March heralds the arrival of colors and festivities, from the early Mahashivratri to the exuberant celebration of Holi towards the end of the month. This vibrant festival, replete with hues and delectable sweets, ushers in joy and renewal, marking the onset of spring.
Significance: Holi commemorates the triumph of Lord Narasimha, an avatar of Lord Vishnu, over the demon Hiranyakashyap. Legend has it that Hiranyakashyap, angered by his son Prahalad’s devotion to Vishnu, conspired with his sister Holika to kill him. However, in a divine twist, Holika perished in the fire while Prahalad emerged unscathed due to his unwavering faith. Lord Vishnu, in the form of Narasimha—half-man, half-lion—subsequently vanquished Hiranyakashyap, fulfilling the boon that he could not be killed by human, animal, or conventional weapons.
Story of ‘Lathmar Holi’: Another tale associated with Holi is that of Lord Krishna playfully teasing Radha and the gopis, prompting them to playfully retaliate by hitting him with sticks (‘Lath’). This playful tradition is reenacted in the ‘Lathmar Holi’ of Barsana.
Date and Timings: Holi 2024 falls on 25th March (Monday), with Holika Dahan observed on 24th March. The Holika Dahan muhurat is from 11:13 pm to 11:53 pm, while the Holi celebration muhurat is from 9:54 am to 12:29 pm on 25th March.
Puja and Rituals: Holika Dahan, or ‘Choti Holi’, involves lighting bonfires symbolizing the victory of good over evil. The rituals include collecting wood, lighting the fire, and performing puja with sacred items like cow dung, agarbatti, and gulal. The day of Holi is marked by joyous celebrations, including playing with colors, singing, dancing, and indulging in traditional sweets like Gujiya. The festival fosters unity, joy, and the spirit of togetherness.
Holi is not just a festival; it’s a celebration of happiness, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil and the joy of tradition. As streets come alive with color and music, Holi brings people together, spreading cheer and fostering a sense of harmony and joy.
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