Holi 2024: Dates, Timings, Rituals, and More – March 24 or 25?
Holi 2024: Dates, Timings, Rituals, and More - March 24 or 25?
Holi, also known as Basanta Utsav, is a cherished Hindu festival symbolizing colors, unity, and rejuvenation. This year, Holi is set to be celebrated on March 25, preceded by ‘Choti Holi’ on March 24. The festival encompasses various rituals, including the burning of the Holika effigy, playing with organic colors, and exchanging sweets.
Heralding the arrival of spring, Holi holds significant cultural and spiritual importance, bringing communities together to commemorate the triumph of good over evil.
Amidst the vibrancy of colors and festivities, there is often confusion about the exact date of Holi’s celebration. According to the Hindu calendar, Holi falls on the full moon day in the month of Falgun, marking March 25 as the day for celebration.
Holi puja 2024 date and time
The festival of Holi is celebrated towards the end of the month of Phalguna, according to the Hindu calendar. The festival begins on the evening of Purnima with the lighting of a bonfire on the first day, symbolising the burning of the demon Holika. Padwa, the first day of the Hindu month of Chaitra, is the day after which Indians play Holi. Holi will be celebrated on 25th March while Holika Dahana will be observed on 24th March this year. According to Drik Panchang, the auspicious timings to observe the puja are as follows:
| Holika Dahan 2024 Date | March 24, 2024 |
| Holika Dahan Day | Sunday |
| Holika Dahan Muhurta | 23:13 to 00:27 |
| Bhadra Punchha | 18:33 to 19:53 |
| Bhadra Mukha | 19:53 to 22:06 |
| Purnima Tithi Begins | 09:54 on Mar 24, 2024 |
| Purnima Tithi Ends | 12:29 on Mar 25, 2024 |
Celebrations
Holi unfolds over two days, commencing with the symbolic burning of the Holika effigy to signify the victory of righteousness over malevolence. The following day, revelers engage in playful exchanges of colors (rang, Gulal), crafted from natural ingredients like kumkum, neem, and turmeric. Alongside vibrant festivities, cherished customs include gathering with loved ones, participating in community gatherings with music and dance, and sharing sweets, snacks, and thandai. Additionally, seeking blessings from elders and extending joyful wishes to one another are integral parts of the celebration.
On Choti Holi, the Holika Dahan ceremony symbolizes the triumph over negativity, as the Holika effigies are set ablaze at sunset, ushering in positivity and harmony. Beyond its colorful exterior, Holi fosters reconciliation and the rejuvenation of relationships, fostering bonds of friendship and love through the exchange of good wishes and blessings amidst the joyful chaos.
