Holi Festival

Significance of Holi Festival

The celebration of Holi goes beyond the colours- it is a celebration of love, unity and peace. The festival officially marks the end of winter and the arrival of spring. According to Hindu traditions and beliefs, this festival symbolises new beginnings, prosperity and growth.

Mentioned in the Bhagvata Purana, the festival of Holi is also a tale of the defeat of demoness Holika. This day teaches us that goodness always wins over the bad and vicious. This is why the night before Holi, people celebrate Dhulandi to burn all their negativities and evilness.

Braj Ki Holi- The Grand Celebration of Holi

Holi in the Braj region, known as ‘Brij ki Holi’, is one of India's most unique and grand celebrations. This week-long Holi celebration takes place across Mathura, Vrindavan, Barsana, and Nandgaon. From the famous Lathmar Holi in Barsana to the Mathura Holi festival, each celebration narrates Lord Krishna’s leelas. Below are some of the famous 2025 Holi:

• Lathmar Barsana Holi

The very famous Lathmar Holi is celebrated in Barsana, the birthplace of Radha. According to age-old tradition, women chase men with laths (sticks) and playfully hit them. This Barsana Holi celebration recreates the playful teasing between Radha and Krishna, where men from Nangaon visit Barsana to colour the women.

• Phoolon Ki Holi in Vrindavan

Phoolon ki Holi is also a part of the grand celebration of Braj ki Holi, where priests play Holi with flowers. On this, people visit Braj and worship Lord Krishna and Radha and then shower rose, lotus and marigold flowers on each other.

• Widow’s Holi in Vrindavan

Widows playing Holi and smearing each other with colours serve the actual purpose of the Holi celebration, which is spreading love and compassion. Breaking the social barriers, widows on this day play Holi fearlessly in Gopinath temple in Vrindavan. Alongside, this unique celebration of Holi gives a unique message of inclusivity.

Mythology and the Holi Festival Story

The origins of Holi are transcribed in ancient texts like the Bhagvata Purana, Sanskrit drama, Ratnavali and Dasakumara Charita. Below are the most popular mythological stories associated with Holi:

• The Story of Radha-Krishna

Once, young Lord Krishna was concerned about his dark complexion and wondered if Radha would accept him. His mother suggested he apply colour to Radha’s face. Taking her advice, Krishna applied colour to Radha, leading to the tradition of Holi in the Brij. This act also showcases the eternal love between Radha and Krishna.

• The Story of Lord Vishnu and Prahlad

The demon king Hiranyakashipu had a god complex and wanted everyone to worship him. Ironically, his son Prahlad was a follower of Lord Vishnu. Angered, he conspired with his sister to kill Prahlad. Holika, who was immune to the fire, sat in a blaze with Prahlad. Surprisingly, Holika was consumed by the flames, symbolising the victory of good over evil.

• The Story of Kamdev, Rati & Holi

In southern parts of India, the festival of Holi is associated with Kamadev, the god of love. Once, while in a deep state of meditation, Lord Shiva was disturbed by Kamdev's love arrows. This angered Lord Shiva, who turned Kamdev into ashes. However, due to Rati's (Kamdev’s wife) insistence, Shiva revived Kamdev.

Dos and Don’ts During Holi Holasthak

In Hindu tradition, Holashtak is an eight-day period prior to Holika Dahan, which is considered inauspicious. During this time, all the planets in astrology enter a fierce phase where all the auspicious work turns into something harmful.

• Dos During Holashtak

• Worship Lord Vishnu: Prahlad’s devotion to Lord Vishnu saved his life. Therefore, worshipping Lord Vishnu during Holashtak is highly auspicious.
• Donate essentials: Donating essential items such as food or items during Holashtak attracts blessings. It is also believed to reduce one’s past karmic burdens.
• Practice celibacy: During the eight days, one must engage in spiritual and devotional activities and practice celibacy.
• Clean the house and surroundings: Keep the house and surroundings clean and sprinkle the holy gangajal in the house. This will ward off negative and evil energies.

• Don’ts During Holashtak

• Performing auspicious rituals: During the eight days of Holashthak, one must avoid performing auspicious ceremonies such as marriage, mundan or grih pravesh.
• Buying anything new: Besides auspicious rituals, one must avoid buying anything new or wearing new clothes or jewellery during this period.
• Making financial decisions: Any major financial decisions or investments made during Holi Holasthak are believed to bring bad luck and generate loss.
• Having tamasic meals: Eating tamasic foods that include onion, garlic, or non-vegetarian meals is strictly prohibited during Holi holashtak.

Holi Special Astrological Remedies To Remove Obstacles

The day of Holi isn’t just about playing with colours! Instead, it offers an opportunity to fill life with every colour by following the right astrological remedies. Perform the easy yet effective remedies below, easily remove obstacles, and welcome new beginnings!

• Holi Remedy for Wealth & Career

For wealth and prosperity, one must bring the ashes of Holi Dahan the following day and sprinkle the ashes in homes. Also, offering a coconut to the holy fire on the night of Holika Dahan removes obstacles from one's career and increases one’s chances of success.

• Holi Remedy for Good Health

Take a handful of black sesame seeds (kaale til), mustard oil and barley flour. Now, take seven rounds of this mixture over the head of a person who suffers from health issues. One can also offer one batasha, two cloves and a betel leaf to the Holika Dahan pyre for good health.

• Holi Remedy for Wish Fulfillment

Take a bel patra leave and write your wish on it using a white chandan for instant wish fulfilment. Offer the bel patra to Lord Shiva, asking him to fulfil your desire. Also, chanting Bajrang Baan for 40 consecutive days promises instant wish fulfilment.

• Holi Remedy for Evil Eye Removal

Near the Holika, dahan holy fire, light a chaar mukhi diya. One can also visit the Hanuman temple on the day of Holi and chant the Hanuman beej mantra (Om Hum Hanumate Namah) 108 times for evil eye removal and protection.

Read About Other Important Festivals