History and mythological beliefs of Holi
Every year in the month of spring, people of the Hindu religion all over the world, including India, celebrate the festival of Holi, a festival of colors in which people throw colored water and Gulal on each other. On this one day – the full moon day of the Hindu month of Phalgun – social barriers such as caste, gender, age, and status are overcome by the spirit of enjoying together, and there is a festival proper for everyone to be drenched in color.
The mythological belief of Holi
Holi traditions vary across countries and have their roots in Indian mythology. In many places, the festival is linked to the legend of Hiranyakashipu, a demon king in ancient India.
Hiranyakashipu enlisted the help of his sister Holika to kill his son Prahlad, a worshiper of Vishnu. In an attempt to burn Prahlad, Holika sat on a pyre with him, wearing a cloak that protected her from the fire. But the cloak protected Prahlad and Holika got burnt.
Later that night, Lord Vishnu killed Hiranyakashipu, the incarnation of Narasimha, to kill Hiranyakashipu. And the episode was declared as the victory of good over evil. In many places in India, a huge pyre is lit the night before Holi to celebrate the occasion.
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Other beliefs of Holi
The story of Krishna and Radha is central to many parts of India. The story goes that Krishna, a Hindu deity who is believed to be a form of Vishnu, fell in love with the milkmaid Radha, but was embarrassed that she had dark blue skin and he was fair. To fix this, he paints her face during a game with her and the other cowgirls. This is thought to be the origin of colored water and throwing powder. General merriment is also seen as an attribute of Krishna, who is known for his mischief and play.
Holika Dahan takes place on the day of Phalgun Purnima and the festival of Holi is celebrated the next day. According to Udayatithi, Holika Dahan will take place on March 07 and Rangotsav will be celebrated the next day.
Falgun Purnima 2023 begins, now an auspicious time for Holika Dahan
Holika Dahan is done on the full moon day of Falgun month. The full moon date of Shukla Paksha of Phalgun month started at 06:17 pm on March 06 and will end on March 07 at 06:09 pm. That’s why Holika Dahan will be done at midnight on 06 March at many places. Because on March 06, Pradosh Kaal is occupied by Bhadra and Bhadra is ending from Nishith (midnight) on March 07 at 5.14 am. At the same time, Holika Dahan will take place in most parts of the country on March 07 as well. On March 07, the time from 06:31 to 08:58 will be auspicious for Holika Dahan.
Holika Dahan 2023 Night Choghadiya Muhurta
Profit (Unnati Muhurta) – 07:56 PM to 09:28 PM (March 7, 2023)
Shubh (Uttama Muhurta) – March 7, 11:00 pm – March 8, 12:32 am
Amrit (best time) – March 8, 2023, 12:32 am – 02:04 am
Char (General Muhurta) – 8
Holika Puja Vidhi 2023
On the day of worship of Holika, first, purify the place of worship with Gangajal and put dry cow dung cake, dry wood, dry grass, etc. in it. Offer garland, Roli, rice, scent, flowers, jaggery or Batashe, whole turmeric, Gulal, and coconut in Holika. Also, offer paddy for the new crop. Now circumambulate the raw yarn three or seven times around Holika and say ‘Ahkoota Bhayatrastai: Krita Tvam Holi Balishai’. Ataswan Pujayishyami Bhuti-Bhuti Pradayinim..’ Say the mantra. then arghya
Holashtak ends today
Holashtak starts eight days before Holika Dahan and ends after eight days. Auspicious and auspicious works are prohibited during Holashtak. Holashtak is ending on 07 March.
Bhadra’s shadow on Holika Dahan!
This year the shadow of Bhadra is going to remain on Holika Dahan. That’s why there is doubt whether Holika will burn on 06 March or on 07 March. However, in most parts of the country Holika Dahan is on March 07 and Holi will be celebrated on March 08.
Say this mantra when Holi is lit
At the time of Holika Dahan, chant this mantra while putting the ingredients in the fire of Holika-
Ahkuta Bhayatrastai: Krita Twam Holi Balishai:. Ataswan Pujayishyami Bhuti-Bhuti Pradayinim.
The fun and frolic start in the morning itself.
The colorful party is just a part of Holi. The night before Holika Dahan (bonfire evening), revelers burn a symbolic effigy to mark the demise of the demonic Holika. People throw the famous, colored powder on Rangwali Holi, the second and most famous day of the festival. People buy the powder and prepare it long in advance and the children enthusiastically practice their aim. In the Braj region of India, Holi celebrations last for 16 days.http://www.histortstudy.in
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Special dishes are made on Holi
Families across India lovingly prepare Gujiya, a dumpling-like dessert stuffed with dry fruits and Mawa flavored with cardamom. Countless variations exist, but typically the fillings include pistachios, cashews, coconut, and raisins, which are enjoyed by everyone during Holika Dahan.
Toasting with Hemp Milk
Some people enjoy Holi with bhang – a milky drink made from a paste of the buds and leaves of cannabis that grows high in the Himalayas. Consumed for 3,000 years, this cannabis milkshake links the mighty monk Lord Shiva through mythology and is sold in government-run cannabis shops.
why do people paint each other
Legend has it that after being cursed with blue skin by a demon, Krishna worried that his fair-skinned wife, Radha, would no longer love him. When he complained to his mother Yashoda, she teasingly said that Krishna should paint Radha’s face whatever color he chose, so he did. The flying multicolored color, called Gulal, is reminiscent of the story of Krishna.
Take precautions while playing Holi
In the past, Gulal was made from the flame of flowers, spices, and other natural ingredients such as the luxurious Indian coral tree and forest plants, which provided medicinal properties and benefits for the skin.
Synthetic dyes became common in the mid-9th century. Today, most of the Gulal used during Holi is synthetic from China, although the Indian government promotes national products and returns to plant-based colors. In 2012, around 200 people suffering from color poisoning were admitted to a hospital in Mumbai.
Importance of colors
Colors matter more than just making a beautiful picture. The red color symbolizes love, fertility, and married life. Blue represents Krishna, while green symbolizes new beginnings.https://studyguru.org.in
Do this work before playing Holi
To prevent disaster, people are advised to keep hair and skin well moisturized to help prevent the Gulal from staining. Clothes are usually not reusable.
Holi is also celebrated abroad
Holi extends beyond the Indian subcontinent as well. Hindus celebrate in Bangladesh and Pakistan, as well as in other countries with large expatriate populations such as Suriname, South Africa, and Malaysia. The United Kingdom and the United States also hold parties, concerts, and events across the country, making it possible for many people to join in the festivities.
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Disclaimer- We do not confirm the correctness of any of the information given above. All this information has been collected from mythology and other sources.