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When is Holi 2025? Date, History, Significance and all you need to know

When is Holi 2025? Date, History, Significance and all you need to know

Mahima Sharma / TOI Religion / Mar 9, 2025, 17:30 IST

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Holi, the vibrant Hindu festival celebrated with colors, joy, and unity, marks the victory of good over evil and the arrival of spring. Celebrated on March 13 (Holika Dahan) and March 14 (Holi) in 2025, it holds deep cultural significance rooted in legends of Prahlad's devotion and Krishna's playful love with Radha.

When is Holi 2025? Date, History, Significance and all you need to know

Image Source: Freepik

Holi is one of the major festivals of Hindus, which is also known as the "Festival of Colors,". Holi is a colorful and exuberant Hindu festival that is celebrated in India and other countries with immense joy and happiness. Holika Dahan, also called Choti Holi, will be celebrated on Thursday, on March 13, the day before Holi, which is observed on Friday, March 14, in 2025.

Holi 2025: Date and Time

Purnima Tithi Begins - March 13, 2025 - 10:35 AM
Purnima Tithi Ends - March 14, 2025 - 12:23 PM

Holi 2025: History and Significance

One of the most colorful and exuberant festival is Holi, which is celebrated by Hindu communities in India and around the world, often known as the festival of colors. It symbolizes the victory of good over evil and beginning of spring season. This festival is celebrated with great grandeur and enthusiasm that unites people around the world spread love, people, who want to seek forgiveness from their loved ones, this festivals is the great occasion for them.

Holi 2025: Legends associated with Holi festival

Holika and Prahalad: According to this story, the demon king Hiranyakashipu tried to punish his son Prahlad for his devotion to Lord Vishnu. He invited his sister, Holika, who had a blessing rendering her resistant to fire, to sit with Prahlad in a blazing pyre. However, due to Prahlad's unwavering devotion, he emerged unscathed, while Holika perished, symbolizing the triumph of righteousness over evil.
Radha and Krishna: Lord Krishna and Radha's divine love is celebrated in another legend. Playful and naughty, young Krishna was worried about his black skin compared to Radha's pale complexion. His mother, Yashoda, playfully suggested he apply color to Radha's face, leading to the tradition of throwing colors during Holi.

Holi 2025: Rituals and Traditions

Holika Dahan (March 13, 2025): On the eve of Holi, enormous bonfires are lit to commemorate the burning of Holika. Offerings prayers around the fire is part of this ceremony, which represents the destruction of evil.
Dhulendi or Rangwali Holi (March 14, 2025): The primary day is the celebration day when people come together and play holi with Gulal, Sing and Dance, splash each other with water, and cover each other with colorful Gulal. During the festivities, traditional drinks like thandai and sweets like gujiya are enjoyed.

How Holi is celebrated in different regions

Known for its week-long celebrations, Mathura and Vrindavan (Uttar Pradesh) are closely linked to Lord Krishna. They hold celebrations such as Phoolon ki Holi, when flowers are used in place of colors, and Lathmar Holi, where ladies playfully beat men with sticks.

Barsana, Uttar Pradesh, is well-known for its distinctive Lathmar Holi celebration, in which women jokingly strike males with sticks in imitation of Radha and Krishna's playful antics.

Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore introduced Shantiniketan (West Bengal), where the rich artistic legacy of the area is reflected in the cultural events, music, and dances that mark Basanta Utsav.

Anandpur Sahib (Punjab): Sikhs celebrate Hola Mohalla, a celebration that falls on the same day as Holi and features poetry, martial arts, and simulated combat, with an emphasis on bravery and camaraderie.

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