Holi, the festival of colours is among the most celebrated occasions in India. It is one of the most joyous occasions and is observed with great fanfare across states. While the core idea of the festival remains the same, festivities vary in different regions. In 2019, Holika Dahan will be observed on March 20 and Dhulandi Holi will be celebrated on March 21. Meanwhile, Rang Panchami falls on March 25.

During the festival, the vibrancy and joyful hues are seen all across the nation especially in northern states including Bihar, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and several other states. Individuals play Holi and exchange sweets to welcome the spring season. According to the Hindu lunar calendar, the festival is observed on the full moon day (Purnima) in the month of Falgun and the festival lasts for two days. Holi 2019 Date & Holika Dahan Puja Muhurat: Significance, Mythology, Celebrations Associated With the Festival of Colours.

The first day of the festivity is known as ‘Holika Dahan’ or Chhoti Holi and the second day as Rangwali Holi where people play with colours. This year, Holika Dahan is scheduled on March 20 and the Rang Panchami will be celebrated on March 25, 2019. Holi 2019 Dates & How to Watch Barsana, Mathura & Vrindavan Celebration Live Online: Free Video Live Streaming of Mathura Brij Holi from Uttar Pradesh. Brij Holi 2019 Dates and Calendar: Know The Schedule of Holi Festival Celebrations in Religious Towns of Mathura and Vrindavan in UP.

Holika Dahan Muhurat 2019- Date and Time

In 2019, Holika Dahan will be performed on March 20 and the main Rangwali Holi, the day when Holi is played with a splash of colours will be celebrated on March 21. According to Drikpanchang, the duration of Holika Dahan will last for 1 hour and 7 mins as the pooja mahurat falls at 11:28 pm to 12:35 am. Holi 2019 Recipes: Here’s How You Can Make Delicious Ghujiyas at Home to Celebrate the Festival of Colours!

Holika Dahan Significance 

Holika Dahan is also Kamudu pyre and is marked by burning Holika, the devil. According to Hindu traditions, Holi celebrates the killing of Holika by Vishnu in order to save Prahlad, a devotee of God Vishnu in the city of Multan Pakistan. Thus Holi gets its name. In olden days, people use to contribute a piece of wood or two for the Holika bonfire, and this represents Holika killing her brother Hiranya Kashipu. According to Hindu scriptures, Holika Dahan also known as Holika Deepak or Choti Holi should be performed during the Pradosh Kaal (which starts after sunset) while purnimasi tithi is prevailing.

Holika Dahan Puja Vidhi

The festival of colours marks the triumph of good over evil. It is believed that all sorts of fear can be conquered by doing Holika Puja during the Holika Dahan Puja. As per rituals, Holika Puja is done before Holika Dahan where people perform pooja with a bowl of water, beads made of cow dung, rice, fragrances like agarbatti and dhoop, flowers, turmeric pieces, gulal powder, coconut, etc. Holi 2019 Dates & How to Watch Barsana, Mathura & Vrindavan Celebration Live Online: Free Video Live Streaming of Mathura Brij Holi from Uttar Pradesh.

On top of the pyre, there is an effigy to signify Holika who tricked Prahalad into the fire. Inside homes, people stock up on color pigments, food, party drinks and festive seasonal foods such as gujiya, mathri, malpuas and other regional delicacies.

Watch Video: The Story of Holika and Prahad:

The traditional Holika pyre of wood is decorated with flowers and garlands. Once the puja is performed, people gather and burn Holika (bonfire) to signify victory of good over evil. The festival is widely celebrated in north India and parts of South India where pyres are burnt to mark the annual festival.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 19, 2019 05:53 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).