Holi: The Festival of Victory, Joy, and Colours

phalgun ke din chaar holi khel mana re ॥
seel santokh ki kesar gholi prem preet pichkar re ।
udat gulaal laal bhayo ambar, barsaat rang apaar re ॥
ghat ke sab pat khol diye hain lok laaj sab daar re ।
Meera ke prabhu giridhar nagar charan kamal balihar re ॥
- Mirabai

{The days of Phalgun (spring) are few. O, dear heart, celebrate this season by playing Holi. Mix the saffron of virtuous conduct and contentment; spray the colours of love and affection like a pichkari (traditional water gun). When the gulal (holi colour) goes up in the air, the entire sky turns red. No longer afraid of social judgment or worldly shame, I have opened the doors of my heart. Mirabai says, my true Lord, my Beloved, is Sri Krishna, the One who lifted the Govardhan Mountain. I have surrendered everything at his lotus feet.}

Holi is a festival of love, enthusiasm, and joyous celebration. The vibrant colors fill life with new-found energy. Yet, what colour can be deeper than the colour of devotion? When a devotee is immersed in the divine colour of love, they surrender their entire being just as Mirabai and Radharani did.

Highlights of the blog:

• Origin of Holi
• Why do we celebrate Holi?
  • Sri Krishna and Radha Rani's Katha
  • Bhakt Prahlad and Holika Katha: Holika's Dahan Story & Origin
  • Who was Holika?
• Science Behind Holi: The Festival of Colours
• Holika Dahan: Timing and Shubh Muhurat
• Holika Dahan Rituals and Puja Vidhi
  • Bhadra timings during Holika Dahan
  • Puja Vidhi
• Lunar Eclipse on Holi in 2026
  • Lunar Eclipse Timings
• Duration of Sutak Period
• Why is Sadhana important during an Eclipse?

Origin of Holi

Holi is celebrated with great enthusiasm in India as well as in many other countries. In Nepal, it is called Fagu or Fagu Purnima. Similarly, Dol Jatra or Dol Purnima, is a colourful spring festival celebrated mainly in West Bengal and Assam. A similar festival, celebrated in Bangladesh, is known as Dol Jatra or Boshonto Utshob. In Mauritius and Fiji, Holi is celebrated as Phagwa. The festival of Holi acts as a bridge between cultures, uniting people across borders.

Holi, the festival of joy, conveys meaningful lessons for life. Our Pauranic texts mention various stories associated with Holi, each carrying its own spiritual significance. Let us read about the kathas associated with Holi and the life lessons behind them.

Why do we celebrate Holi?

Sri Krishna and Radha Rani's Katha

(Sri Krishna and Radharani playing Holi) Representative Image

yashomati maiya se bole nandlala,
radha kyun gori, main kyon kaala

{The young Sri Krishna, (Nandlala) once asked his mother Yashoda, "Why is Radha fair, and why am I dark."}

While we have all heard this melodious bhajan, did you know that it is deeply connected with Holi? Holi is also the celebration of the divine love Sri Krishna and Radha Rani.

Braj, also called Vraj (Uttar Pradesh) where Sri Krishna spent the early years of life, is the sacred region spread across both sides of river Yamuna. The cities of Mathura-Vridavan, lie at the very heart of this region. Braj ki Holi (Holi celebrations in Braj region) is famous throughout India for its devotion, and spirit. According to a popular katha, once Sri Krishna innocently asked Ma Yashoda, why Radharani was fair, while he was dark in complexion. Ma Yashoda replied affectionately, "My dear child, you may apply any colour of your wish on Radha's face and colour her in the shade you like."

(Lathmar Holi in Barsana, Uttar Pradesh)

Delighted with the suggestion, Sri Krishna did exactly that. Radhrani did the same and smeared many colours on Krishna. It is believed that from that moment, the tradition of celebrating Holi began. Even today, Holi is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Braj. The Lathmar Holi of Braj, played with sticks and shields, is popular across the world.

Life Lesson: This episode of Sri Krishna and Radharani teaches us that love is far superior to outward appearances. Holi reminds us to accept people with differences and celebrate them with joy.

Bhakt Prahlad and Holika Katha: Holika Dahan Story & Origin

According to the Pauranic legends, Holika Dahan is mainly associated with Bhakt Prahlad and his paternal aunt, Holika. Prahlad was born into an Asura family. His father, Hiranyakashipu, was a powerful Asura king. Hiranyakashipu had banned Lord Vishnu's worship in his kingdom and punished those who worshipped Him.

However, his own son Prahlad was an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu. Hiranyakashipu strongly opposed his son's devotion and subjected him to many hardships. Yet Prahlad remained immersed in the name of Lord Narayan. When none of his attempts to harm Prahlad succeeded, Hiranyakashipu sought the help of his sister, Holika.

Who was Holika?

(Lord Vishnu saved young Bhakt Prahlad seated in her aunt, Holika's lap)

Holika was the daughter of Rishi Kashyap and Diti. She was the sister of Hiranyakashipu and the aunt of Prahlad. Holika had received a boon from Lord Brahma that fire could not burn her. With pride of her boon, Holika sat in a blazing fire with Prahlad in her lap, intending to burn him alive. But due to Prahlad's unwavering devotion to Lord Vishnu, Holika was burned to ashes while Prahlad emerged unharmed from the flames. Since then, Holi has been celebrated as the triumph of devotion over arrogance and the victory of good over evil.

Life Lesson: Holika had received the boon from Lord Brahma, but it came with one condition. If she misused her power to harm someone, the boon would not protect her. And so it happened. Bhakt Prahlad's devotion to Lord Vishnu became his shield of protection, while Holika met her end.

Thus, when we misuse our powers to harm others, it ultimately leads to our own downfall.

Science Behind Holi: The Festival of Colors

From the Pauranic kathas, we understand that Holi is a celebration of the victory of good over evil. It is a time to set aside differences and strengthen relationships. Beyond adding sweetness to our bonds, this festival also has a positive impact on our mental well being.

The psychology behind the festival of colours, Holi, is extremely profound. From a psychological perspective, the bright colours used during Holi infuse our lives with joy, energy, and enthusiasm. They have a positive influence on the brain and help stimulate the release of dopamine, often called the happy hormone. Dopamine enhances motivation, focus, and feelings of satisfaction. As a result, we feel refreshed, energised, and happier from within.

In ancient times, Holi was celebrated using natural (organic) colours. For example, turmeric was used to create yellow, while green leaves and dried flowers were used for other shades. These natural colours helped cleanse impurities from the skin and kept it healthy. Plants such as palash, hibiscus, sandalwood, pomegranate, saffron, mehendi, bilva leaves, marigold, and amaltas were traditionally used to prepare Holi colours. These ingredients were gentle and beneficial for the skin, making the celebration both joyful and healthy.

Is Holi on 2nd or 3rd?

(People offering prayers before Holika Dahan)

According to the Hindu Panchang, the festival of Holi is celebrated on the full moon day (Purnima) of the last month of the year, Phalgun. It is also known as Holika Dahan, Holika Deepak, or Chhoti Holi. The festival is observed over two days. On the first day, Holika Dahan (the ceremonial bonfire) takes place, and on the following day, people celebrate Holi with colours. In 2026, there has been some confusion regarding the exact date of Holi because the Purnima tithi spans two days.

Holika Dahan: Timing and Shubh Muhurat

Purnima Tithi Begins: 2 March 2026 at 05:55 PM
Purnima Tithi Ends: 3 March 2026 at 05:07 PM

Note: Holika Dahan should be performed during the Pradosh Kaal (sunset period) on the Purnima Tithi. According to the Panchang for 2026, the Purnima Tithi will begin on 2 March at 5:55 PM and remain until 3 March at 5:07 PM. Although Purnima Tithi prevails for most of March 3, it will end at 5:07 PM. The Pradosh Kaal on 3 March will begin after sunset.

The reason Holi is observed on 3 March 2026 is based on two important principles mentioned in the Dharm Shastras:

• Udaya Vyapini Tithi – the tithi that is present at sunrise.
• Pradosha Vyapini Tithi – the tithi that is present during the Pradosh period (around sunset).

Even if Pradosh Kaal may have begun or been very near on 2 March, that day is not considered the main festival day of Purnima. Traditionally, Holika Dahan is associated with the Purnima that extends into the day of Holi, not the preceding evening’s Purnima.

Therefore, the Purnima festival will be observed on 3 March, and Holika Dahan should be performed in the evening during Pradosh Kaal. This decision is based on the classical rules of the Panchang. Hence, even though the Purnima Tithi ends shortly before sunset, Holika Dahan will be celebrated on 3 March 2026.

Holika Dahan Rituals and Puja Vidhi

This year, the night of Holika Dahan will be affected by Bhadra. On 3 March, Bhadra will remain from 01:25 AM to 04:30 AM. Auspicious rituals are not performed during Bhadra Kaal, so Holika Dahan or Holika Puja is avoided during this period.

The initial phase of Bhadra is called Bhadra Mukha, which is considered inauspicious. The later phase is known as Bhadra Poonch, which is comparatively less inauspicious, and some limited activities may be performed during this time.

Bhadra timings during Holika Dahan

Bhadra Punchha: 3 March 2026, from 01:25 AM to 02:35 AM
Bhadra Mukha: 3 March 2026, from 02:35 AM to 04:30 AM

Holika Dahan Shubh Muhurat: 3 March (Tuesday) from 06:22 PM to 08:50 PM
Duration: 2 hours 28 minutes.

Holi will be celebrated on 4 March, which is also known as Dhulendi or Dhulivandan. The word Dhul refers to the sacred ashes of Holika, and Vandan means offering reverence. Traditionally, people apply the ashes of Holika on their foreheads before beginning the colourful celebrations of Holi.

Holika Dahan Puja Vidhi

• Puja Samagri Needed
  One bowl of water, beads made of cow dung, roli, unbroken rice (also called Akshat in Sanskrit), fragrances like agarbatti and dhoop, flowers, raw cotton thread, turmeric pieces, unbroken moong lentil, batasha, gulal (holi colour) and coconut. Also, fully grown grains of freshly cultivated crops like wheat and gram can be included in the Puja items.
• Holika Sthapana
  The place where Holika puja structure is made is traditionally purified and coated with a mixture of cow dung and Ganga water. A wooden pole is kept at the center and surrounded with beads or garlands of toys made of cow dung popularly known as Gulari, Bharbholiye or Badkula. Idols of Holika and Prahlad usually made of cow dung are placed on the top of the heap. The Holika pile is decorated with shields, swords, sun, moon, stars and other toys made of cow dung.
  

During Holika Dahan, idol of Prahlad is taken out. Also four beads of cow dung are kept safe before bonfire. One is kept safe in the name of ancestors, second in the name of Lord Hanuman, third in the name of Ma Sheetala and fourth in the name of the family.

• Holi Puja Steps

1. Purification
2. Swastivachan Ganapati Avahan
3. Panchopchar Puja of Lord Ganesh
4. Panchopchar Puja of Devi Durga
5. Panchopchar Puja of Sri Hari Vishnu
6. Offer rice, fragrances, flower, unbreakable Moong lentil, turmeric pieces, coconut and Bharbholiye (garland made of dried cow dung which is also known as Gulari and Badkula) to Holika. Three, five or seven rounds of raw yarn are tied around the Holika while circumambulating it. After that, empty the water pot in front of the Holika pile.
7. Next morning, on the day of wet Holi, the ash from the bonfire is collected and smeared on the body. The ash is considered pious and it is believed that body and soul is purified after applying it.

All sorts of fear can be conquered by doing Holika Puja on Holi. Holika Puja bestows power, prosperity and wealth. The tradition of Holika Dahan was created to ward off all sorts of fear. Hence Holika, although a Demoness, is worshipped along with Prahlada before Holika Dahan.

Lunar Eclipse on Holi in 2026

This year, a Lunar Eclipse (Chandra Grahan) will occur on the day of Holika Dahan (Chhoti Holi). The eclipse will take place on 3 March 2026 (Tuesday) on the Full Moon (Purnima) of the Phalgun month.

According to Indian Standard Time, the lunar eclipse will begin at 03:20 PM and end at 06:47 PM, lasting for a total of 3 hours and 27 minutes.

Lunar Eclipse Timings

Eclipse Begins: 03:20 PM
Total Lunar Eclipse (Khagras) Begins: 04:34 PM
Eclipse Maximum (Midpoint): 05:04 PM
Total Lunar Eclipse Ends: 05:33 PM
Lunar Eclipse Ends: 06:47 PM
Duration (Khagras Kaal): 59 minutes

Duration of Sutak Period

According to astrology, the Sutak period of a lunar eclipse is considered significant. Since this will be the first lunar eclipse of the year and will be visible in India, the Sutak period will be observed. The Sutak begins 9 hours before the eclipse. As per traditional and religious beliefs, auspicious activities are avoided during this time.

Sutak Begins: 3 March 2026, approx. 09.33 AM
Sutak Ends: 3 March 2026, approx. 06:46 PM

Note: The timing of the Sutak period may vary slightly depending on your geographical location.

Why is Sadhana important during an Eclipse?

During an eclipse, the planetary energies shift. It is often compared to a cycle in motion that experiences a sudden interruption. Ancient Rishis observed that spiritual practices performed during this time have a deeper impact.

The energy of the Sun and Moon influences the human mind. According to our Dharm Shastras, on an eclipse, one should engage in Sadhana, Mantra jap, and meditation during this period. It is considered a powerful time for inner purification and spiritual growth. 

Chanting the Navarn Mantra during an eclipse period is considered extremely powerful. You can go to Kadamb van, Ma Durga’s sacred abode on the Sadhana App and chant the Navarn mantra  as per your convenience and receive the blessings and protection of Maa Durga.

Our heartiest wishes to you and your loved ones on Holi!

Note: All images in this blog have been created using AI.