होली Significance & Spiritual Meaning
होली — "वर्णानां पर्व" — वसन्तर्तोः स्वागतस्य महोत्सवः। फाल्गुनपूर्णिमायाः रात्रौ होलिकादहनं प्रारभते, परदिने रङ्गैः होली क्रीड्यते। कृष्णराधायोः भक्तिपरम्परायाः प्रमुखः उत्सवः — मथुरायां वृन्दावने च सप्ताहान् यावत् पाल्यते। गुलालेन अबीरेण च पुष्पैः च वर्णोत्सवः।
होली Mythology & Legend
As narrated in the Bhagavata Purana, the demon king Hiranyakashipu tried to kill his son Prahlad for worshipping Vishnu. Holika, who had a boon to resist fire, sat with Prahlad in a pyre, but Vishnu saved Prahlad and Holika was consumed. The burning of Holika is re-enacted as Holika Dahan the night before Rangwali Holi.
होली 2025 Puja Rituals & Vidhi
- On the eve, at dusk, light the Holika bonfire and circumambulate it.
- Offer grains and coconut to the fire; pray for the destruction of evil.
- On the day of Holi, apply oil to skin and hair before playing.
- Play with natural colored powder and water; visit family and friends.
- Share gujiya and thandai; sing and dance in groups.
होली Mantras in Sanskrit
ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय
oṃ namo bhagavate vāsudevāya
Salutations to Lord Vasudeva (Vishnu/Krishna)
होली Traditional Foods & Prasad
- ●Gujiya
- ●Thandai
- ●Malpua
- ●Dahi Vada
- ●Puri
- ●Papri
होली Regional Celebrations across India
North India(होली)
Large public celebrations with colors
Braj(लठमार होली)
Lathmar Holi (playful stick fight)
Bengal(দোলযাত্রা)
Dol Jatra with songs and processions
होली Do's & Don't's
Do's
- ✓Use natural or safe colors
- ✓Wear old clothes
- ✓Apply oil to skin and hair
- ✓Stay hydrated
- ✓Seek consent before applying color
Don'ts
- ✗Avoid harsh chemical colors
- ✗Do not force color on strangers
- ✗Avoid wasting water
होली — Frequently Asked Questions
- What is होली?
- होली — "वर्णानां पर्व" — वसन्तर्तोः स्वागतस्य महोत्सवः। फाल्गुनपूर्णिमायाः रात्रौ होलिकादहनं प्रारभते, परदिने रङ्गैः होली क्रीड्यते। कृष्णराधायोः भक्तिपरम्परायाः प्रमुखः उत्सवः — मथुरायां वृन्दावने च सप्ताहान् यावत् पाल्यते। गुलालेन अबीरेण च पुष्पैः च वर्णोत्सवः।
- When is होली 2025?
- In 2025, होली falls on Thursday, March 13, 2025.
- What are the होली puja rituals?
- On the eve, at dusk, light the Holika bonfire and circumambulate it.; Offer grains and coconut to the fire; pray for the destruction of evil.; On the day of Holi, apply oil to skin and hair before playing.; Play with natural colored powder and water; visit family and friends.
- What to eat on होली?
- Gujiya, Thandai, Malpua, Dahi Vada, Puri
- What should you do on होली?
- Use natural or safe colors; Wear old clothes; Apply oil to skin and hair
- What should you avoid on होली?
- Avoid harsh chemical colors; Do not force color on strangers; Avoid wasting water
- Which deity is worshipped on होली?
- होली is dedicated to कृष्णः, राधा.
Upcoming होली Dates in 2026, 2027 & Beyond
होली is a sacred Hindu festival observed on the tithi shown. Dates are calculated from the Panchang for your region.
Times shown for New Delhi, India (IST)
| Date | Day | Moonrise Time | Special Name |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 22, 2027 | Monday | 06:37 pm | — |
| Mar 23, 2027 | Tuesday | 07:40 pm | — |