Holi confirms the closing of the winter season. As per the Hindu calendar, Holi is celebrated on the last full moon day or Purnima in the month of Falgun. It comes in the month of February-March as per the English calendar. In 2024 it is going to be celebrated on 24th and 25th of March all over the country. Let's know the reason why this festival is celebrated and what's it's the significance?

The Story of the Holi Festival

As per the Hindu legends, the demon king Hiranyakashipu and his sister Holika were given the blessing of being immortal and that no one in the universe can kill them. His own son Prahlada was a follower of Lord Vishnu and out of anger, Hiranyakashipu tried to kill his son but failed. Later, he found rescue under his sister, Holika. He commanded his son Prahlada to sit on the lap of Holika on the fire. Somehow, Prahlada was saved by Vishnu while Holika was turned into ashes. Thus, Holi is celebrated as a symbol of victory of the 'good' over the 'bad'.

This festival also commemorates the pure love and romance that existed between Lord Krishna and Radha. There are many stories that speak about the various 'Ras-Leelas' that happened in the cities of Mathura and Vrindavan between Krishna and Radha during Holi.

It is also believed that on Holi Lord Shiva annihilated Kamadeva, the God of love.

In India, Holi is the biggest festival for Hindus apart from Diwali. The festival is celebrated by playing and applying colours to others and that's why it is also known as the festival of colours. Every year this festival is celebrated during the Purnima of Fagun month according to the Hindu calendar. The first day, people burn Holika and on the next day, they play with the colours.

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When is Holi celebrated in 2024?