After completing the puja, the wood is lit, symbolizing the burning of ego, negativity and evil from one's life.

Holi 2024: History
Holika Puja has a significant belief that by performing this ritual, one can overcome various fears. It is believed that Prahlad, a devotee of Lord Vishnu, was saved from the evil plans of his father Hiranyakashyapa. Hiranyakashyap's sister Holika, who is immune to fire, tried to use her powers to harm Prahlad.

However, due to the divine intervention of Lord Vishnu, Holika was destroyed in fire. This victory is celebrated on the first day of Holi. In places like Mathura and Vrindavan, the festival is also considered to celebrate the love between Lord Krishna and Radha.

Holi 2024: Significance
The festival of colors is celebrated in March during the spring season. It symbolizes the victory of good over evil. During Holi, people put aside their differences and come together to celebrate. The festival is played by throwing colorful powder and water. It is also a time of laughter and music, as communities unite to celebrate the day.