HOLI 2025: History, date and time with types of holi played in India

Holi, the festival of colors, is a vibrant Hindu celebration marking the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil. Celebrated with joy and enthusiasm, people play with colors, dance, sing, and enjoy festive sweets like gujiya. It fosters unity, love, and happiness, bringing communities together in a spirit of fun and togetherness.
Long year ago, there was a powerful king Hiranyakashipu, who was blessed that no man can kill him, day or night, indoor or outdoor. This made him believe that he is deathless so he wanted everyone to praise him like God. However, there is a turning point in his life as his son Prahlad deny praising his father as a God as he was devotee of Vishnu. The king tried to kill his son but Lord Vishnu saved Prahlad every time. Finally, Hiranyakashipu turned to his sister, Holika, and ordered her to sit in ablaze with Prahlad on her lap, hoping the fire would kill Prahlad while Holika remained unharmed.

But something miraculous happened. As fire roared, the garment flew from Holika and covered Prahlad, saving him, while Holika burned to ashes. This event told the victory of good over evil and the arrival of spring. Later, Lord Vishnu took incarnation as Narasimha (half-man, half-lion) and killed Hiranyakashipu, ending his oppression. This day is celebrated every year in Hindu calendar of Phalgun. Holi is the festival of colors, one of the most vibrant and joyous festivals celebrated in India. It is the arrival of spring,  the end of winter and the good over evil, love over hatred, light over darkness. The festival is celebrated with colors, water balloons, dance, music, eating festive foods and lots of excitement.

Holi will be celebrated on Friday, March 14, and Holika Dahan, which is also known as Choti Holi, will be celebrated on the evening of March 13.

Holika Dahan is done on Purnima Tithi Holika Dahan is done on Purnima Tithi. It is said that Bhadra will start from 10.03 am on 13th March along with Purnima, which will last 10.37 pm. Holika Dahan is prohibited in Bhadra. After the end of Bhadra, Holika Dahan starts from 10.38 pm. On this day, people pray to the spirit of Holika to maintain peace and happiness. The prayers are ended by walking around the bonfire seven times accompanied by water vessels.

Holi is the festival of love, joy, unity, breaking caste, creed and social status.

“रंगों का त्योहार है, दिलों का मेल है, होली है!”

The festival also has agricultural importance as it is the beginning of the harvest season. Farmers celebrate the fertility of the land and pray for a successful harvest.

In India, there are many types of holi played in different states like 

Lathmar Holi played in Barsana and Nandgaon in Uttar Pradesh, here women tried to beat men with stick and men tried to protect themselves. The Lathmar holi has a unique story related to Radha-Krishna. According to legend, Krishna visited Radha’s village, Barsana, and teased her. In returned the women of Barsana chased him with sticks. 

Phoolon ki Holi (Vrindavan and Mathura, Uttar Pradesh) or Holi of flowers. Devotees played with flowers instead of colors. It is observed at the Banke Bihari Temple where priests throw flowers at devotees. This event completely involves the playful exchange of flowers.

“फूलों की होली, भक्ति और प्रेम का अनूठा संगम।”

Hola Mohalla (Punjab) is a festival started by Guru Gobind Singh to exhibits their martial skills for valor and bravery. The festival is centered around Anandpur Sahib and finally ends with community feasts and prayers.

Royal Holi (Udaipur, Rajasthan), Udaipur, the city of lakes, celebrates Holi at City Palace with the Mewar royal family, where traditional rituals are performed, locals and tourists gather to play with colors, dance, music and enjoy with love.

Dol Jatra (West Bengal and Odisha) Holi is celebrated as Dol Jatra or Dol Purnima. It is dedicated to Lord Krishna and Radha where Idols of Lord Krishna and Radha are placed on a palanquin. Devotees sing and dance, and put colored powder. It is also a day to mark the birthday of the great saint Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, adding a spiritual dimension to the celebrations.

Manjal Kuli (Kerala) or Ukuli celebrated by Konkani and Kudumbi communities. People of this community use turmeric paste and water instead of color to play Holi.

Yaosang (Manipur) Holi is a six-day festival which combines Hindu traditions with local customs. Manipur people celebrate Holi by burning a straw hut, symbolizing Holika Dahan. 

Holi is more than just a festival and a celebration of life. It is a festival that brings people together that reminds us good over evil. Holi remind us of the eternal battle between good over evil and embrace love, joy, unity and forgiveness. It is celebrated across India and the world. Holi has evolved into a global phenomenon that transcends cultural and geographical boundaries. So, this Holi, let us come together and celebrate the diversity of this beautiful festival.