Holi 2023 date time and importance: In the year 2023, Holika Dahan will happen on March 07. The next day, on March 08, 2023, Rangwali Holi will be played. According to the Hindu calendar, the full moon date of Phalgun month will start on March 06, 2023, at 04:17 PM and end on March 07, 2023, at 06:09 PM.
Holi 2023 date and time
Beginning of Phalgun month full moon date: March 6, 2023, from 4.17 pm
End of Phalgun month full moon date: March 7 at 06:09
Holika Dahan: On the evening of March 7, 2023, from 6:24 to 8:51
Holi of colors will be played on 8th March.
Date and time of Holika Dahan 2023
Holika Dahan happens on the day of Chhoti Holi i.e. one day before Holi. Holika Dahan is done when the moon appears in its full state. According to the Panchang, this time the auspicious time for Holika Dahan is 2 hours 27 minutes. Holika Dahan can be done on the evening of March 7, 2023, from 6:24 to 8:51.
The mythology of Holi (Holi Story)
According to legend, in ancient times there was an Asura king named Hiranyakashyap. He had started claiming himself to be God by being shattered in pride. Hiranyakashyap had banned taking the name of God in his kingdom and started considering himself as God. But Prahlad, the son of Hiranyakashipu, was a devotee of God.
On the other hand, Hiranyakashyap’s sister Holika was blessed with the boon of not being consumed in the fire. Once Hiranyakashyap ordered Holika to sit in the fire with Prahlad in her lap. But Holika got burnt while sitting in the fire and Prahlad was saved. Since then, Holika Dahan was started in memory of God’s devotee Prahlad.
Importance of Holi
Holi festival is mainly a festival of colors and this day has special significance in Hinduism. Holi is celebrated for two days in which Holika Dahan is celebrated on the first day which is also known as Chhoti Holi and on the second day there is a festival of colors in which people play colors together and celebrate happiness.
The trend of playing Holi has been going on long before water balloons and pichkari. Long ago Holi was only a festival of the Hindu religion but now it is celebrated like a festival all over the world.
The festival of Holi is mainly celebrated at the time of Vasant Ritu i.e. spring harvest which also marks the end of winter and is celebrated in the month of Phalguna of the Hindu calendar.
This festival starts on the evening of Phalgun Purnima Tithi (known from when Holashtak is starting) and is celebrated for two days. Holi is a festival of colors and laughter.
It is a major and famous festival in India, which is now being celebrated all over the world. This day symbolizes the victory of good over evil.
People light a bonfire on this day and celebrate the victory of devotee Prahlad’s devotion to Lord Vishnu. People also worship Holika on this day as it is believed in Hindu mythology that Holika Puja brings prosperity and wealth to everyone’s home.
People believe that after performing Holika Puja, they can conquer all kinds of fear. The next day of Holika Dahan is called Dhulendi in which abir-gulal etc. is poured and harmony is expressed with others.
Cultural Significance of Holi
The celebration of various legends associated with Holi assures people about the power of truth as the moral of all these legends is the ultimate victory of good over evil.
The legend of Hiranyakashipu and Prahlad also points to the fact that extreme devotion to the Lord pays off as the Lord always takes his true devotee under his shelter.
All these help people to follow good conduct in their life and believe in the virtue of being truthful. Holi helps people to believe in the virtue of being truthful and honest and to fight against evil.
Furthermore, Holi is celebrated at a time of the year when the fields are in full bloom and people look forward to a good harvest. This gives people a good reason to rejoice, enjoy and immerse themselves in the spirit of Holi.