How many days till Holi?

How many days till Holi?

A summary

Holi is one of the most popular Hindu festivals and celebrates the arrival of spring (and ending of winter). It is the festival of eternal and divine love, and celebrates the triumph of good over evil. Holi goes along with spraying coloured dye, playing with coloured powder, dancing, greetings, and festivals.

Holi is also known as the Festival of Colours.

Date and days to Holi

The calendar date and days to go until Holi are as follows:

What is Holi?

Holi is a colorful and vibrant Hindu festival that is celebrated primarily in India and Nepal, but its popularity has spread to many other parts of the world. It usually falls in March, marking the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil.

What is special about Holi?

Here are some key aspects and traditions associated with Holi:

• Date and Timing: Holi is celebrated on the full moon day (Purnima) in the Hindu month of Phalguna, which typically falls in March on the Gregorian calendar. The festival spans over two days, with Holika Dahan (the bonfire night) on the first evening and Rangwali Holi (the colorful day) on the second day.
• Holika Dahan: The festival begins with a ritual bonfire known as Holika Dahan. People gather around the bonfire to symbolize the victory of good over evil and the triumph of Prahlada (a devotee of Lord Vishnu) over Holika (a demoness). It involves singing, dancing, and performing prayers.
• Rangwali Holi: The second day of Holi is the main celebration known as Rangwali Holi or Dhulandi. It’s characterized by the throwing of colored powders and water on each other, which is why Holi is often called the “Festival of Colors.” People playfully chase each other with water guns (pichkaris) and colored powders, sing and dance to traditional Holi songs, and exchange sweets and snacks.
• Gulal: Gulal is the name for the colorful powders used during Holi. These powders come in various vibrant colors and are made from natural ingredients like flowers, herbs, and spices. People apply gulal to each other’s faces and bodies, creating a kaleidoscope of colors.
• Traditional Sweets: Sweets play a significant role in Holi celebrations. Special Holi sweets, like gujiya (a sweet dumpling), malpua (pancakes), and thandai (a milk-based drink infused with nuts and spices), are prepared and shared among friends and family.
• Music and Dance: Holi is accompanied by traditional folk music and dance, including the energetic and rhythmic Garba and Dandiya Raas dances in some regions of India. People come together to sing and dance to celebrate the festival.
• Unity and Harmony: Holi is a festival that transcends barriers of caste, creed, and social status. It promotes unity and harmony, as people of all backgrounds come together to celebrate and share the joy of colors.
• Community Celebrations: Holi is celebrated with great enthusiasm in communities, temples, and public spaces. Large gatherings and processions are common, making it a social and community event.
• Water Conservation: While water is an essential part of Holi, in recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the need to conserve water during the festival. Many people now use eco-friendly and dry colors to reduce water wastage.

Holi is a joyful and colorful festival that embodies the spirit of togetherness, forgiveness, and renewal. It is celebrated with great fervor and is an opportunity for people to come together, forget their differences, and embrace the spirit of love and harmony.

Frequently asked questions about Holi

More information about Holi can be found here.

All days and dates are based on Eastern Time Zone (UTC-5)