Festival of Holi 2023- History, Facts, Celebrations

Holi is a vibrant and colorful festival celebrated all over India, and in recent years, it has become popular worldwide. This festival marks the triumph of good over evil and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor. In this blog, we will explore the history of Holi, how it is celebrated, the activities that children can engage in, and how Holi is celebrated in different states of India.

When is Holi 2023?

Holi is celebrated on the full moon day in the Hindu month of Phalguna, which usually falls in February or March. In 2023, Holi will be celebrated on March 11th and 12th

Why is Holi Celebrated?

The festival of Holi is celebrated to commemorate the victory of good over evil. According to Hindu mythology, there was a demon king named Hiranyakashipu who was granted a boon that made him immortal. He became arrogant and wanted everyone to worship him instead of God. His son Prahlad, however, was a devotee of Lord Vishnu and refused to worship his father. This enraged Hiranyakashipu, and he decided to kill his son. He tried to kill Prahlad several times but failed, and in the end, Prahlad was saved by Lord Vishnu. The day Hiranyakashipu was killed is celebrated as Holi.

Another story associated with Holi is the story of Radha and Krishna. According to legend, Krishna was jealous of Radha's fair complexion and used to complain to his mother about it. His mother advised him to apply color on Radha's face, and that is how the tradition of playing with colors on Holi began.

How is Holi Celebrated?

Holi is a two-day festival celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy. On the first day, people light a bonfire to signify the victory of good over evil. This bonfire is called Holika Dahan, and people offer prayers and sweets to the fire. The next day is the main day of the festival, where people play with colors and water. They apply colors on each other's faces, dance to music, and enjoy delicious sweets and snacks. People also visit friends and family and exchange gifts and sweets.

Holi Activities for Kids

Holi is a fun festival for kids, and there are many activities they can engage in to enjoy the festival. Some of the activities include:

1. Making Holi cards – Kids can make colorful cards with Holi messages and send them to their friends and family.
2. Playing with water – Kids can play with water guns or water balloons and have a water fight with their friends.
3. Making rangolis – Kids can make colorful rangolis using colored powder and flowers.
4. Making sweets – Kids can help their parents in making delicious sweets like gujiya and laddoos.

Find amazing fun activity toys for kids to enjoy your Holi weekend.

Holi in Different States of India

Holi is celebrated differently in different states of India, and each state has its unique traditions and customs. Here are some examples:

1. Mathura and Vrindavan – These cities in Uttar Pradesh are associated with Lord Krishna, and Holi is celebrated here with great enthusiasm. People throw colors and flowers at each other, and there are processions and dance performances on the streets.
2. Barsana and Nandgaon – These two villages in Uttar Pradesh are famous for the Lathmar Holi, where women beat men with sticks in a playful manner.
3. Shantiniketan – This small town in West Bengal is famous for its Basanta Utsav, which is a celebration of spring and Holi. People wear colorful clothes, sing and dance to the tunes of Rabindra Sangeet, and apply colors on each other.

Frequently Asked Questions about Holi

Here are some frequently asked questions about Holi:

When is Holi celebrated?

Holi is celebrated on the full moon day in the Hindu month of Phalguna, which usually falls in February or March.

Why is Holi celebrated?

Holi is celebrated to commemorate the victory of good over evil. It is also associated with the love story of Radha and Krishna.

How is Holi celebrated?

Holi is celebrated by playing with colors and water. People apply colors on each other's faces, dance to music, and enjoy delicious sweets and snacks. The festival is also marked by lighting a bonfire on the first day.

What are the traditional sweets made during Holi?

Some of the traditional sweets made during Holi include gujiya, laddoo, mathri, and namak pare.

What are some Holi activities for kids?

Some Holi activities for kids include making Holi cards, playing with water guns or water balloons, making rangolis, and helping in making sweets.

Where is Holi celebrated in India?

Holi is celebrated all over India, but some of the famous places to celebrate Holi include Mathura and Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh, Barsana and Nandgaon in Uttar Pradesh, and Shantiniketan in West Bengal.

What are the safety precautions to take while celebrating Holi?

Some safety precautions to take while celebrating Holi include using natural and safe colors, wearing old clothes, avoiding going out alone, and not indulging in alcohol or other harmful substances. It is also advisable to protect the eyes, ears, and mouth while playing with colors.