When is Holi 2023? Know the History of This Festival
When is Holi 2023: Holi is a symbol of love and harmony which is celebrated all over the country. This festival is celebrated with great pomp in almost every region of India.
On this day people wish each other a Happy Holi by applying colours i.e. Gulal. Holika Dahan is done a day before Rang Wali Holi. Rangwali Holi is also called Dhulandi.
This festival is celebrated as the memory of Radha Krishna's love. This year Holi festival is falling on the 8th of March and Holika Dahan is on the 7th of March.
History of Holika Dahan
Many stories related to Holi are popular like Hiranyakashipi-Prahlada's Janashruti, and Radha-Krishna's pastimes. There is a tradition of burning Holika a day before Rangwali Holi.
After all, why is Holika Dahan done? According to a legend, Prahlada was Asura Hiranyakashipi's son, an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu.
But Hiranyakashipi did not like at all that his son should worship Lord Vishnu. He called his sister Holika to dissuade Prahlada from devotion to God.
Holika had a boon that fire could not burn her body. With the aim of killing Bhaktaraj Prahlada, Holika took him in her lap and sat in the fire, but Holika herself got burnt in the fire due to Prahlada's devotion and Prahlada was saved.
Because of this incident, Holika Dahan is done on the full moon of Phalguna month remembering the victory of good over evil.
History of Rangwali Holi
Rangwali Holi is celebrated in memory of the pure love of Radha-Krishna. According to a legend, once Bal Gopal asked Mother Yashoda why he is not fair like Radha.
On this Yashoda Mata jokingly said that by rubbing colour on Radha's face, his complexion would also become like that of Radha.
After this Kanha played Holi with Radha and Gopis. It is said that since then this festival is celebrated as the festival of colors.
Holi 2023: Tips for Safe and Fun-Filled Festival
Use safe and non-toxic colours.
Protect your child's eyes and skin.
Keep your child hydrated.
Plan indoor activities.
Supervise your child at all times.
Teach your child about consent and boundaries.
Keep track of your belongings.