Holi 2024 - When is Holi, on the 24th or 25th of March?

Holi, the festival of colours, marks the beginning of spring and the end of winter. The festival signifies the triumph of good over evil. The colour and vibrancy of the festival represent the different aspects of life. The festival of colours falls on March 25, 2024 – Day Monday. So start planning your celebration now, and stock up on colourful powders and water guns!

In modern times, the festival of Holi has taken on a new significance. It is now a time to come together and celebrate our diversity. The festival reminds us that we are all different, but we are all united by our humanity. It is a time to come together, celebrate our commonalities, and build bridges of understanding and respect.

When is Holi 2024 Celebrated in India, 24th or 25th of March?

The festival of Holi is celebrated on the full moon day of the Falgun month. There is confusion regarding the date of Holi because the full moon day lasts for two days, 24th and 25th. In reality, the festival of colors, Holi, takes place on the day of Choti Holi or Holika Dahan, which is on the eve of the full moon day. According to scriptures, Holika Dahan is performed on the day of Falgun Purnima, and the next day, the festival of colors is celebrated.

This time, on March 24th, the Purnima Tithi begins at 9:56 AM, and it concludes the next day, March 25th, before the Pradosh Kaal. According to the scriptures, if the full moon day is present on both days, and if the Purnima Tithi is prevalent during the Pradosh Kaal on the first day, then Holika Dahan should be performed on the same day during the Bhadra-free period. Following this rule, this year Holika Dahan will take place on March 24th, and the festival of colors will be celebrated on the next day, March 25th

Date	Day	Holiday	States
March 25, 2024	Monday	Holi	Across the Nations, India

Holi Purnima and Holika Dahan Muhurat (Time) 2024

Holi Muhurt 2024	Time/Muhurat	Date
Purnima Tithi Starts	9:54 AM	24th March 2024
Purnima Tithi Ends	12:29 PM	25th March 2024
Holika Dahan Time Period	1 hour and 14 minutes	24th March 2024
Holika Dahan Timings	11:13 PM to 12:27 PM	24th March 2024

History of Holi

Holi has its roots in Hindu mythology. Some believe Holi was originally a fertility festival meant to celebrate the arrival of spring. Others believe that it was a way to commemorate the victory of good over evil. Whatever its origins, Holi is now a cherished tradition for Hindus all over the world.

The legend of Hiranyakashipu and Holika is associated with the festival of Holi in many places. Hiranyakashipu, a demon king in ancient India, enlisted the help of his sister Holika to kill his son Prahlada, a devoted worshiper of Vishnu. In an attempt to burn Prahlada, Holika sat with him on a pyre while wearing a cloak that was supposed to protect her from the fire. However, the cloak protected Prahlada instead, and Holika burned to death. Later that night, Vishnu succeeded in killing Hiranyakashipu, and the episode was heralded as a triumph of good over evil. The night before Holi, people in many parts of India light a large fire to celebrate the occasion.

The Significance of Holika Dahan

The Holika Dahan is a significant Hindu festival that is celebrated every year. It commemorates the story of Prahlad, a devoted follower of Lord Vishnu, who was saved from being burned alive by his evil aunt Holika. The festival is celebrated by lighting a bonfire, and people gather around it to offer prayers and sing devotional songs. The bonfire symbolises good over evil, a reminder that truth and righteousness will always triumph. This year, Holika Dahan will be celebrated on March 24, 2024. The shubh muhurat for the puja starts at 6:24 pm and ends at 8:51 pm.

Celebration of Holi in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar

Holi is a much-anticipated festival in the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. It is celebrated with great fanfare and enthusiasm. The festival marks the beginning of spring and is a time of joy and happiness. People of all ages participate in the celebrations. They dress in white clothes and engage in fun activities such as singing and dancing. The highlight of the festival is the throwing of colours. People smear each other with colours and water to mark the occasion. 

No matter your favourite foods, you’re sure to find something to enjoy during Holi. So get ready to feast your eyes (and your stomach!) on some of the most fun and flavour-packed food you’ll ever eat. In Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, some traditional dishes made for Holi include malpua, Dahi vada, and thandai. Malpua is a pancake-like dish made from flour, milk, and sugar. It is deep-fried and often served with rabri, a thickened sweetened milk. Dahi vada is a fried snack made from lentil dumplings soaked in yoghurt.

One of the most popular beverages consumed during this time is Thandai. Thandai is a refreshing drink made with milk, spices, and nuts, and it is said to be the perfect way to cool down after a day of playing Holi. Whether you’re enjoying it with friends or family, Thandai is sure to make your Holi celebration even more enjoyable.

The Top Destinations To Celebrate Holi 2024 in India

With an array of destinations to choose from, it can be hard to decide where to spend your holiday. To help you make up your mind, we’ve compiled a list of the top destinations in India to celebrate Holi in 2024.

2024 Holi: Celebration In Mathura, Uttar Pradesh

Holi, the festival of colours, is celebrated all over India with great enthusiasm. But the city of Mathura, where Lord Krishna was born, has a special place in the hearts of Hindus. On the eve of Holi, people in Mathura light bonfires and sing devotional songs. 

Mathura’s temples celebrate the festival with grandeur, hosting colourful events that attract many worshippers. The Holi procession, which starts at Vishram Ghat and ends near Holi Gate, is a popular event around noon. The Dwarkadheesh Temple is a major hub for Holi celebrations, as it draws in a large crowd of devotees on the morning of the holiday.

Vrindavan Holi Celebration 2024 – Uttar Pradesh

Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan is the epicentre of Holi celebrations in this Krishna-obsessed town. The merriment starts with flower splashes or Phoolon ki Holi, followed by Widows Holi, and concludes with a riot of colours a day before the actual Holi festival. You will find people of all ages and genders bathed in different colours during this festive occasion.

2024 Holi Celebration in Udaipur, Rajasthan

Visit Udaipur to celebrate Holi 2024 in grand style! The Maharaja and his family participate in Holi in Udaipur. A ceremonial bonfire is lit in the courtyard of the royal palace during Holika Dahan. A traditional folk dance is performed around the bonfire by the locals. From Shambhu Niwas Palace, a royal procession proceeds to Manek Chowk’s royal residence. An elephant, horse, and camel are adorned with flowers and jewels. The royal music band accompanied the royal procession. Cocktails and dinner are now served at the palace. A spectacular fireworks display concludes the celebration.

Celebrate 2024’s Holi in Hampi, Karnataka

Holi is a popular and much-anticipated festival in North India, where people come together to sing and dance around a bonfire, but did you know that the revelry of this grand festival can also be found in the southern city of Hampi? Hampi is renowned for its temple complex and other ancient ruins, but during Holi, the city comes to life as people celebrate around a bonfire. If you’re looking for a unique place to celebrate Holi in 2024, Hampi should be at the top of your list!

The next day, people are treated to a colourful and festive celebration. Drumbeats fill the air, adding excitement to the festivities. After enjoying the colourful parade, people join in at River Tungabhadra to take a dip.

Dos and Don’ts of Holi 2024

Indeed! You need to take care of certain things before leaving to be colourful. Go through our list of dos and don’ts and suit up for the festival of colours. 

Dos

• Apply sunscreen cream in good quantity before leaving
• Play Holi with flowers or organic colours 
• Protect your nose, eyes and ears
• Adhere to the government guidelines, if any
• Save water 
• Keep water handy in case of fire in Holika Dehen
• Oil your hair and skin properly so that the colours don’t affect your skin harshly.
• Stay hydrated
• Be sound of the first aid kit

Don’ts

• Avoid the use of synthetic colours
• Avoid going to crowded areas
• Do not play Holi if you are sick or have symptoms like a cold, cough, fever, etc.
• Don’t drink and drive
• Don’t put colours on plants and animals
• Avoid eating a lot