Holika Dahana 2023: Date, History, Facts about Holi

This year, Holika Dahan, also known as the Festival of Colors, is observed on March 7. The date of the festival differs from year to year, as it is determined by the lunar calendar of India. Nevertheless, it is commemorated during the first full moon of March, which typically occurs between March 7 and March 28. The holiday commemorates the triumph of virtue over evil and the legend of Prahlad and Holika, two figures from Indian mythology. On an auspicious date in the evening, the holiday is celebrated with bonfires and dancing. The celebration continues the following day with a game involving the tossing of coloured powder. This is known as Holi. On this day, as the Spring season begins, relationships are repaired and forged.

The background of Holika Dahana

Holika Dahan is the first day of the festival of Holi. On this day, pyres are erected throughout India in preparation for a ceremony in which a large group of people chant and dance in harmony around a burning effigy. The fire represents the extermination of a malevolent spirit and commences in the evening after the full moon has set.

This procession depicts the tale of Holika and her nephew Prahlad. Hiranyakashyapu, Prahlad’s father, was a powerful king who received divine powers. He was incapable of being injured or slain by anything. Consequently, he assumed the role of a deity and demanded that all people worship him. Although the rest of the town followed suit, the king’s son did not venerate his father because he was a devoted devotee of the supreme being, Lord Vishnu.

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This flagrant disregard infuriated Hiranyakashyapu, so he attempted to murder his son. After numerous unsuccessful attempts, the king decided to ask his fire-resistant sister Holika for assistance. Holika was tasked with luring Prahlad into a burning pyre, resulting in his demise. Lord Vishnu’s interception rendered the plan ineffective, much to their dismay. Vishnu rescued Prahlad from the flames, while Holika perished despite her immunity.

As a result, Vishnu acquired the moniker “The Protector of Good” because he defended his devotee against his evil aunt. The day after Holika Dahan, there are fun celebrations with water splashing, colour powder painting, and refreshments. During this festival, devotees find solace in Lord Vishnu, while other participants honour Prahlad’s extraordinary courage and faith.

This is a day for reconciliation and reflection on life and relationships. The holiday’s symbolism has crossed international boundaries, as it is now celebrated by Hindus in India and by everyone around the globe. Participating countries include South Africa, Europe, Australia, and the United States.

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5 INCREDIBLE FACTS ABOUT HOLI

Holi celebrates the advent of spring, the love between Radha and Krishna, and the death of Holika.

Blue-skinned Krishna is often mistaken for the deity of Holi due to his complexion, but his colour is actually the result of a poison he ingested.

In India’s Brag region, Holi is celebrated for sixteen days.

Water is considered indispensable for Holi festivities.

The local Indian beverage commonly consumed during Holi contains cannabis and may cause side effects if consumed in excess.

HOLIKA DAHANA DATES

Year	Date	Day
2022	March 17	Thursday
2023	March 7	Tuesday
2024	March 24	Sunday
2025	March 13	Thursday
2026	March 3	Tuesday