Holi 2024: Date, time, how to perform puja and more
This year, the significant celebration of Holi is scheduled for Monday, March 25, 2024. Preceding Holi, the festival of Holika Dahan or Choti Holi will be observed on Sunday, March 24.
Known as the festival of colours, the Hindu festival is celebrated as ‘Dol Jatra’ or ‘Basanta Utsav’ in West Bengal, Assam, and Tripura.
Following the Gregorian calendar, the festival is typically observed in late February or early March, signifying the onset of spring and the conclusion of winter. It aligns with the full moon or Purnima on the evening of the Hindu month of Phalguna.
When is Holi in 2024?
This year, the significant Holi festival is scheduled for Monday, March 25, 2024. The day preceding Holi, known as Holika Dahan or Choti Holi, will be observed on Sunday, March 24.
The auspicious time or muhurat for Holi celebrations is set from 7:19 pm to 9:38 pm on March 24. On the following day, people can joyfully partake in Holi festivities by applying vibrant colors to friends and family members.
However, according to Drik Panchang, the auspicious timings are as follows:
Purnima Tithi Begins – 09:54 AM on March 24, 2024
Purnima Tithi Ends – 12:29 PM on March 25, 2024
In 2023, Holi was celebrated on 8 March.
How puja is performed on Holi?
On the first day of Holi, individuals ignite a stack of wood symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. Essential items for the puja include raw cotton thread, coconut, gulal powder, vermilion, akshat (grains of rice), incense sticks, flowers, batasha (sweets made of sugar powder), turmeric, and a bowl of water.
For the ‘Holika Dahan’ ritual, raw cotton threads are needed, which are wound around the woodpile three or seven times. Following this, Ganga water is sprinkled, accompanied by flowers and vermilion. Subsequently, a rosary, roli, akshat, batasha, turmeric, gulal, and coconut are employed to worship the structure.
Foods prepared on Holi:
During the second day of Holi, individuals craft delectable treats such as gujiyas, sweet dumplings filled with khoya, and thandai, a revitalizing beverage infused with nuts and spices. Additionally, various other delicacies are prepared and offered to guests.
