Holi 2023: Celebrations and Wishes
Holi is a vibrant and colorful festival celebrated all over India and other parts of the world. It is also known as the festival of colors or the festival of love, and is celebrated every year on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Phalguna (February or March). In this article, we will explore the history and significance of Holi, the various ways in which it is celebrated across India, and some of the best Holi wishes to share with your loved ones.
History and Significance of Holi
Holi has its roots in Hindu mythology and is associated with various stories and legends. One of the most popular stories is the story of Prahlad and Holika. Prahlad was a devout follower of Lord Vishnu, but his father, Hiranyakashipu, was a tyrant who did not approve of his son's beliefs. Hiranyakashipu tried to kill Prahlad several times, but he was saved by Lord Vishnu's divine intervention.
Holika, Hiranyakashipu's sister, had a boon that made her immune to fire. Hiranyakashipu asked Holika to sit with Prahlad in a pyre, hoping that Prahlad would burn to death. But instead, Holika was burned to ashes, and Prahlad emerged unscathed. This event is celebrated as the victory of good over evil and is the reason why Holi is celebrated with bonfires, known as Holika Dahan, the night before the actual festival.
Apart from its religious significance, Holi also marks the arrival of spring and the end of winter. It is a time when people come together, forget their differences, and celebrate the joy of life.
Celebrations Across India
Holi is celebrated in various ways across India, each region having its unique customs and traditions. Here are some of the most popular ways in which Holi is celebrated:
Lathmar Holi in Barsana and Nandgaon
In Barsana and Nandgaon, two villages near Mathura, Holi is celebrated in a unique way. Women chase men with sticks (lathis), and men try to protect themselves with shields. This tradition is said to have originated from the story of Lord Krishna and his consort Radha.
Phoolon Ki Holi in Vrindavan
In Vrindavan, the birthplace of Lord Krishna, Holi is celebrated with flowers instead of colors. People shower each other with petals of different flowers and offer them to the deities in the temples.
Rang Panchami in Maharashtra
In Maharashtra, Holi is celebrated as Rang Panchami, five days after the main festival. On this day, people throw colors and water at each other and enjoy traditional sweets like puran poli and shrikhand.
Basant Utsav in West Bengal
In West Bengal, Holi is celebrated as Basant Utsav, and is also known as Dol Jatra. People wear yellow clothes, sing and dance, and throw colored powder at each other.
Holla Mohalla in Punjab
In Punjab, Holi is celebrated as Holla Mohalla, a festival of martial arts and valor. People dress up in traditional attire, perform gatka (a traditional martial art form), and engage in mock battles.
Holi Wishes
Holi is a time to spread joy and happiness and to strengthen the bonds of love and friendship. Here are some of the best Holi wishes to share with your loved ones:
Holi 2023 Shubh Muhurat, Date and Timings
The Holi festivities are scheduled for March 8, 2023, which falls on a Wednesday. However, only March 8 will be observed as Holi Day in all 50 states. As is customary for auspicious occasions, the ritual of Holika Dahan is performed the day before Holi, known as Chhoti Holi. The Holika Dahan ceremony concludes when the moon is fully visible. It is worth noting that, as per the Panchang, the propitious time frame for Holika Dahan this time is 2 hours 27 minutes.
Holika Dahan can be conducted from 6:24 to 8:51 in the evening on March 7, 2023. It's worth noting that the date of Holi in 2023 will remain unchanged, with Wednesday still being the day of celebration.
Happy Holi 2023
Wishing you a very happy and colorful Holi 2023!

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