The Holi festival, widely celebrated across India in March, takes on a unique form at Batadrava Than in Assam, known as Dol Mahotsava or Doul Mahotsav. Batadrava Than, the birthplace of Sankardev, the revered 15th-century Vaishnava saint and reformer, becomes a focal point of devotion and cultural fervor during this time. Holi Festival at Batadrava Than 2026 date is March 3. A Grand Spiritual and Cultural Celebration Each year, Dol Mahotsava at Batadrava Than attracts over a hundred thousand devotees from Assam and the broader Northeastern region of India. This grand event transforms the area into a vibrant hub of spiritual and cultural activity, offering a unique experience of the Holi festival infused with deep religious significance. Historical and Religious Significance Sankardev, who was born in 1449 in Alipukhuri near Batadrava, is credited with founding the Neo-Vaishnavism movement in Assam. His teachings emphasized devotion to a single god (Vishnu/Krishna), the importan...

Rang Panchami Holi festival is observed on the fifth day (Panchami) during the waning phase of moon in Phalgun month (February – March). Rang Panchami 2026 date is March 8. The corresponding period in North Indian calendar is the fifth day during Chaitra Krishna paksha. The festival is a continuation of the Holi festival and is observed mainly in rural areas in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and some parts of North India . The festival is observed five days after Holi Dhuleti . Rang Panchami is essentially a rural festival. Special significance is given to the festival by the farming community. Please note that some people refer to Holi festival also as Rang Panchami.

This is a collection of thoughts, quotes and teachings on Holi festival in Hinduism. The messages are mainly of Swami Jis and are based on Hindu religion teachings. One of the great obstacles in life to our spiritual progress is the difference between what we do or say on the outside and how we really are on the inside. Holika had performed certain austerities by which she was entitled to this boon from God. On the outside, she was pious. But, on the inside she was not pure. Prahlad, on the other hand, was a simple, pure, loving devotee of God. This is what saved him. This inner purity and inner piety is what truly save us, what truly make our lives divine. So many of us go to temple, do the rituals, offer money to the priests, and chant a certain number of prayers. Then, we go out and act in selfish, impious, dishonest ways. All the rituals and puja in the world cannot make up for the lack of piety, honesty and compassion. The goal of going to temple is not just to pe...

Dol Jatra, also known as Dolotsav or Dol Yatra, is the Holi festival in Bengal, Odisha and eastern parts of India and is of great significance at Shantiniketan in West Bengal . Doljatra 2026 date is March 3. It is celebrated on the Poornima day (full moon day) in the Bengali month of Phalgun. The festival is also known as Vasant Utsav or Basant Utsav as it is observed during the spring season. It is widely believed in eastern India that Lord Krishna expressed his love to Radha on the Dol Jatra day. On the eve of the festival, twigs and wood are collected and burned in remembrance of the legend of Prahlad escaping unhurt from the fire into which he was carried by Demon Holika. The festival is celebrated with colors and the festival begins by paying respect to the dead parents, relatives and ancestors. People put small amount of colored powder (phaag) on the pictures of photos of the dead. Next they take the blessing of elders by offering some color on the feet....

Dhulivandan is an important festival in Maharashtra and it coincides with the Holi festival. In 2026, the date of Dhulivandan is March 3. It is celebrated on the day after Holika Dahan in Phalguna month. The festival is of great importance to farmers and agriculturalists. The ashes of Holika burned on the previous night and soil are worshipped by the farmers for a good harvest. Dhulivandan is observed in Maharashtra when the rest of the country plays Rang Holi. Nowadays, Dhulivandan in its strict traditional sense is limited to rural areas. In cities most people play Holi with colors on the day. There is a popular belief that Lord Shiva opened his third eye burned down Kamadeva to ashes on the day. Shiva Burning Kamdev a Great Sacrifice Kamdev  was chosen to kindle the feeling of love in Lord Shiva who had entered into a deep meditation after  the death of Goddess Sati . Kamdev knew that Lord Shiva was endowed with a fiery sight and disturbing him from ...

Dola Purnima is one of the most popular festivals in Odisha. It coincides with the Holi festival but is celebrated for six days. It begins six days – on Falgun dasami day – before Poornima (full moon) in the month of Falgun (February – March). Dol Purnima 2026 date is March 3. Worship of Radha and Krishna During Dol Purnima Worshipping of Radha and Krishna in the swing festival is the main event during the six-day long festival. The festival is also known as Dola Yatra or Dola Jatra. From the Falgun Dasami day, the idol of village deities, especially that of Krishna , are carried to all the homes in the villages. People carrying the idols and those following it are smeared with Abira, a violet color powder. The idols are carried on a decorated palanquin, known as Vimana, and the procession is accompanied by singers and musicians. In each house the deity is offered Bhog – sweets made from the recent harvest and fruits. In return, the deity distributes different powdered ...

Holi, the Hindu spring festival, is celebrated on the full moon day in the month of Phalguna or Falguna (February – March). Holi 2026 date is March 3. Holika Dahan, also known as Choti Holi, date in 2026 is March 2 in most regions. Talk about Holi and the first thing that comes to mind is the throwing of colored water and colored powder on one another. Holi festival is largely associated with Lord Krishna and it said that in his childhood and teenage, Krishna played Holi with Gopas and Gopis in Vrindavan. Holi Facts Holi Festival is also known as Phalguni as it is observed on the Phalgun Purnima day. Holi festival is observed during the Spring season (Vasant) which is known as the king of all seasons in Hindu religion. Krishna has said it the Bhagavad Gita that among the seasons he is Vasant. (अहम् ऋतूनां कुसुमाकर:।’’ ऋतुओं में बसंत मैं हूं। ) All important poets of ancient India have written Holi including Surdas who has dedicated 78 lines to Holi festival. It is believ...

Lathmar Holi takes place well before the actual Holi celebration and is observed in Barsana Village in Mathura in Uttar Pradesh. Lathmar Holi 2026 date is February 25, February 26 and February 27.  Barsana Lathmar holi is on February 25 and Nandgaon Lathmar holi is on February 26 and Lathmar holi in Janmasthan Mathura is on February 27. The famous stick fight between men from Nandgaon and women of Barsana take place on the day. The aim of the men from Nandgaon is to install a flag on the temple of Radha at Barsana and claim victory. Women of Barsana face them with bamboo sticks. In 2026,  Holi festival is on March 3 . Holika Dahan in North India is on March 2. If you are a tourist or foreigner visiting for Lathmar Holi then be prepared to spend at least three days. Story of Lathmar Holi  The legend behind Lathmar Holi is closely associated with Lord Krishna and Radha. It is said that Krishna, who is dark in color, was jealous of the fair-colored...

Kunj Ekadashi is associated with Shri Thakurji (Lord Krishna) and is part of the Dol Utsav and Holi festival. Kunj Ekadashi 2026 date is February 27. It is observed on the 11th day during Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon) of Phalgun month (Fagun Sud 11). Kunj means garden and the belief is that Lord Krishna visits the garden prepared for the Dol festival. The colorful festivities of Dol and Holi from Kunj Ekadashi day are observed during the evening also. From today onwards there is no difference between god and devotee – the conversation enters into friendly talks including foul words are used. Kunj Ekadashi is of great significance at Nathdwara - a town in Rajasthan. It is located in the Aravalli hills, on the banks of the Banas River in Rajsamand District, 48 kilometres north-east of Udaipur. Nathdwara  is famous for its temple of Krishna which houses the deity of Shrinathji, a 14th-century, 7-year-old 'infant' incarnation of Bhagavan Sri Krishna. ...

Bhai Dooj is an important Hindu festival in which sisters display their love for their brothers. In 2026, the date of Bhai Dooj after Holi is March 5. Bhai Duj comes twice in a year one after Holi and another after Diwali. The name of the festival ‘Dooj,’ or Duj, denotes that the festival falls on second day after full moon. ‘Bhai’ means brother. It must be noted here that the Bhai Dooj after Diwali is given more prominence by many Hindu communities. Both married and unmarried women participate in Bhai Duj. The most important event on the day is the application of teeka or tilak (Vermilion Dot) on brother’s forehead by the sister. She then performs an arati. Usually, the sister visits the brother to do the Holi Bhai Dooj puja. The puja thali consists of coconut, batashas, mithai (sweets), fruits, seven paans, roli and a little rice. The sister lights the Puja lamp and does a small puja. She then applies tika on the forehead of the brother and gives him sweet, o...

The Holi festival heralds the advent of spring season and a new world of hope, color and gaiety. Celebrating the beauty of nature through natural colors was Lord Krishna’s way of teaching us that our existence on this planet solely depends on a beautiful and calm Mother Nature. The most colorful and wildest of Holi celebrations take place in Vrindavan, Mathura and in the nearby villages like Barsana. The festival here recreates the magic in which Lord Krishna played Holi with Radha and the Gopis, splashing color all over. In some regions, Holi is celebrated in memory of Lord Krishna annihilating evil in the form of a Demon. The name of the demon varies from region but in essence in all regions, Holi festival is the celebration of the victory of good over evil and a sort of thanksgiving to Nature. In some parts of North India , the lighting of fire is dedicated to killing of Demon of Putana by Lord Krishna. In most regions, bonfires are lit to celebrate the death of Demo...

Holika Dahan, or burning of demon Holika, is an important event during Holi festival. On the night before Holi, people light fire with old things, sticks, branches and leaves. Holika Dahan 2026 date is March 2. It symbolizes the victory of good over evil. The bonfire can also be interpreted as a cleansing ceremony to assure in Holi festival. Legend has it that the Demon king Hiranyakashipu was able to suppress all this subjects and make them his devotees. All his citizens prayed to Hiranyakashipu and not to Vishnu. But Prahalad, the little son of Hiranyakashipu, prayed to Lord Vishnu. He tried all means to stop Prahalad from worshipping Vishnu but he failed. Hiranyakashipu then decided to kill his son. But each attempt to kill Prahalad was thwarted by Vishnu. Finally, the demon king took the help of his sister Holika. Fire could do nothing to her as she was immune to fire. So, she took young Prahalad and sat in a huge bowl of fire. But this time young Prahalad came o...

Holi the festival of colors is dedicated to worship of nature. But stories of the festival is dedicated to many Hindu Gods. So which god is worshipped on Holi? The worship on the day is mainly dedicated to Sri Krishna and Radha in North India. Murtis of Sri Krishna and Radha in may Hindu temples are adorned with flowers and gulal on the day. In South India, some communities offer special prayers to Shiva and Kamdev . The victory of young Prahlad's (Narasimha Avatar) unwavering devotion is also remembered on the day. It was his unwavering devotion that helped in overcoming death at the hands of Holika (fire), poisonous snakes and poison. Holi is the festival associated with victory of good over evil and what unwavering faith and devotion can achieve. Related Kunj Ekadashi Before Holi Festival in Nathdwara

Rangbhari Ekadasi is an important festival observed on the 11 th day during the waxing phase of moon in Phalgun month. The festival is associated with the Holi festival which is observed a couple of days later. Rangbari Ekadasi 2026 date is  February 27. The day is of great importance at Kashi Vishwanath Temple and numerous other Vishnu Temples in North India . On the day, Shiva along with Goddess Parvati is offered Gulal (colored powder), sweets and Bhang. The festival begins in the evening and two small silver murtis of Shiva and Parvati are installed for the rituals. As per Hindu belief, Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati on Mahashivratri and gauna (a ritual associated with consummation of marriage) was performed on Rangbhari Ekadasi. Residents of Varanasi - the abode of  Kashi   Vishwanath -  celebrate the occasion in a grand style. Devotees are allowed to perform puja on the murtis in the form of offering gulal, sweets, flowers and b...

Holashtak is an inauspicious period of eight days before Holi festival for certain Hindu communities in North India. Holashtak 2026 dates are – Holashtak begins on  February 24 and ends on March 2. It is considered inauspicious to perform auspicious ceremonies during the period like marriage, housewarming or any of the sanskars. People of certain community also avoid starting of new business etc. The day is considered ideal for performing Dhaan – alms giving. What are avoided during Holashtak? Marriage (विवाह ) Mundan (मुंडन ) House Warming (गृह प्रवेश ) Starting construction of new house (भवन का शिलान्यास ) New Business (नया बिज़नेस ) New Vehicle (नया वाहन ) Buying anything new (कोई नयी वास्तु खरीदना ) As per the Hindu Calender followed in  North India , Holashtak begins on the Phalgun Shukla Ashtami (eighth day during the waxing phase of moon in Falgun month) and ends on the Phalgun Purnima day (full moon day). The Purnima day is observed as Holika...

Phulera Duja is a ritual associated with the Holi festival and is observed on the second day (dwitiya) of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon) of Phalgun month (February – March) mainly in North India as per traditional Hindu lunar calendar . Phulera Dooj 2026 date is  February 19. In Lord Krishna temples in Vrindavan and Mathura special rituals are held on the day. In some temples, a bit of color is smeared on the face of Lord Krishna. As per astrologers, the entire day is auspicious and there is no need to look for muhurat. Legend has it that the union of Krishna and Radha took place on this day. Phulera Dooj The Entire Day is Auspicious In some parts of North India , it is believed that the whole day is auspicious and therefore astrologers and pandits need not be consulted for finding an auspicious time. Due to this unique occurrence, the day is chosen by some communities to perform marriages including the notorious practice of Child marriages. ...

The special dress or besha worn for holi festival by Jagannath in Puri temple, Odisha, is known as Chacheri Besha. The dress is worn from the 10th day of the bright fortnight of Phalguna to the full moon day except the 14th day. This is starting five days before the holi festival (March) in Odisha. The dresses during the occasion are bright in colors. According to the age old tradition prevailing all over India, people play with colored powder (Phagu) and smear colors on friends and relatives. Shree Jagannath is the best representative of the people and He is also shown as sharing the experiences of the people by playing with rosy red powder (known as Phagu/Abira).

Holi is the festival of colors and is observed during the spring season in India . Ever wondered what does the term Holi mean?. The meaning of Holi festival is traced back to the Vedic era and is rooted in agrarian economy of the country. The word Holi also refers to Holaka or Holakah, means chickpeas or pulses half parched in the pod. It is believed that during the Vedic period farmers made an offering for good harvest. The offering involved throwing of wheat, barley, jowar and other such crops into sacred fire. At the end of the ceremony, the ashes collected from the sacrificial fire were rubbed on the foreheads and it was scattered in all directions. It was also scattered in the farm fields for a good harvest. Hence the term Dhulendi used to refer to Holi in many places. The play with colors on Holi day is referred as Dhuleti or Dhulendi in many regions. Today many people believe that the term has its origin in Demon Holika who was consumed by fire when she attempted ...

This is a collection of quotes and teachings on Holika Dahan explaining the meaning and significance of lighting fire on Holi. Sage Narada talks to Yudhishtira about the importance of Holika Dahan on Phalguna Purnima day. Oh Emperor! On phalgun Purnima day, people of your kingdom should be allowed to have fun and frolic without any fear. Boys should go out and gather dry sticks for Holika burning in an atmosphere of hearty laughter; hullabaloo and hymn chanting to destroy the demon. The effigy of evil Holika (Hiranyakashyap’s sister and Prahlad’s aunt) is burnt to annihilate all evil forces and to make a fresh beginning. ( Bhavishya Purana) Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Teachings on Holika Dahan – Bonfire on Holi Puranas are full of colorful illustrations and stories and there is a story related to Holi. An asura king, Hiranyakashipu, wanted everyone to worship him. But his son Prahlad was a devotee of Lord Narayana, the king’s sworn enemy. Angry, the king w...

There are numerous stories associated with Holi and the most popular one is that associated with Holika . But there is another story that is equally popular in many regions in India and that is associated with Demon Dhundha. The story also explains why fire is lit on the night of Holi. Legend has it that during the reign of King Raghu, a demon named Dhundha terrorized the people in the kingdom. The king and his subjects tried numerous methods to curb the demonic activities of Dhundha. But nothing proved helpful. Finally, they used magic to kill the demon. This happened on the full moon day in Phalgun Month. People collected wood, grass and household garbage and burned it on the full moon day. When the demon arrived seeing the fire, magical mantras were chanted and people used sticks and swords to drive out the demon who had lost all his powers due to the mantras. Even today people collect heap of wood and garbage and set it afire. People go round the fire thrice and re...