Festival of colours is here! Lathmar Holi, Phoolon Ki Holi, more | READ

The Hindu festival of colours, Holi will be celebrated on Friday on 14th March, 2025. The festivities begins with Holika Dahan also known as choti Holi, on Thursday, 13th March, 2025. This festival is celebrated all over the country and various parts of the World. It signifies the arrival of spring and the great victory of good over the evil.

 Holi celebrations include religious ritual

Holi brings people of all community together in a spirit of joy binding them all together. It  brings forgiveness and renewal, making it one of the most loved and anticipated festivals of all among the Hindu calender. Holi celebrations include religious ritual, cultural performances and vibrant gatherings where people come together and play with colours with each other and enjoy sweets and treats, get involved in community events. 

Several legends are linked to the origins of Holi.

Holika and Prahlad The story tells of the demon king Hiranyakashipu, who sought to discipline his son Prahlad for his devotion to Lord Vishnu. Holika, the king’s family, who was believed to be vulnerable to fire, sat with Prahlad in a burning barrow. still, Prahlad survived due to his devotion, while Holika decomposed, emblematizing the triumph of righteousness over wrong. Radha and Krishna According to another legend, youthful Krishna, upset about his dark complexion compared to Radha’s fair skin, playfully applied color to her face. This act is believed to have led to the tradition of playing with colors during Holi.

Holi 2025 Rituals and Traditions

Holika Dahan( March 13, 2025) On the dusk of Holi, backfires are lit to signify the burning of wrong. People gather around the fire to offer prayers and perform rituals.

Dhulendi or Rangwali Holi( March 14, 2025) The main festivity involves playing with colors, splashing water, singing, dancing, and enjoying traditional foods like gujiya and drinks like thandai.

Holi fests across India

Holi is famed else across regions, reflecting original traditions and artistic diversity.

1.  Mathura and Vrindavan( Uttar Pradesh) The week-long fests include Phoolon ki Holi, where flowers replace colors, and Lathmar Holi, where women playfully hit men with sticks.
2. Barsana, Uttar Pradesh Known for its Lathmar Holi, women symbolically strike men with sticks, reenacting Radha and Krishna’s sportful relations. Shantiniketan, West Bengal Introduced by Rabindranath Tagore, Basanta Utsav is marked by artistic events, music, and dance reflecting the cultural traditions of the region.
3. Anandpur Sahib, Punjab Sikhs observe Hola Mohalla, which coincides with Holi and includes martial trades demonstrations, poetry, and mock battles emphasizing frippery and fellowship.

Holi remains a significant jubilee that unites people across communities, celebrating joy, togetherness, and the spirit of renewal.