Holi
The Festival of Colors and Spring, celebrating love, joy, and the victory of good over evil.
Holi falls on the full moon (Purnima) of the Hindu lunar month Phalguna, usually in March and occasionally in late February. Holika Dahan bonfires are lit on the eve, and colors are played the next day.
When Is Holi?
Holi falls on the full moon (Purnima) of the Hindu lunar month Phalguna, usually in March and occasionally in late February. Holika Dahan bonfires are lit on the eve, and colors are played the next day.
Because the Gregorian date changes from year to year, check a calendar published by the tradition or your local community for this year's date.
Why It Matters
Holi celebrates the arrival of spring and the victory of devotee Prahlada over the demoness Holika (Holika Dahan, the bonfire on the eve of Holi), and also the divine love between Krishna and Radha. It is a day of forgiveness and new beginnings.
How It Is Observed
Holika Dahan (bonfire) on the eve, then playing with colored powder (gulal) and water on the main day. Singing, dancing, festive foods (gujiya, thandai), and the letting go of past grudges.
Sacred Text
“For I am the abode of Brahman, the immortal and the immutable, of eternal dharma, and of absolute bliss.”
, Bhagavad Gita 14:27 ↗