Celebrating Holi 2024 Festival: Date, Time, Songs, Dishes, Travel Plans Unveiled

Holi is a festival in India celebrated with zest, and in fact, starts a month prior. Everyone is so excited about this playful event of colours and balloons that they cannot resist. People from all walks of life come together to make this occasion grand.

So much so that Holi is also known as the festival where even enemies forget the past and become friends again. Are you also excited and asking “Holi kab hai, kab hai Holi” like Gabbar? We are here with all the answers. Let us explore the Holi 2024 date, its significance, how to celebrate it, and where to go.

Holi 2024 Date

Holi, just like other Indian festivals does not arrive at a fixed date. Every year, it depends on the Hindu calendar and is celebrated in Falgun month on Purnima. The Holi 2024 date is the 25th of March. It will start at 12:24 a.m. on March 24 and end at 02:59 a.m. on March 25.

The Holi Dahan date 2024 is the 24th of March and is when a bonfire is lit to celebrate the end of Holika, a demoness. This ritual indicates the win of good over evil and is performed with great enthusiasm.

The Holi Dahan time in 2024 is from 09:54 a.m. to 12:29 p.m. (the next day).

Holashtak is celebrated for 7 days before the main festival and is considered to be an auspicious time. During this week, people start a business, get married, or buy an asset.

Significance of Holi

Holi is a joyous occasion and marks the victory of good over bad. Its story is rooted in the ancient tale of Holika and Prahlada. The tale narrates how Holika was immune to fire and attempted to burn her devout nephew, Prahlada.

But when she tried, the demoness succumbed to the flames and Prahlada emerged unscathed. The festivities kick off with “Holika Dahan” or “Chhoti Holi” on the eve preceding the main event. This night is highlighted by the lighting of bonfires.

The next day, Holi is celebrated with friends and family where everyone throws colours and balloons at each other. They come together, dance to the Holi songs, and say goodbye to winter.

This festival is also the announcement of spring coming. The air is filled with happiness, calmness, and a lot of love.

Happy Holi 2024 Wishes

People love celebrating festivals with each other but that is not restricted to playing. They send Holi wishes to everyone, even to those they have not talked to in a long time. This festival is all about bridging the gaps and coming together as one.

People shout “Happy Holi” from the top of their voices. It is more than just a wish, it is a callout for everyone to feel the joy of this festival and enjoy the day with great spirits.

How is Holi Celebrated in India?

India is a land of different festivals and Holi is no exception. It is celebrated over two days, each holding significance and including different rituals. The first day is Holika Dahan” where a bonfire is lit.

On the next day, kids and adults alike come together and fill the air with colours and happiness. They throw colours and balloons at each other, dance to the famous Holi ke geet and indulge in traditional items like Gujiya and thandai.

Thanks to Bollywood, when it comes to a Holi song, the options are endless. Here are some of the most popular Holi ke geet –

• Rang Barse Bheeje Chunar Waali
• Holi Khele Raghuveera
• Do Me a Favour Let’s Play Holi
• Balam Pichkari
• Holi Ke Din Dil
• Ang se Ang Lagana
• Badri ki Dulhaniya
• Holi Aayi Re Kanhai

Along with these popular Holi songs, people love to call dhol and dance to those desi tunes while playing with water and colours. The air during this time is filled with so much laughter and joy that nobody wants to miss the feeling.

Famous Holi Dishes

On the day of Holi, people drenched in water and colour end the play with delicious meals. Here are some of the most popular dishes you can indulge in –

Gujiya: This sweet dumpling is a quintessential Holi delicacy. It is made from flour and filled with a mixture of khoya, nuts, and dried fruits. Gujiyas are deep-fried to a golden crisp and dipped in sugar syrup. They are often coated with cardamom and saffron, making them irresistibly aromatic and delicious.

Thandai: A refreshing drink synonymous with Holi, thandai is a spiced milk beverage. It is both cooling and energising. The base of this drink is made from milk, sugar, and a mixture of nuts and seeds.

There are almonds, cashews, poppy seeds, and melon seeds added for flavour. It also includes aromatic spices like cardamom, saffron, fennel seeds, and black pepper. Bhang is sometimes added for its intoxicating effects, especially during Holi celebrations in certain regions.

Pakoras: Holi is incomplete without crispy pakoras. These are deep-fried fritters made from a variety of vegetables such as potatoes, onions, spinach, and cauliflower.

The vegetables are coated in a seasoned chickpea flour batter and deep-fried until golden and crunchy. Pakoras are served hot with red and green chutney, making them a popular savoury snack during Holi gatherings.

Dahi Vada: This popular dish features vadas soaked in seasoned yoghurt and topped with tangy tamarind chutney, spicy green chutney, and a sprinkle of cumin powder and chaat masala. Dahi vada is a refreshing and comforting dish that balances the richness of other Holi treats.

Puran Poli: Popular in Maharashtra and Gujarat, Puran Poli is a sweet flatbread stuffed with a mixture of chana dal, jaggery, and spices such as cardamom and nutmeg.

The dough is rolled out thin before being filled with the sweet lentil mixture. Puran poli is then cooked on a griddle until golden brown and served warm with ghee. It is a delicacy in various regions.

Chaat: Holi celebrations are incomplete without the vibrant flavours of chaat. You can enjoy a plate of crispy papdi chaat, tangy pani puri, or spicy aloo tikki chaat. All of these street food delights are a must-have during Holi festivities. There is a burst of flavours and textures in every bite.

Sometimes, instead of opting for traditional dishes, people create their rituals and indulge in particular dishes on Holi. Some families like to go out for lunch after playing Holi and some prepare special meals at home.

Best Places to Visit for Holi Celebrations

Are you planning to skip the traditional “ghar ki Holi” and visit other states to witness the magic? Here are some of the beautiful places to visit and explore how they celebrate the occasion.

Mathura and Vrindavan – The Divine Cities

These cities in UP are considered the epicentre of Holi celebrations due to their association with Lord Krishna. Here, Radha Krishna’s Happy Holi is extensively famous.

Krishna Ji is said to have played Holi with his devotees here. The week-long celebrations in Mathura and Vrindavan Holi include colourful celebrations, temple rituals, and traditional songs and dances.

• The festivities kick off with the famous Lathmar Holi. Here women playfully hit men with sticks, symbolising the playful teasing between Lord Krishna and the gopis.

• Holi Baraat’ is carried out when people dance and sing traditional Holi songs. They also throw gulaal and water. This depicts the true meaning of Radha Krishna’s Happy Holi.

• Temples in Mathura and Vrindavan, such as the Banke Bihari Temple and the Krishna Balarama Mandir, host special Holi rituals and prayers.

Jaipur – The Pink city

The capital city of Rajasthan is known for its grand Holi celebrations. If you visit, you can witness the famous Elephant Festival held a day before Holi. During Holi, the streets of Jaipur come alive with colours, music, and traditional folk performances.

• Elephants adorned with beautiful colours and decorations parade through the streets. They are accompanied by traditional music and dances.

• Many hotels and resorts in Jaipur organise special Holi parties and events. These events feature live music, traditional performances, and delectable Rajasthani cuisine.

Udaipur: Celebrating Holi in the City of Lakes

Another city in Rajasthan renowned for its Holi festivities is Udaipur. It hosts various events, including royal processions, cultural shows, and community gatherings. The picturesque backdrop of lakes and palaces adds to the charm of celebrating Holi in Udaipur.

• The royal family of Udaipur hosts a majestic procession known as the ‘Royal Holi Parade’. It includes decorated horses, camels, and traditional musicians.

• Many heritage hotels and palaces in Udaipur organize special Holi events. It allows guests to experience the festival in a regal setting.

Delhi: Holi Celebrations in the Capital City

The capital city is all about celebrations. It showcases diverse Holi celebrations, ranging from traditional rituals in ancient temples to modern parties and events in urban areas. One can experience the true essence of Holi by participating in community gatherings in areas like Chandni Chowk and Connaught Place.

• The streets of Delhi come alive with colour on the day of Holi. People of all ages gather to play with gulaal, pichkaaris, and water balloons.

• You can see street vendors selling sweets, snacks, and colourful merchandise everywhere a month before the festival.

Varanasi: Holi Festivities in the Holy City

Considered one of the oldest cities in the world, Varanasi offers a unique Holi experience. There is a blend of spirituality and festivity. Visitors can witness special Holi rituals along the ghats of the Ganges River and enjoy boat rides amidst the colourful festivities.

• The day begins with a ceremonial procession. Idols of Radha and Krishna are carried through the streets amidst chanting and singing. Devotees throw gulaal and flower petals as part of the ritual.

• Boat rides along the Ganges offer a unique perspective of the Holi festivities. The riverbanks are adorned with a kaleidoscope of colours.

• Tourists can witness traditional performances, such as folk dances and music, organized at various ghats.

Goa: Holi Vibes in the Coastal Paradise

Goa is a Maharashtrian city known for its lively nightlife and beach parties. It offers a different Holi experience altogether. Tourists can indulge in beachside celebrations, water sports, and live music events. This makes the place a popular destination for both locals and international travellers.

• Water sports, such as jet skiing and banana boat rides, add an adventurous twist to the Holi celebrations. Tourists can also participate in beach volleyball tournaments and other fun activities organised along the coastline.

• As the sun sets, beachside bonfires are lit, creating a cosy ambience for evening gatherings.

• Many beach clubs and resorts host themed Holi parties featuring renowned DJs and live bands, attracting people from around the world.

Book your bus tickets and visit any of these destinations to turn the festival into a memorable vacation!

Holi celebrations are heartfelt but also come with a sign of caution. The colours and water balloons can cause trouble if not used properly. Let’s explore the best way to play Holi without losing the spark.

How to Place Safe Holi?

• Opt for natural, herbal colours instead of synthetic ones that may contain harmful chemicals. You can make colours at home using ingredients like turmeric, beetroot, spinach, and flowers. Today, shops have come up with natural gulaal packs as well. Switch to those this year.

• Apply a generous amount of moisturiser or coconut oil on your skin and hair before stepping out to play Holi. This creates a protective barrier and makes it easier to wash off the colours later.

• Wear old clothes that cover most of your body to minimise direct contact with colours. Long sleeves and pants can help protect your skin from irritation.

• Use sunglasses or protective eyewear to shield your eyes from gulaal. This prevents irritation and potential damage to your eyes.

• Drink plenty of water before and during the festivities to stay hydrated. Do this especially if you are playing outdoors under the sun.

• While water balloons are popular during Holi, they can cause injuries if thrown forcefully. Instead, opt for water guns or sprinkle water gently. Even if you are using balloons, make sure they do not hurt anyone.

• Respect others’ boundaries and only apply colours to those who are willing to participate. Avoid throwing colours at strangers without their consent.

• Have a first aid kit handy with basic supplies. You should have an antiseptic cream, bandages, and eye drops in case of any minor injuries or irritation.

• If you are hosting a Holi celebration at home, cover your furniture and floors with plastic sheets or old newspapers to prevent stains. Cleaning after a fun-filled day can be exhausting.

• Avoid consuming alcohol excessively during Holi celebrations. It can impair judgment and lead to accidents.

Holi is a beautiful festival and brings a reason to make friends and forget the past. Indulge in Holi songs, colours, and snacks and make this day a memorable one. Take care of the precautions discussed above and you are all set!