Holi

According to Panchang Diwakar, Holika Dahan is historically determined in the course of Bhadra Rahitakal on the day of Pradosh Vyapini Phalgun. Purnima This year, Phalgun Purnima, identified as Pradoshvyapini, falls exclusively on March 24, 2024. Bhadra concludes at 11:13 pm, just before midnight at 12:33 am. As a result, Holika Dahan will be observed on March 24. The auspicious timeframe for Holika Dahan is from 11:13 pm to 12:32 am. Hence, it is recommended to perform Holika Dahan only after 11:13 pm, as per the guidance of Gurudev Shrie Kashyap.

Holi 

Over the years, Holi has transcended its origins in India and has gained widespread popularity among South Asian communities residing in various parts of the world, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Caribbean nations, and other countries with significant Indian populations. While Holi is a joyous occasion meant for fostering unity and celebrating with loved ones and the broader community, the mingling of diverse groups can sometimes lead to conflicts and instances of harassment. As a precautionary measure, police departments in many regions across India implement heightened security measures during Holi to maintain peace and prevent any untoward incidents or brawls.

Holika Dahan

Before lighting the fire for Holi, there is a traditional ritual of worshipping Holika. To perform this ritual, one should sit facing east or north. The items required for the worship include garland, flowers, raw cotton, jaggery, roli, scent, whole turmeric, moong, batasha, gulal, coconut, five types of grains, ears of wheat, and a pot of water. It is customary to circumambulate the bonfire that is lit for Holika Dahan. The following day, the ashes from the Holi fire should be collected and stored in a silver box.

Additionally, The following day is known as Rangwali Holi. In the morning, individuals spill out onto the streets, engaging in a lively exchange of colored powders and water. Water pistols and water balloons add to the festive chaos, ensuring everyone gets drenched in a vibrant spectrum of hues. Each color carries significance; red symbolizes love, while green represents new beginnings. Amidst the revelry, the air is filled with music, with drums providing a rhythmic backdrop to the festivities. It's an exhilarating and joyous celebration for all involved.

People often place barley grains and mustard plasters in the sacred fire of Holika, believing that it brings happiness to the household. It is important to note that Holika Dahan should not be performed during Bhadra, as per tradition. This ritual holds significance in ensuring a prosperous and joyful celebration of Holi.

Stories behind Holi

The festival of Holi, renowned for its colorful festivities, traces its origins back to ancient India, with mentions found in various historical texts. References to Holi can be found in appendices to the Atharvaveda, as well as in certain renditions of the Kamasutra, where it is referred to as Holaka. Additionally, the Prakrit Sattasai poems by Hala mention the festival as Phalgunotsava, signifying the celebration of spring. Throughout the centuries, numerous myths and legends have become associated with Holi, with three of the most commonly recounted ones being the stories of Krishna and Radha, Hiranyakashipu and Prahlada, and Shiva and Kama. These tales add layers of significance to the vibrant and joyous celebration of Holi, enriching its cultural heritage and spiritual essence.

Significance for Worshippers of Lord Krishna

Holi holds a special significance for worshippers of Lord Krishna, with its festive spirit often traced back to the playful interactions between Krishna and the gopis (cowherd women) as described in ancient texts like the Bhagavata Purana and Gitagovinda. The Garga Samhita also contributes to the association of Holi with Krishna's playful nature. One popular legend surrounding the origins of Holi's colorful festivities revolves around a young Krishna questioning his foster mother, Yashoda, about the difference in their skin tones—Krishna being depicted as blue and Radha as fair-skinned. In response, Yashoda suggested that Krishna could use colors to change Radha's complexion as he wished. Taking this suggestion in jest, Krishna and Radha engaged in playful color-throwing activities, thus giving rise to the vibrant celebration of Holi. Even today, Holi celebrations in Mathura, Krishna's birthplace, and nearby regions like Vrindavan and Barsana, where Krishna spent his childhood, are steeped in the legendary tales of Radha and Krishna, adding a rich cultural and spiritual dimension to the festivities.

The Traditions

In the traditions of southern India, the Holi festivities are intricately connected with a mythological narrative involving Shiva, a principal deity, and Kama, the god symbolizing love and desire. According to ancient scriptures, Shiva was plunged into deep sorrow following the demise of his beloved consort, Sati. Engrossed in profound meditation, he remained detached from worldly affairs. Meanwhile, Parvati, who was a reincarnation of Sati, fervently meditated to win Shiva's affection but faced challenges due to his disinterest in worldly matters.

In the epic Kumarasambhava penned by Kalidasa, the gods sought the birth of Skanda, the son of Shiva and Parvati, to combat the demon, Taraka. To awaken Shiva from his meditative state and redirect his focus towards Parvati, the king of gods, Indra, sought Kama's assistance. Kama, using his love-infused arrow, aimed to stir desire in Shiva's heart for Parvati. However, Shiva, infuriated by this interruption, unleashed his third eye's fiery gaze, reducing Kama to ashes.

Moved by the sorrow of Rati, Kama's devoted wife, Shiva granted her plea for his revival, albeit in a non-physical form. The resurrection of Kama is commemorated as Holi in certain regions of India, symbolizing the victory of love over adversity and the restoration of balance in the cosmic order.

As Holi approaches, let's embrace the vibrant colors, joyous festivities, and cherished traditions that define this beautiful celebration. May the colors of Holi spread love, happiness, and togetherness in our lives. Wishing you and your family a colorful and comfortable Holi!