The important festival of Holika Dahan will be celebrated across India today. According to the calendar and traditions, the festival will begin after sunset and continue till midnight. According to experts, the auspicious time for lighting Holi will be from 6 pm to 12 midnight. There will be no Bhadra Kaal during this period, hence this time is considered very auspicious for lighting Holi.
The festival of Holika Dahan is considered a symbol of the victory of good over evil. By lighting Holi in their homes and settlements, people wish to end the negativities of the past and start life afresh. According to tradition, Holi is worshiped during Pradosh Kaal, i.e. as soon as the sun sets in the evening and after that the fire of Holi is lit.
Holi is not just a festival of colors and fun, but there are many religious and cultural beliefs associated with it. This time special attention is being given to five major beliefs:
Vasantotsav – Festival of changing seasons: Holi marks the arrival of spring. It is considered the festival of new energy and light of life in nature. On this day, people forget old differences and treat each other with love and harmony.
Dolayatra – Sitting Radha-Krishna on the swing: Sitting of Radha and Krishna on the swing is part of the tradition on the occasion of Holi. It is celebrated as a symbol of devotion and love.
Radha-Krishna Phag – Holi of Love, Colors and Leela: The festival of Holi is associated with the Holi of Lord Krishna and Radha. According to the tradition of Gokul and Vrindavan, on this day it is taught to make life joyful through love and colors.
Farmers’ festival – New crop and joy of Rabi season: Holi holds special significance for farmers also. It gives the message of arrival of Rabi crop and prosperity in the fields. On this day, farmers celebrate the joy of hard work in the fields and the attainment of a new crop.
Festival of improving relationships – ‘Don’t feel bad about Holi’: Holi gives people an opportunity to forget their differences and improve relationships with each other. That is why the slogan of this festival is – “Bura na mano holi hai.”
This festival of Holika Dahan is important not only from religious point of view but also from social and cultural point of view. It promotes love, brotherhood and harmony among the people. Experts say that during Holi, everyone should be careful while lighting fire pits and enjoy the festival by keeping children safe.
This year the auspicious time of Holika Dahan will be from 6 pm to midnight. During this time people will worship and put an end to evils by burning fire for Holi. Along with this, the festival of Holi will be celebrated with full devotion and enthusiasm with colors and sweets.