Hindu festival
Holi
Also known as the Festival of Colours, Dhulandi.
In short
Holi is the festival of colours, celebrated over two days at the full moon of Phalguna. The bonfire of Holika Dahan on the full-moon night is followed by a day of play with colours. It marks the triumph of devotion over pride and the arrival of spring.
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When is Holi?
- This year’s date
- Set by the panchang each year from the rule below. Godify shows a specific date only once it is confirmed against an authoritative panchang — never guessed.
- Tithi / rule
- Holika Dahan on the Purnima (full moon) of Phalguna; Rangwali Holi (colours) on the following day, Chaitra Krishna Pratipada
- Calendar
- Lunar calendar (tithi-based)
- Deity
- Krishna
The story
Holi's eve, Holika Dahan, recalls the story of the devoted child Prahlada, saved from the fire meant to destroy him while the demoness Holika perished — the triumph of faith and goodness over cruelty and pride.
The day of colours is bound up with Krishna, who playfully coloured Radha and the gopis in Braj; the festival's exuberance carries that spirit of joy, forgiveness, and renewed bonds, arriving with the spring.
How it’s celebrated
A bonfire (Holika Dahan) is lit on the full-moon night; the next day people play with coloured powders and water, share sweets, and mend and renew relationships in a spirit of joy.
A mantra to mark the day
हरे कृष्ण हरे कृष्ण कृष्ण कृष्ण हरे हरे । हरे राम हरे राम राम राम हरे हरे ॥
hare kṛṣṇa hare kṛṣṇa, kṛṣṇa kṛṣṇa hare hare / hare rāma hare rāma, rāma rāma hare hare
A loving call upon the names of the Divine — for remembrance, comfort, and joy.
More Hindu festivals
About Holi
When is Holi?
Holika Dahan on the Phalguna Purnima (full moon), and Rangwali Holi the next day. The exact Gregorian dates are set by the panchang each year.
Why is Holi celebrated?
It marks the victory of devotion over pride (Prahlada and Holika) and celebrates Krishna's play of colours and the arrival of spring.
Mark Holi with Bhagavan
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